Solo Travel to the Bard's Land

Just returned from a solo trip to Shantiniketan!

My first trip without family or friends! I had gone for a couple of days to attend a literature festival at a resort on the outskirts of Shantiniketan. 

Since it's almost sharatkaal, the kaash phul was in full bloom along the roadside! It had just rained, leaving everything verdant all around with different shades of green!

I started out from Bolpur station to my resort in a toto, passing fields and stretches of green.

The resort - Raktakorobi Karugram was in quite a remote area, and there was no mobile network in my room, so my first reaction was, "Where have I landed?" 

Thankfully wi-fi solved the problem a bit. The atmosphere was of calm and solitude, and gave a feeling of peace.

My next day passed in the festival, making new acquaintances, talking about my book, and networking with like-minded people.

It was an exhilarating feeling, listening to interesting discussions, as well as being appreciated and feted for my talk.

What a medley of song, dance, recitation and talking about books! Mentally stimulated and energized to the core.

In between, three of us delegates played truant and sneaked off to Sonajhuri Haat a good distance away! Talk of the pull of shopping in a rural bazaar! And what a spread of saris, jewellery, bags, tops, kurtas, household decor and much more! It's a shopper's paradise.

The day went by in a haze. Next day I was returning, so my main focus was on packing, settling bills, collecting my remaining books from the venue. Most important, catching the train! (Have a record of missing 🤭)

Before boarding the train, did a bit of shopping of knick-knacks at the platform! 

Sharing some major learnings from my solo trip:

• Most people will help you if you ask politely. Just request cooperation with grace. 
• Keep an eye on your luggage at all times. While going to the loo, ask your co-passenger or railway attendant.
• Travel light, preferably. You need to carry your own stuff. At the station, take a coolie if you have heavy luggage. 
• Ordering meals is a problem, as everything is served for minimum two people. You can opt for single pot meals or, if possible, half plates of gravies. 
• It's okay to feel a little odd at times, hearing strange noises or voices around. Maybe its normal, but being alone makes you hyper. It's okay to feel insecure, but don't let that show. Predators prey on nervous people. 
• Get conveyance through trusted sources, ask your hotel to order cars or totos. You can hold them accountable if things go awry.
• Make a local person your support person. Take him/her into confidence and ask about transport rates, best places to eat, shop, visit etc.

Don't forget to enjoy your me-time! This precious time is for yourself, take rest, enjoy, relax.

You have the rest of the year for stressing about family.

Thanks for reading about my adventures! Happy soloing!

#solotravel #traveldiaries #Shantiniketan #travellingalone