by Is it possible to travel all over India in a month? If so, how can it be done? : Sitting behind a desk all day while despising my boss is no way to live! So travel became my escape after quitting my previous employment and taking my final test. At first I planned on training in Agra; however after staying more than one week decided that instead it would be funnier to travel in my empty suitcase for awhile and live the life of a traveler!
But there was one major hitch! Financial ruin seemed imminent as I planned out the length and cost of traveling across India with only some thousand left in my account – barely enough money for two meals each day and rent, travel expenses and everything associated with travel – yet, somehow, I kept travelling anyway! And it worked!
The Route
Agra – Jaipur – Pushkar – Jodhpur – New Delhi – Deoria Tal – Chandrashila Peak – New Delhi – Goa
Duration
First time around I decided to focus on Agra and Rajasthan but as soon as I started exploring more possibilities it quickly became enjoyable; hence the addition of hill climbing and beaches into my itinerary. Thus I will start in Agra during November before traveling onward to Rajasthan at the end of November as part of December Chandrashila Chandrashila ending my journey finally in Goa for good in late January.
Finances
My host in Agra knew of an ideal spot for taking in sunset reflections off of Taj. On one such occasion when injured and needing time off work to heal properly, he reached out and asked me for assistance on an informal bicycle ride trip with guests to that location – something which delighted me greatly as it allowed me to tell stories while showing guests around! I seized upon it immediately!
After being approached to paint furniture for their cafe that was being constructed, create artwork on walls, do check-ins and help manage their hostel, they asked me to assist them.
Experienced the joy and satisfaction of contributing to the traveler community was extremely fulfilling for me, meeting people from around the globe each day while learning countless things about hospitality, traveling and human behaviour in general – it was both humble and rewarding, plus an opportunity to get acquainted with a city itself!
And all for FREE!
My plan was to register at various hostels of Rajasthan and become a volunteer to experience its rich heritage and vibrant culture while simultaneously living out my suitcase (rucksack) for one month in both Agra and Rajasthan – however, the Travel Lord wasn’t as amicable to my plan!
One of my friends who owns and runs an Indian travel company visited our house in Delhi recently to plan tours to Deoria Tal and Chandrashila Peak scheduled for December, casually mentioned he needed someone to manage and lead one of these excursions during Christmas time.
My calendar revealed a gap for me to enjoy the Chandrashila Trek between architectural tours and heritage education that Rajasthan provides.
Camping at Chandrashila = free!
As part of my job with Roadhouse Hostel in Jaipur, they informed me they’d need someone for their Goa hostel between December and January – giving me free sunshine and beach experience during my January stay!
Hiccups
Though my meals and lodging are covered by hostels, tickets to get here aren’t, plus additional expenses such as meals must still be covered along the way that aren’t. When traveling long term it is wise to have cash reserves set aside in case an emergency arises – be prepared!
As such, I decided to venture into freelance writing for various websites and travel magazines in order to earn regular earnings without risking my savings in this way. Since they would likely give no return whatsoever for these articles written, they seemed an easy source of regular earnings on-the-go!
An exciting sight is seeing a woman travel solo across India using Google Maps as her navigation system and her backpack for 3 months without resorting to hotels or hostels – an impressive feat in itself! Living from your backpack for that duration requires considerable tenacity but I find the experience truly rewarding and would encourage all women out there who aspire to travel solo as soon as possible to try this experience for themselves!
As my college friends have shared horrifying accounts about someone stalking and terrorizing them, dragging them off to strange locations, and other disturbing circumstances, hearing these accounts has been both frightening and humiliating. Hearing about it made me fear for their safety as I ran towards home in fear.
Sometimes I found myself sleeping all night and wanting someone with whom to share about the events of the day and my injures; how I had eaten too much, what had happened, etc. Unfortunately there was nobody around except my dog, who often would stay up late with me and visit.
Today marks my final day on an amazing journey that’s taken me all around India, where every day has brought new adventures. From gate-crashing weddings and dancing at random barsaats with strangers to meeting new people and learning their lives– this journey has been both educational and romantic; I couldn’t ask for anything better right now than being here with you all.
As I write this post, my mind wanders towards attending this year’s Magnetic Fields Festival that’s happening tomorrow in Alsisar – I will surely tell more tales from desert, mountains and beaches later. So for now – goodbye my friends!
