Traveller’s Diaries

Traveller’s Diaries – Real Stories from Past Visitors

Travel is more than just exploring new places—it’s about the experiences, the people we meet, and the stories we bring back. Every journey has its own set of surprises, challenges, and unforgettable moments.

In this edition of Traveller’s Diaries, we bring you real stories from wanderers who have ventured into India’s most fascinating landscapes, remote villages, and bustling cities. Their experiences, filled with adventure, serendipity, and discovery, showcase the raw beauty and essence of travel.

1. Lost and Found in Spiti Valley – A Solo Traveller’s Unexpected Adventure

By: Meera Joshi, Mumbai

“I had always dreamt of visiting Spiti Valley, the cold desert of Himachal Pradesh. The moment I arrived, the stark landscapes and monasteries took my breath away. But on my third day in Kaza, I lost my phone while hiking to Key Monastery. Alone, with no way to contact anyone, panic set in. But something incredible happened.”

A local monk noticed my distress and invited me to sit with him at the monastery. He offered me butter tea and a moment of calm. “Sometimes, losing something is the best way to find yourself,” he said. That evening, as I sat in the monastery, listening to chants and watching the sun dip behind the mountains, I realized how liberating it was to disconnect.

The next day, a kind stranger found my phone on the trail and returned it to me at my homestay. But by then, I had already discovered something far more valuable—the beauty of being present in the moment.

🌟 Takeaway: Sometimes, getting lost can lead to the most profound experiences.

2. The Magical Hospitality of Meghalaya – When Strangers Became Family

By: Ryan Mathews, Bangalore

“I had planned a short backpacking trip to Meghalaya with no fixed itinerary. While trekking through Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village, it started to rain heavily. With no shelter nearby, I ran towards a small house, hoping for some respite.”

The family inside, complete strangers, welcomed me with warm smiles. They offered me food—a delicious meal of smoked pork and rice—and insisted I stay the night. Over cups of locally brewed rice beer, they shared folk tales about the Khasi people and their sacred forests.

The next morning, before I left, the grandmother of the house handed me a handwoven shawl and said, “You are always welcome here.” That was the moment I realized that true hospitality isn’t about luxury—it’s about kindness, warmth, and a sense of belonging.

🌟 Takeaway: The best part of travel isn’t the destinations—it’s the people you meet along the way.

3. A Train Ride to Remember – The Kindness of Strangers in Rajasthan

By: Akash Patel, Ahmedabad

“As a budget traveller, I often prefer taking overnight trains. On my journey from Jaisalmer to Jaipur, I found myself seated next to an elderly couple from a small Rajasthani village. Initially, we exchanged polite nods, but as the train rattled through the desert, they started sharing stories about their lives.”

What followed was an impromptu lesson in Rajasthani culture. The elderly woman, dressed in a traditional ghagra choli, offered me homemade thepla and pickles. Her husband told me folk stories about Rajasthan’s Rajput warriors.

At dawn, as the train neared Jaipur, they handed me a small handcrafted puppet and said, “Something to remember us by.” That simple act of kindness reminded me why I love train journeys—every seat holds a new story.

🌟 Takeaway: The simplest encounters often leave the deepest impressions.

4. The Mysterious Music of Jodhpur’s Desert

By: Sophie Turner, London

“One evening in Jodhpur, I decided to take a walk through the old city when I heard the sound of a sarangi (a traditional Rajasthani instrument) coming from a dimly lit alleyway. Drawn by the music, I followed the sound and found an old man playing in a tiny courtyard.”

He noticed me listening and smiled. “Music is meant to be shared,” he said, handing me a cup of masala chai. For the next hour, he played hauntingly beautiful Rajasthani folk songs, while I sat mesmerized by the sheer magic of the moment.

Before I left, he handed me a tiny wooden flute and said, “Music finds those who listen.” That night, I realized that the best travel experiences aren’t always planned—they just happen.

🌟 Takeaway: Magic exists in the most unexpected places—you just have to follow the music.

5. Camping Under a Million Stars in Ladakh

By: Aditi Rao, Pune

“I had heard that the night skies in Ladakh were mesmerizing, but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer brilliance of the Milky Way stretching across the sky.”

Camping near Pangong Lake, I stepped outside my tent at midnight and was overwhelmed by the sight—millions of stars, shining brighter than I had ever seen before. There was complete silence, except for the occasional rustling of the wind.

The next morning, a Ladakhi shepherd offered me fresh yak butter tea and told me, “People travel far and wide, but the stars—they have always been here, waiting.” That night, I felt truly insignificant, yet infinitely connected to the universe.

🌟 Takeaway: The best moments in life are the ones where nature leaves you speechless.

6. When Monsoon Turned Hampi Into a Fairytale

By: Daniel Smith, New York

“I arrived in Hampi at the peak of monsoon season, not realizing that the ruins and landscapes would look completely different than what I had seen in photos. Everything was lush green, the boulders glistened with rain, and the Tungabhadra River roared with newfound energy.”

As I explored the ancient temples, a local guide pointed to a small carving and said, “This temple has stood for centuries, witnessing kings and travelers like you.” That evening, as I watched the sunset from Matanga Hill, surrounded by misty hills and the rhythmic sound of raindrops, I felt like I had stepped into an ancient, forgotten world.

🌟 Takeaway: Some places have an energy that makes you feel like you’ve time-traveled.

7. The Tea Pluckers of Darjeeling – A Lesson in Simplicity

By: Clara Lopez, Spain

“While visiting a tea estate in Darjeeling, I met a group of women plucking tea leaves with incredible speed and precision. One of them, an elderly lady named Kamala, invited me to try my hand at tea plucking.”

I struggled to pick even a handful, while she laughed and filled an entire basket. Over a cup of fresh Darjeeling tea, she told me, “It takes patience to create something beautiful.” Her words stuck with me, not just about tea but about life itself.

🌟 Takeaway: Simplicity and patience often lead to the most rewarding experiences.