#solobackpacking

Last December, I ventured my solo backpacking to India for a month. I couldn’t believe it’s already April! My trip felt like ages ago. I’ve always wanted to visit India, but it wasn’t until I moved to Australia to finally give it a go. I read so many blogs over the years, mostly about female travelling alone. I did get mixed  reactions from my family and friends when I told them about my trip. India is considered as the most dangerous country for women. I feel safe the whole time travelling mostly alone in ten cities and seven states. I have no words how incredible India is. It’s overwhelming with over one billion populations and each state is unique and different.The culture, colour, food, diversity, religion and people blew me away. It’s a wonderful country to visit. If you’re planning to go, do it!

1. It’s cheap! I stayed in hostels, spent less than $20-$25 a day for foods sometimes more if I feel like eating Western food, shopping and eating non stop even the hotel accommodation is affordable. I’m still dreaming of Amritsari kulcha and chole!

2. FOOD!!! 

Days before my trip my host family took me to an Indian restaurant. My first Indian food ever! I had no idea what thali or dhal were. I was clueless. I had my first thali in Amritsar. Before I know it, I’m stuffing myself with samosa, lassi, go to the nearest shop to get jalebi, licking my fingers clean from eating delicious curries. In less than 24 hours I was obsessed! 

3. Witnessing the Aarti ceremony, life, death and rebirth in Varanasi

Varanasi is such a unique and fascinating place. It’s the oldest city in India. A walk along the Ganges river will take you to a different world from the 24 hour cremation, religious ceremonies, animals and people bathing, washing clothes, scattering ashes, baptism in the holy river all at the same time. The scene was mind blowing. Monkeys and cows everywhere and many more. We rented a boat to watch the evening Aarti traditional spiritual ceremony. On my last day, I rented a boat in a very peaceful and misty morning happily taking it all in. It’s one of the highlights of my trip.

4. The majestic Taj Mahal

When my sister and I made it on the top of Huayna Picchu mountain, we couldn’t see the Machu Picchu because it was covered in fog. I had a similar experience with the Taj Mahal. Just like in the Machu Picchu, seeing the fog drifts away and finally seeing the beautiful marble mausoleum was everything I wanted it to be. It was magical and even more special because it was built for love. 

5. Wagah border ceremony

The border closing ceremony between India and Pakistan was unbelievable and bizarre at the same time. A great display of patriotism! I found a video on YouTube beforeandduring the ceremony. It was so much fun! 

6. Rajasthan Forts and Kingdoms

Rajasthan is the land of maharajas, forts, tigers and kingdoms. I spent two weeks exploring the cities of Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. 

Jaipur

My first stop was in Jaipur also known as the “pink city.” When I think of Jaipur, first thing comes to my mind was me being miserable and sick on my birthday. I was in Jaipur when I got hit with a very nasty “Delhi belly” a stomach flu suffered by visitors to India. I was in bed for two days. I still got the chance to see a little bit of the city, the famous Hawa Mahal and the Amber fort. 

Udaipur

Udaipur is also known as the “city of lakes,” “Venice of India,” and “romantic city.” It’s vibrant, laid back, walkable and picturesque. I couldn’t be happier to finally find a “real coffee” ever since arriving in India. My friend from Delhi joined me and we celebrated the new year watching fireworks in the rooftop. We spent our time browsing the market stalls, hanging out in the lake drinking chai tea, took a boat ride and admiring the architecture and street arts. It’s definitely one of my favourite cities!

Jaisalmer “golden city”

Jaisalmer wasn’t part of my itinerary. A lot of people recommended the dessert safari package. I didn’t like the idea of a camel ride, so I chose to walk with my friendly camel. Our tour guide made the most delicious dinner and we gathered around the fire listening to the stories about life in the village. Sleeping in the desert under the blanket of stars was breathtaking!

Jodhpur “blue city”

I enjoyed my early morning stroll in the narrow streets of the blue city, eating my way through the old city market and the clock tower. 

