Down-to-earth and a natural traveler, Mohit Gupta chronicles his experiences of taking the plunge and how escaping to places have conquered his fears of not being able to enjoy and crafted his own happy wishlist. He sees a country in a place and believes in discovering the streets and locals. Let’s seek out his experiences:
Tell us something about yourself:
I am a student at sight, but a traveler and a wanderer at heart. I aim to explore every part of this planet as this is what gives me peace and happiness. I love to read (No particular author), as soon as the book is interesting. I also love to write. Basically, about what’s in my heart, but sometimes I also tend to write about my travels. Also, I am a foodie.
How many countries and Indian states have you visited?
I have visited Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Goa, and Maharashtra as well as U.S.A.
What’s your most memorable traveling experience?
Darjeeling | West Bengal | March 2017
I traveled to Darjeeling recently in March 2017. I boarded a train and by far it is in my top 5 journeys. I was in the lower berth and in front of my seat were an uncle who by luck were also traveling to Darjeeling. He dwells there.
Both of us had amazing conversations about music and sports. He also told me about places to visit in and around Darjeeling, and how beautiful place it is.
I reached Darjeeling early morning; it was around 6 am I remember. The moment I absorbed the sky and felt the wind race through my entire body, I was paralyzed by the beauty and the feeling of that place. Even now, when I think about that place and that journey, I wish it hadn’t ended ever. Darjeeling is indeed ruling my heart and nudging me out of my comfort zone to appreciate its natural & surreal landscapes and fine weather.
What are the most popular places to visit in Darjeeling?
There are countless of attractions in Darjeeling like Buddhist monasteries, waterfalls and cable car ride, offering you stunning views of the mountain landscapes and tea gardens.
One needs to take a private or a shared vehicle or in some cases a walking tour to visit some of the great tourist places. While most tourists go to the 3-Point, 7-point or Mixed-Point sightseeing tours offered by the local taxi drivers and tour operators, there are some great tours and hikes like heritage tours, tea garden walks, village tours and others that are hardly known to tourists.
Day trips to places like Mirik, Kalimpong and even Lamahatta and Mongpu will keep you engrossed in marvelous scenic views & sights. You can even make a Jeep safari to Singalila (high altitude national park) and beyond to Sandakphu, a place known for offering one of the best views of four of the world’s highest five peaks, all in one stretch of snow.
What’s your favorite travel quote?
My favorite travel quote is “A tramp, a gentleman, a poet, a dreamer, a lonely fellow, always hopeful of romance and adventure.“
- Charlie Chaplin
Advice for the first time solo travelers and readers
If there is something I can say to the first timers, it is that try and does everything by yourselves. If a problem comes, face it. It might be hard at first, but with time you’ll learn to tackle those problems. Also, don’t depend too much on others, because in the end, it all comes down to one person, YOU.
Where are you off to next?
I am planning to go South India now, mostly Tamil Nadu or Kerala
