My First Time Solo Travel: India, Divinity of Thou Art That
I flew to New Delhi, India by Air Asia. First at one point, I have to transit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Several hours waiting, from Kuala Lumpur then flew directly to Indira Gandhi international Airport. It was an enormous airport with 3 terminals, considered as the busiest airport in Asia. Wow!
Along the way, I couldn't eat anything, I left my chocolate bread inside my shoulder bag for hours before I dumped it in hotel bin after my arrival in Delhi.
Around seven hours inside the plane, I was extremely tired and felt a little bit dizzy reached India. It is called jet lag of extreme flight hours. I changed my watch to set up to new local time.
I joined a programme from Ministry of External Affairs India. I have written separate article HERE. I was in India for 21 days.
21 days alone with nobody accompanied, explored India and its richness. Seeing new places. Adapting to new environment. Meeting various people. Exploring cities like New Delhi, Haryana, Agra, Mumbai and Bhubaneswar.
New Delhi
I love Indian foods, such as Biryani, Mutton Curry, not forget to mention Chai in the Hyatt Centric Janakpuri Delhi that was uhh no words.
In the hustle and bustle of life, sometimes I talked to people there. I met a very very young child who asked money in the street of Delhi. I gave her 100 rupees and felt deeply heartbroken by the fact that she was very young but she had no choice cause of poverty.
She hugged me and said thank you.
Then, when I was at India Gate for the first time of our programme visit, I met a young Indian woman. She gave me a card promotes facial and body care. She said I was beautiful in Hindi.
Ohh sweet! People there are humble and nice to talk to, more nicer if someone could speak Hindi.
On the second day in India, I visited National War Memorial. Afternoon mood being there, I saw lots of people — even Indians themselves at the India Gate.
My picture at India Gate talks more than my words, where sun was at the top of the gate.
What a memory!
What I love in India is the peaceful atmosphere. Seeing flock of birds flying across the sky was expensive. I could see birds almost everywhere in India. Sometimes they fly close to me. I really love that!
Everything there was classical and elegant. Unique designs in every single thing, include the chairs and tables of meeting. In some parts, there are wall designs of classical Indian portraits.
What I learnt was how to being unique and maintain the tradition. India teaches me to appreciate our culture and tradition and apply then in our practical life.
This might be seem little also forgotten, but it is big improvement to create different and unique way of life. I can find beauty everywhere, sometimes in the smallest thing like shoes design.
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This little dog is adorable.
Look at its expression!
In India, I can see dogs everywhere, whether in the road, in the market, in public places, almost everywhere. What I love is people seem lovable to those dogs. No one in my view, feels irritated with dogs at all.
Yet, on the other hand, I found a local newspaper in the airport where I was going to Bhubaneswar from Mumbai that stated thousands stray dogs injured people there every month. That was the scariest part of my experiences in Bhubaneswar.
Taj Mahal, one of seven wonders in the world has always been in my wishlist. Finally that dream came true when I saw the holy white tremendous building in front of my eyes. A giant mausoleum as a symbol of love built by Emperor Shah Jahan.
What a wonderful symbol of love and affection from beloved lover. I've never dreamt of seeing Taj Mahal in the newfound perspective before.
What I see was popular building that everyone wishes for. No one sees how is the beauty of love emerged from the bottom of the heart and manifested as this giant thing.
Anyways, what I found there was memorable than I expected to be. I saw purity as the building only has one main color, which is white, my favorite color.
Before going to Taj Mahal, first I arrived at a bus station. I explored few shops there, quite pricey. Then I wanted taste an ice cream, I bought a chocolate ice cream for 60 rupees.
While enjoying my chocolate ice cream, suddenly a monkey looked into my eyes and grabbed my ice cream quickly. I was shocked, screaming out loud, unconsciously gave my only ice cream to the cute monkey. He then licked my ice cream like nothing was gonna happen. I recorded him in my mobile phone. Everybody was shocked and laughed together.
That afternoon turned into somewhat unforgettable experience which will remain stick in my life.
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Bombay (old name of Mumbai) is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the mega city of India. Huge buildings, luxury mansions, dozens of big malls are there. In Indonesia, Jakarta is the main city and looks like Mumbai, both of them are alpha world cities.
While in the street reaching to the hotel, I saw Mukesh Ambani's giant house firmly stood in lines along with many apartments. I saw Amitabh Bachchan house as well because many actors live in this mega city.
On the other side, what I saw was people slept in the street, clothes hanged across the road, a 180-degree difference of the luxury side in Mumbai.