7. Golden Temple in Amritsar

Amritsar is the holy city of the Sikh religion. The stunning Harmandir Sahib or the golden temple is the number one place to visit. It’s open 24 hours a day.  Langar is a community kitchen open everyday serving free food to over 100,000 visitors per day. Hundreds of volunteers serve wholeheartedly day and night. Such a dedication and faith. I don’t know what it is, but with thousands of devotees visiting, it’s so calming and peaceful inside.  

8. Rail journeys

I fell in love with train journeys when I was backpacking in Europe. The bustle of Indian railways is one of a kind. It’s nerve wracking, chaotic, fun and exhausting. I booked all the classes from first to the cheapest class, second seating. It was interesting.. I love waking up in the chant of “chaiiiiiiii” If you are going on a long journey, avoid drinking a lot of water unless you’re brave enough to use the toilet. I also took the overnight bus a few times that was a different experience. Delhi to Varanasi took over 14 hours. There are many options to travel around India depends on your budget. Train journeys are my favourite. 

9. The art of Masala Chai tea

Chai tea is an integral part of Indian culture. Chai wallahs (tea vendors) are everywhere in the streets of India. I couldn’t help but stop and watch the tea vendors expertly pouring tea from cups to cups. I’m a coffee person, but I came to love masala tea and the aromatic spices. 

10. The people. The best part of my trip is hands down the people I’ve met along the way. I meet a family of twenty; cousins, grandparents, uncles and aunts travelling together. They’re warm, friendly and they look after me the whole trip in my long train journeys. I will never forget the women in the village standing tall and beautiful in their colourful sarees carrying pots filled with water. They’re bold and self sufficient. People in the slums of Mumbai welcoming us to their homes, tea vendors sharing words of wisdom, bunch of 20 something guys talking about the past, present and future of India - their future and more. No photos just memories that I can go back to over and over again. There’s no way I could share that feeling. I had no idea I fell in love with the country so much!

Galle or Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the bay of Galle, southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It’s a historic beautiful cobbled-stone place filled with Portuguese and Dutch era buildings, quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a MUST when travelling in Sri Lanka

I stayed in Mirissa which was only an hour local bus ride to Galle. I was blown away with the scene. I wasn’t expecting a European atmosphere. It’s very different from all the places I visited in Sri Lanka. I spent the whole day exploring and relaxing on the beach by the lighthouse. The shops have unique souvenirs and home wares that you can only find in Galle Fort, make sure to check them out too. 

You can also check my post about awesome things to do in Ella.

I had an amazing time backpacking in India for a month, but I knew I needed some time to relax before going back to Australia. Sri Lanka is like a breath of fresh air! I didn’t have any big plans and I only have two weeks left. I spent most of my time in Mirissa, a beach town located in the south coast; beach and lazy days every day!

I stayed for two days in Kandy then took a train ride to Ella. Ella is a natural beauty small town with stunning views, hikes and weather! Here are the things that you can do.

Take a train ride from Kandy to Ella (or Ella to Kandy)

One of the top things to do in Sri Lanka is to experience the scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella known as one of the most beautiful in the world. It’s a 7 hour train ride with endless views of tea plantations, waterfalls, villages, mountains, and a quick glimpse of the local life. 

Sunrise hike at Little Adam’s Peak

It only takes an hour from Ella town. We made it just before the sunrise and the view was breathtaking!

Nine Arch Bridge

Another a must thing to do in Ella is to check out the famous Nine Arch bridge. We were lucky to be in time to see the train crossing. 

Visit a tea factory

Sir Thomas Lipton bought his first tea plantation in Sri Lanka and now known as the Lipton tea. Sri Lanka is one the top tea producer in the world. It’s interesting to see the whole process. We also got the chance to meet the hard working and very friendly women picking tea leaves. 

Swim at the Secret Waterfalls

A nice little gate away just outside the town. 

Eat local dishes

Colourful and delicious vegetable curries. 

Sri Lankan breakfast consists of coconut rotti, dahl curry and coconut sambal.