2017 was my most traveled and outdoor-spent year. I had decided to explore more, discover new destinations , at least one new place or experience every month. And I am glad I was successful; In fact I ended up spending so much time outdoors that I couldn't pen down my travel stories and epic journeys. Better late than never, and flashbacks are important as well!
So here it goes -
January - Kumta to Gokarna Coastal Beach Trek:
Started my first long weekend with a Coastal Beach trek. After lot of failed plans, booked this trek with TrekMates, luckily there was only 1 seat left and without wasting any second, just booked it. Gokarna was anyway in my bucket list, and a range trek along Arabian Sea Coast seemed pretty exciting. Started from a small town Kumta, in Uttara Kannada and reached Gokarna crossing 11 virgin, scenic beaches, hiking through cliffs, and breathtaking views of Arabian Sea. It was not just another trek for me, but a journey I will remember for lifetime. Imagine chilling on a beach, without knowing the name of the beach ????
The best part of the journey was that I started alone, but came back with a bunch of friends.
February - Bhandardhara Camping
Winter & camping go hand in hand. Lake side camping with my college friends seemed like a great idea and booked this experience along with my three college friends. This experience was again provided by Trekmates. What seemed like a small group and a silent camping experience, turned out into a night of crazy laughter, dance, music and most importantly the ghost stories. Bonfire, bunch of crazy friends and good music is a sure shot guide to a perfect camping experience.
The morning was one of the most beautiful mornings, waking up to a view is an amazing feeling. Beautiful places aren't far away !!
March- Lonavala Drive and Wet and Joy Water Park
I thought let's take a break in March and be a little indoors. It was a hectic work month and also the month of Holi festival. But somehow planned for a day outing and went to Lonavala for a drive. It was my first road trip on my new car, so quite an excited one for me ???? Though it was just a usual drive and chill plan but we ended up enjoying at a water park- Wet and Joy. Unplanned outings are best at times.
April- Lucknow
Lucknow, Nawabon ka Shahar. It was a close friend’s wedding and it was unavoidable. This was more of a foodie trip. Enjoyed Lucknow Chaat and Kulfi, and obviously the wedding was too much fun. Dance, Dhol and drama, typical Indian wedding scenes. Moreover, it was like a mini college reunion.
May - Kasol , Manikaran
The most awaited month of the year, I was waiting for May from 2016. I had booked Himalayan Trek in November 2016 itself. Kasol was the base camp for my Himalayan Trek. Kasol is a place where even if you are in a group, you will find solace. The base camp is set at a beautiful place. This place is best discovered walking, we went walking till Manikaran Gurudwara, crossing entire Kasol, the road is still fresh in my heart and mind. Kasol is like Mini Israel of India, one can see lot of Israelis around, Israeli cafes and beautiful paintings as well. The walk towards Katagla bridge is mesmerizing as well.
June- Sar Pass, Delhi
My Journey to Wonderland, from Kasol to Sar Pass is already documented, and I can almost write a book on it. This was a Himalayan trek to Sar Pass with Youth Hostel. My return was planned via Bhuntar and Delhi. Though I started the trek alone, by the end I had few really good friends. I had one day free, and spent it with my new friends , cafe hopping and eating in and around Connaught Place.
July- Thailand
My unplanned international trip, thanks to office departmental offsite. The offisite was planned for Bangkok and Pattaya. The trip seemed refreshing after the Himalayan trek. This was an all in one trip, shopping, partying, sight seeing and even adventure sports. Loved shopping and exploring the Floating Market, had no idea there's love bridge in Pattaya as well.
August- Vasai Fort & Lonavala
Vasai fort was in my checklist from quite some time but finally made it in August. This was again an unplanned outing. My friend called, on Friday and we immediately made the plan. Even though some people said that there's nothing to explore at the fort, I always believe in going , seeing and then believing; and I am glad I did. The walls and structure of the fort still remains and gives the idea of how magnificent it may have been in the past. Rains and perfect breeze added to the beauty of the outing.
I also went for a drive to Lonavala with a new friend. It was just the perfect day for a Lonavala drive.
September- Mysore Farm House
My secret hide out spot, where I always go when I feel like running away, is my sister's farmhouse on the Mysore Ooty road. The farm life can give anyone a detox and break from the mundane city life. Epic sunsets, beautiful mornings and fresh air, just the perfect break one needs to rejunavate.
October - Igatpuri , Vihegaon
Sometimes leaving early from office and going on a drive is not a bad idea. This was around Diwali time, the last working day before the festive break. I left before lunch and decided to go to Igatpuri with my friend. The drive was amazing and we ended up discovering a beautiful waterfall - Ashoka Waterfall near Vihegaon.
November- Mysore City
November was an eventful month, with its ups and downs. I had 3 days of joblessness and I thought going to Mysore was the best idea as I had no prior bookings. So I boarded the bus to Mysore. This time though, I was in the city itself and didn't go to my sister's farmhouse. To awaken alone in a strange town is one of the beautiful sensations in the world.
December- Alibaug, Phanaswasdi, Owe Dam
December was a break and thanks giving month for me. 2017 has been a wonderful year for me. Lot of travel, some good new friends and millions of memories. I was craving for a beach holiday but, and then one weekend I met a close friend for brunch but we ended up going to Alibaug. Spontaneous plans at it's best. I spent the New Year Eve silently, with a small trek to Phanaswadi and later till Owe Dam.
Cheers to the good times and I hope 2018 gives me more reasons to laugh, explore and write.
Straight From My Heart,
Prakriti (https://prakritisingh.com/)
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