When RB and I set out on our 6500 km road trip from Ahmedabad to Kanyakumari, we thought we had everything figured out. A car bed for camping? Check. A fully equipped cooking setup? Check. A sense of adventure? Double check. But as it turns out, road trips have their plans and don’t care about your checklists.
The moment that set the tone for the rest of our journey happened in Tuljapur.
The Bed That Found a New Home
Picture this: we were entering Tuljapur, brimming with excitement, when a man approached us asking for help. He needed a bed. Without thinking twice, I turned to RB and said, “Let’s give him ours.”
Now, if you know RB, you know he’s the practical one. But even he couldn’t argue with the spontaneity of that moment. So, just like that, our car bed—the very foundation of our camping dreams—was handed over to a stranger. Along with it, some supplies.
This single act of kindness set the tone for the rest of our trip. Camping took a backseat, and we embraced a new way of travelling: staying in hotels and homestays and exploring local cuisine. And honestly? It turned out to be the best thing that could have happened.
State Tourism Hotels: A Hidden Gem
We quickly discovered the beauty of state tourism hotels. Nestled in serene locations, often away from the city humdrum, these hotels became our sanctuaries. Whether it was waking up to the sound of waves in a seaside Tamil Nadu property or gazing at mist-covered hills from a Karnataka homestay, every stop added a new layer of magic to our journey.
RB, ever the researcher, had picked these accommodations with care, and they didn’t disappoint. The hospitality was warm, the rooms were comfortable, and the locations were unbeatable. As we sipped our morning tea overlooking lush greenery, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the change in plans.
Eating Local: A Culinary Adventure
With our cooking setup rendered almost useless (except for a few emergency snacks), we dived headfirst into local cuisines. From spicy vada pavs in Maharashtra to fragrant bisibele bhath in Karnataka, every meal was an adventure.
In Tamil Nadu, we discovered the joy of piping hot filter coffee paired with banana-leaf meals. In Telangana, the fiery biryanis had us reaching for water, only to dive back in for more. And in Kerala, the appams and stew were so delicious they made us want to extend our stay.
Eating local food wasn’t just about satisfying hunger; it was about connecting with the culture and stories of the places we visited. Each meal came with a generous side of history, tradition, and warmth.
Homestays: A Slice of Local Life
While state tourism hotels were our go-to choice, we occasionally opted for homestays to experience the charm of local life. One memorable stay was in a tiny village where the host treated us like family.
Every evening, we’d sit on the verandah, sipping freshly brewed tea, while the host regaled us with stories of the region. The calmness of the village, combined with the warmth of the people, left an indelible mark on us.
The Joy of Slowing Down
One of the biggest lessons this trip taught me was the art of slowing down. When you’re not tied to rigid plans or the idea of “ticking off” destinations, you start to notice the little things.
Like the way, the sunlight danced on the canal, where our homestay was in Hampi. Or how the fishermen in Rameswaram sang as they pulled in their nets. Or even the quiet joy of sipping black lemon tea at a highway cafe, watching the world go by.
Humour: The Secret Ingredient
Of course, no trip is complete without its share of funny moments. Like the time RB insisted on trying a roadside snack that looked suspiciously dubious. “It’s called local flavour,” he declared confidently. Two bites later, he was frantically reaching for water while I laughed until my stomach hurt.
Or when I tried to navigate using an outdated map app that led us straight into a field. “Shortcut,” I said sheepishly, while RB gave me the look.
The Bed That Wasn’t Lost
Looking back, giving away our car bed felt symbolic. It wasn’t just about helping someone; it was about shedding our attachment to plans and possessions. The bed wasn’t lost—it transformed our trip into something far richer and more meaningful.
By the end of the journey, I realized that road trips are about so much more than the destinations. They’re about the stories, the people, the food, and the unexpected moments that make you laugh, cry, and grow.
A Road Trip for the Soul
As we parked our car back home, I felt a deep sense of gratitude—not just for the places we saw, but for the person I’d become. Minimalist, adaptable, and infinitely more patient (well, mostly).
The road had changed us, one state tourism hotel, one plate of local food, and one cup of black lemon tea at a time.
So here’s to the open road and all the lessons it has to offer. If you ever find yourself on a journey that doesn’t go as planned, don’t worry. You might just end up with a story—and a soul—as rich as the places you’ve been.
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This post is part of Blogchatter Bloghop.
Details about the trip on this blog and Youtube channel soon!
Neerja Bhatnagar
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