We spend hours planning for a destination, but often it is the places we chance upon that stay with us for a long time. And times we travel to different places for work and fall in love with some specific regions, cultures or food. Yesterday, I met an old friend who is a biker and we were discussing about the places we explored together. During the discussion, we realized that the places we loved were never planned. Those were places which we found on the way and liked. This discussion made me compile this post.
Like when I was out for a week in Kashmir, Srinagar was only place in my mind. I was part of a Motorsport rally which happens in Kashmir through Mughal Road. And during the rally, we crossed Peer ki Gali twice and I love this place. This place is much more beautiful & scenic as compared to other places I visited in Kashmir. Now whenever anyone talks about Kashmir, Pir ki Gali is first place I suggest, although it's not as convenient to plan.
Similarly, while going to Spiti we crossed through Kotgarh which is famous for it's apples & cherries.
While in Jabalpur for a wedding, I visited ChausathYogini Temple and we loved it's architecture and location. Although there are interesting places like Bhedaghat & Dhuandhar, this temple remained special for us. At times, it can also be related to the peace a place provides you.
Kolkata was again a visit for Vibha's work and we came back with a thought t visit the places in West Bengal and know more about the culture. Many of the things in Kolkata were very different.
And not every time we chose our destinations. At times, destinations chose us through our work, personal relationships and other reasons.
At times, I don't chose the destinations but focus more on the budget and the region I can fly to. That saves lot of money and encourage to explore something which is never heard or thought. In past, I have booked air-tickets which are extremely cheap and then planned things I want to do. At times, I didn't even think what would I be doing when I land at a place.
At times, I wonder what is more important when we say that we are travelling. Is it a destination? If not, then what? These are some questions which continuously come to a traveller's mind. There are very fancy terms associated with travel and at times, we say that travel makes us a better person. But I would argue that all depends upon ones' individual philosophy of travel and the way one travels.
I am sure there is more to choosing a destination vs destination choosing you. What comes to your mind when I say "You chose a destination or a destination choses you?"
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