We often don’t understand a moment when it’s happening. We only realize its value once it becomes a memory. That, I’ve realized, is a form of love.
To be honest, I started this journey with no real plan. I finally got three weeks off work (thanks to my great manager!), but I was confused. I was thinking about Nashik, Gujarat, and Rajasthan all at once. Finally, I decided to just pick one: Rajasthan.
I booked my tickets, but I was scared. I kept thinking, “Why am I doing this? I could just stay home and relax on my sofa.” But I had made a promise to myself. I knew if I backed out now, I wouldn’t feel good about myself.
Now that I’m back, people say “Welcome home,” but I feel like a different person than the one who left.
Travelling to Ahmedabad, Gujarat
First Stop: The Noise of Ahmedabad
My trip started with a long, 30-hour train journey. There was an old Army Officer on the train who talked about politics the whole time! We all just sat there in silence, rolling our eyes and waiting for him to finish. It was a funny reminder of what traveling in India is really like.
Ahmedabad is a busy city. The metro is great and the food is everywhere, but the constant honking of horns is tiring. When you travel alone, the noise feels even louder because you have no one to talk to.
The Best Moment:
I spent some time at the Sabarmati Riverfront, which is very peaceful. I met a local guy there who was a graphic designer. I joked with him, “Bro, you’re Gujarati! Why aren’t you doing business?” We both laughed, and that joke started a long conversation about life. It made me realize that the best part of travel isn’t the buildings, but the people you meet by chance.
Udaipur: Finding Peace by the Water
I reached Udaipur around 11:00 AM. When you enter a new city alone, it can feel a bit empty. You wish you had someone to talk to. I stayed at Hype Hostel for about ₹500 a day. The guys running the place, Nitish and Ankush, were so friendly. I met people from all over India from Mumbai, Delhi, Kerala, and more.
My Favorite Memory:
One evening at the lake, the sky turned beautiful shades of pink and blue. I wrote these lines because I felt so calm:
The Poetry of the Lake:
Pink and blue rays stretch across the sky, like a painter who knows there is no rush. lamps begin to glow, one by one, reflections floating as if they’ve always belonged.
One night at Gangaur Ghat, someone started playing a flute. No announcement, no tickets, just music. We sat by the water as the sky turned a bruised purple. Back at the hostel, we sat around a bonfire until 2:00 AM, listening to ghost stories about the very forts I would visit the next day.
Pro Tip: If you visit, don’t just “see” the City Palace. Sit at Fateh Sagar Lake and do nothing. That is where the soul of Udaipur lives.
Jaisalmer – The Golden Reality
Jaisalmer felt like a dream. When I arrived, it was 6°C and very foggy. Everything the roads, the walls, the houses, is made of yellow stone. It really does look golden.
The Highlights:
The Desert: Seeing the sand dunes for the first time was amazing. The Jeep Safari was fast and exciting, but the best part was the group of travelers I met from Punjab and UP. We laughed so much together.
The Living Fort: I stayed right in front of the Jaisalmer Fort. It’s famous because 5,000 people still live inside it! It’s not just a museum; it’s a living neighborhood.
A Quick Tip: Jaisalmer can be expensive. There is no Rapido (bike taxi), and the auto-rickshaws charge a lot of money. You have to plan your budget carefully here. Jaipur and Heading Home
Both camel safari and jeep safari were included. Jeep safari was the best part. It was fast, fun, and full of excitement. Camel safari was okay but very short, and extra money was asked later. Still, camels standing on the sand during sunset looked very nice.
As evening came, the desert became colder. The heat was very less, and a cool breeze kept blowing. At night, there was a cultural program at the desert camp with folk dance and music. It was lively and enjoyable. The food served at the camp was good.
By the time I got to Jaipur, I was exhausted. I didn’t do much “tourist” stuff. I mostly walked around, did some shopping, and relaxed. After three weeks on the road, I was ready to go home.
Final Thoughts
If you think solo travel is always fun and easy, that’s not the truth. It can be lonely, messy, and tiring. But that’s why it’s worth it. You learn how to sit with your own thoughts and how to talk to strangers.
My advice? Travel slow. Don’t rush to see everything. Give yourself time to just sit and feel the city.
Happy New Year 2026! I’m glad I took this leap.