I may see the beauty of India, but the huge contrast of poor and rich is not pleasing to the eye at all. That is hurtful while people in the other side are enjoying life to the fullest and these people are suffering to find an adequate living.
India is improving drastically, at least should not only focus to the bigger picture, but touches the micro aspect of people's lives.
Talk about social life in India, when I took a newspaper in the hotel and I enjoyed reading while in the bus. I found an article titled 7-month babygirl was raped by unknown man.
Wow, it was incredibly insane! I was deeply broken by reading such story. I thought maybe India should do something serious about this issue, cause I myself, felt little scared in India during my first time.
While I was in Mumbai, I explored some popular spots there. There is a historical museum in Mumbai which documents the history of India and collected thousands of artefacts, paintings, and other historical exhibits.
It is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) formerly named the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India that established a century ago.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is located in the heart of South Mumbai near the Gateway of India.
The architecture of this building is Indo-Saracenic style, was a revivalist architectural style mostly used by British architects in India. The surroundings look like old British buildings.
In front of this building, there is a stunning big Buddha's head statue on the ground.
The collection of the museum is categorised primarily into three sections: art, archaeology and natural history. It is a big museum with huge collection. I spent much time exploring each collection there.
Arriving in Bhubaneswar from Biju Patnaik International Airport, I came across to the well-deserved restaurant there. It is a very good traditional restaurant with great hospitality.
They served numerous dishes with banana leave in the bottom of the rice and other dishes, reminded me of Indian traditional way of eating. I took a long rest in the hotel before the other-busy-day visits.
In the programme, I visited Kala Bhoomi Odisha Crafts Museum. It is a collection of handicrafts and handlooms of the state of Odisha. The museum shows the artistry of craftsman by putting on display a line of their enchanted masterpieces.
I got a lovely souvenir which I hold in the picture, it is a turtle miniature from one kind of metal.
Along the way, I enjoyed the view of this city, especially when it comes to big preparation of a festival there. There were lots of flowers across the streets.
Soon after Kala Bhoomi, there was a visit to Mukteshwara temple in Bhubaneswar. Mukteshwara temple is a 10th-century ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
As the name, Bhubaneswar means the land of Shiva. There are lots of temples there around 7.000 temples were built centuries ago. Due to certain circumstances only 3.000 temples left by today.
However, Mukteshwara temple is one of the oldest ancient Shiva temples in Bhubaneswar. Exploring its different sections and marveling at their architectural beauty is the best thing to do at this holy place.
This temple boasts of the Kalinga architectural style. The God-and-Goddess exquisite carvings on the entrance goes along to the courtyard and shrine are unquestionably eye-catching. Mukteshwara temple is a testimony to the adept, intricate artistry of the archaic era.
I was mesmerized at the architectural symbols of the temple. In this place, lays sacred atmosphere which makes me want to stay much longer. I haven't explored enough of the side to side of the walls cause I was running out of time.
Luckily, I had prayed inside the temple which was dark and calm. It is said that in ancient time, temples were built in this style. People pray in the darkness as the symbol of purity and to embrace the moment of silence.
It represents the absence of mind and the limitless cosmic darkness where everything originates and dissolves.
Actually I love praying in the dark dim light. The idea said in the temple only strengthen my intuition that what I usually do in everyday life is correct.
Believe or not, magically, I sensed different vibes there, as of this place holds something powerful. I'm being serious. I just love the place and the ancient temple.
Agra
What a wonderful symbol of love and affection from beloved lover. I've never dreamt of seeing Taj Mahal in the newfound perspective before.
What I see was popular building that everyone wishes for. No one sees how is the beauty of love emerged from the bottom of the heart and manifested as this giant thing.
Anyways, what I found there was memorable than I expected to be. I saw purity as the building only has one main color, which is white, my favorite color.
Before going to Taj Mahal, first I arrived at a bus station. I explored few shops there, quite pricey. Then I wanted taste an ice cream, I bought a chocolate ice cream for 60 rupees.
While enjoying my chocolate ice cream, suddenly a monkey looked into my eyes and grabbed my ice cream quickly. I was shocked, screaming out loud, unconsciously gave my only ice cream to the cute monkey. He then licked my ice cream like nothing was gonna happen. I recorded him in my mobile phone. Everybody was shocked and laughed together.
That afternoon turned into somewhat unforgettable experience which will remain stick in my life.
