Travel Fails to Remember: Lessons from the Road
Long before I embraced the life of a travel writer, my heart was already captivated by the thrill of exploration. Over the years, I have traversed 25 Indian states, mostly solo, with a few adventures alongside friends and family. Coming from the northeastern part of India, experiencing the vastness of the country outside my region was always a study in contrasts—not only in landscapes but also in cultures and customs. Each journey presented its unique challenges, some of which I navigated gracefully, while others left me humbled and humbled. Here, I share a few travel fails—those unforgettable moments when plans unraveled, often due to my unpreparedness, overconfidence, or blissful ignorance.
The Landslide Ride Home in Arunachal Pradesh
One of my most nerve-wracking travel experiences happened in the Northeast, where my parents were stationed while I was studying in Shillong. Eager to surprise them, I decided to travel solo during the monsoon season. I embarked on what I thought would be a simple journey: a bus to Doimukh and then a Sumo ride to Hoz. Little did I know that the rains had transformed the roads into treacherous pathways.
As we navigated our way, we encountered a landslide scene like none I had ever seen before. The road was entirely obscured, appearing as if the mountain had simply melted and slid away. Regardless of the perilous conditions, the locals persevered, and the Sumo service was somehow still operational. As we drove over boulders and uneven terrain, my heart raced. Each bump felt like an invitation to disaster. I was terrified; just the thought of tipping over the cliff sent shivers down my spine.
Finally, we crossed what I later realized was the most dangerous segment of the journey. The moment I stepped out of the vehicle, my legs felt like jelly, and the adrenaline left my body in an overwhelming rush—I instantly regretted my impulsiveness as I projectile vomited in front of my unsuspecting parents. That surprise visit? Less thrilling than I imagined.
When Lightning Struck at Deoriatal
Monsoon truly is my nemesis, and my trek to Deoriatal in Uttarakhand is a testament to that. Despite the ominous clouds, I thought little of the weather as I began the Deoriatal–Chopta trek. The hike up to the picturesque campsite—a lush bugiyal (meadow)—was smooth, and I swiftly pitched my tent, dismissing the darkening skies overhead.
Just as I settled inside my tent, a brilliant flash of red light lit up the sky, followed immediately by an explosion-like sound echoing through the valley. It was overwhelming; it took a while for the team of campers to understand that lightning had struck nearby. I still remember the rush of fear and disbelief that washed over me. While I can laugh about it now, I realize how unprepared I was for the extreme conditions of trekking during monsoon season.
The Temple I Couldn’t Enter in Madurai
If there were a medal for the world’s most unprepared traveler, I would undoubtedly wear it with pride. During a solo trip across Tamil Nadu, I found myself in Chennai, enjoying the vibrant food scene and easy transport. However, my next destination—Madurai—brought a humbling episode I’ll never forget.
Eager to explore the famed Meenakshi Amman Temple, I arrived with excitement. Within moments, however, I found myself walking back to my taxi, entirely thwarted. The realization struck me like a bolt of lightning: my attire was unsuitable for entering the temple. Dressed in cotton pyjamas and a sleeveless tank top, I had ignored the significant dress code that many Indian temples uphold.
Standing outside the magnificent temple, I realized that my lack of research had sidelined an important cultural experience. It became clear that understanding local customs and traditions is as crucial as plotting a travel itinerary. Had I taken a moment to look up the necessary guidelines, I might have avoided this embarrassing moment altogether.
Final Thoughts
Travel is an art, a skill that requires a blend of spontaneity and preparation. Each misstep, like those I’ve encountered, adds vibrant strokes to the canvas of my adventures, teaching lessons that make future journeys all the richer. Whether it’s braving landslides, dodging lightning, or facing the barriers of dress codes, these moments are etched deeply into my travel narrative. They remind me that while the journey may unravel unexpectedly, it’s often those very moments that make the adventure unforgettable.