"Agra and its love story are immersed in my mind forever."_________
Mumbai
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While in the street reaching to the hotel, I saw Mukesh Ambani's giant house firmly stood in lines along with many apartments. I saw Amitabh Bachchan house as well because many actors live in this mega city.
On the other side, what I saw was people slept in the street, clothes hanged across the road, a 180-degree difference of the luxury side in Mumbai.
I may see the beauty of India, but the huge contrast of poor and rich is not pleasing to the eye at all. That is hurtful while people in the other side are enjoying life to the fullest and these people are suffering to find an adequate living.
India is improving drastically, at least should not only focus to the bigger picture, but touches the micro aspect of people's lives.
Talk about social life in India, when I took a newspaper in the hotel and I enjoyed reading while in the bus. I found an article titled 7-month babygirl was raped by unknown man.
Wow, it was incredibly insane! I was deeply broken by reading such story. I thought maybe India should do something serious about this issue, cause I myself, felt little scared in India during my first time.
While I was in Mumbai, I explored some popular spots there. There is a historical museum in Mumbai which documents the history of India and collected thousands of artefacts, paintings, and other historical exhibits.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is located in the heart of South Mumbai near the Gateway of India.
The architecture of this building is Indo-Saracenic style, was a revivalist architectural style mostly used by British architects in India. The surroundings look like old British buildings.
The collection of the museum is categorised primarily into three sections: art, archaeology and natural history. It is a big museum with huge collection. I spent much time exploring each collection there.
Bhubaneswar
Arriving in Bhubaneswar from Biju Patnaik International Airport, I came across to the well-deserved restaurant there. It is a very good traditional restaurant with great hospitality.
They served numerous dishes with banana leave in the bottom of the rice and other dishes, reminded me of Indian traditional way of eating. I took a long rest in the hotel before the other-busy-day visits.
In the programme, I visited Kala Bhoomi Odisha Crafts Museum. It is a collection of handicrafts and handlooms of the state of Odisha. The museum shows the artistry of craftsman by putting on display a line of their enchanted masterpieces.
I got a lovely souvenir which I hold in the picture, it is a turtle miniature from one kind of metal.
Along the way, I enjoyed the view of this city, especially when it comes to big preparation of a festival there. There were lots of flowers across the streets.
Soon after Kala Bhoomi, there was a visit to Mukteshwara temple in Bhubaneswar. Mukteshwara temple is a 10th-century ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
However, Mukteshwara temple is one of the oldest ancient Shiva temples in Bhubaneswar. Exploring its different sections and marveling at their architectural beauty is the best thing to do at this holy place.
This temple boasts of the Kalinga architectural style. The God-and-Goddess exquisite carvings on the entrance goes along to the courtyard and shrine are unquestionably eye-catching. Mukteshwara temple is a testimony to the adept, intricate artistry of the archaic era.
I was mesmerized at the architectural symbols of the temple. In this place, lays sacred atmosphere which makes me want to stay much longer. I haven't explored enough of the side to side of the walls cause I was running out of time.
Luckily, I had prayed inside the temple which was dark and calm. It is said that in ancient time, temples were built in this style. People pray in the darkness as the symbol of purity and to embrace the moment of silence.
It represents the absence of mind and the limitless cosmic darkness where everything originates and dissolves.
Actually I love praying in the dark dim light. The idea said in the temple only strengthen my intuition that what I usually do in everyday life is correct.
Believe or not, magically, I sensed different vibes there, as of this place holds something powerful. I'm being serious. I just love the place and the ancient temple.
"India has enlightened me in such miraculous way, I'm surprised."
Travelling Doesn't Fun Without Shopping!
Of course, I knew that. I went to some local markets in New Delhi, Agra and Mumbai.
In New Delhi I went to Sarojini Nagar and Tilak Nagar. Stuff there was very affordable. I bought a dark blue (navy) blouse for 200 rupees only. What a price! I bought some Indian earrings too.
I can't speak Hindi (even though I'm learning a bit now) when shopping, so whenever I was attracted to something I just asked "how much?" 😂
Sometimes there was shop which firmly started Fixed Price, it means no chance for bargaining.
India is known for its exceptional textile. Once I went to Vegis Mall in New Delhi, I bought an elegant white salwar kameez for 6.200 rupees. Many said it was too expensive, but I knew the quality was excellent.
Not only in the local markets, I shopped in the street market as well. I bought two beautiful Indian bags, one is red the other is black each 100 rupees.
I found a beautiful peacock's feather. Actually I didn't want to buy it since the seller insist on me, kept telling and chased me, I finally took it for 100 rupees. Not bad though.
While in Agra, I went to a local market but I don't know the name of the market. It is also a good market for tourists like me. I went to a marble shop and I bought a little Ganesha statue for 1.500 rupees. They promised it's 100% pure stone. The stone is very much alike the Taj Mahal.
I remember in Mumbai I bought a jasmine perfume and wow it's very economical but has good quality. I bought a baby pink plastic luggage for cabin bag only 1.500 rupees. I am shocked by the prices in India. You could save thousands where it usually your expenses in your home country.
I wished to shop lot of stuff, but tight schedule of the programme got me extremely exhausted every single day. Unfortunately I cannot buy many things cause I got 20 kgs of up and down flights even I paid extra charges for exceeding some kilos in my return.
I also feel like I am very comfortable to be alone. My mind was clear and I can feel sense of duty to detox everything that no longer serves me. I feel much lighter now.
Of course, there is hesitation when it comes to do something important, making a big decision in life. But as I had travelled alone and did stuff to myself alone too, I can proudly say I am more responsible towards my life day by day.
Adaptability is important.
In life, every person will inevitably face various tests over time. By travelling alone it makes me being an adaptable person who thrives amidst curveballs, turning cracks into opportunities for self-growth.
It changed me though. Being alone in 21 days (considered as ideal number of change/build a habit) had changed my life completely as well as my view of the world.
So, I recognize certain habits in the past had been passed out of my life, include the co-dependency to others. Feeling the sensation of walking by myself, being responsible and mature. By doing so, I feel better and appreciate every single thing in my life.
Once I came back, I am absolutely a brand new person. It is a must to do the journey of self-realization and self-discovery. This journey is as unique as I am.
In New Delhi I went to Sarojini Nagar and Tilak Nagar. Stuff there was very affordable. I bought a dark blue (navy) blouse for 200 rupees only. What a price! I bought some Indian earrings too.
I can't speak Hindi (even though I'm learning a bit now) when shopping, so whenever I was attracted to something I just asked "how much?" 😂
Sometimes there was shop which firmly started Fixed Price, it means no chance for bargaining.
India is known for its exceptional textile. Once I went to Vegis Mall in New Delhi, I bought an elegant white salwar kameez for 6.200 rupees. Many said it was too expensive, but I knew the quality was excellent.
Not only in the local markets, I shopped in the street market as well. I bought two beautiful Indian bags, one is red the other is black each 100 rupees.
I found a beautiful peacock's feather. Actually I didn't want to buy it since the seller insist on me, kept telling and chased me, I finally took it for 100 rupees. Not bad though.
While in Agra, I went to a local market but I don't know the name of the market. It is also a good market for tourists like me. I went to a marble shop and I bought a little Ganesha statue for 1.500 rupees. They promised it's 100% pure stone. The stone is very much alike the Taj Mahal.
I remember in Mumbai I bought a jasmine perfume and wow it's very economical but has good quality. I bought a baby pink plastic luggage for cabin bag only 1.500 rupees. I am shocked by the prices in India. You could save thousands where it usually your expenses in your home country.
I wished to shop lot of stuff, but tight schedule of the programme got me extremely exhausted every single day. Unfortunately I cannot buy many things cause I got 20 kgs of up and down flights even I paid extra charges for exceeding some kilos in my return.
The Journey of Self-discovery
In my first solo travel ever, I actualized a vision within myself. I became independent to myself, did everything by my own, and I realized that I am more decisive now because of that. It is not affected me instantly, but day by day after coming back to Indonesia, I could feel it strongly.
I also feel like I am very comfortable to be alone. My mind was clear and I can feel sense of duty to detox everything that no longer serves me. I feel much lighter now.
Of course, there is hesitation when it comes to do something important, making a big decision in life. But as I had travelled alone and did stuff to myself alone too, I can proudly say I am more responsible towards my life day by day.
Adaptability is important.
In life, every person will inevitably face various tests over time. By travelling alone it makes me being an adaptable person who thrives amidst curveballs, turning cracks into opportunities for self-growth.
It changed me though. Being alone in 21 days (considered as ideal number of change/build a habit) had changed my life completely as well as my view of the world.
So, I recognize certain habits in the past had been passed out of my life, include the co-dependency to others. Feeling the sensation of walking by myself, being responsible and mature. By doing so, I feel better and appreciate every single thing in my life.
Once I came back, I am absolutely a brand new person. It is a must to do the journey of self-realization and self-discovery. This journey is as unique as I am.
"I will come back to India, in winter's days to commorate my first solo trip ever♡"
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