(A Journey of Wild Trails, Living Bridges, and Human Connections)
Just back from the winding roads of Meghalaya and the wild serenity of Kaziranga—a week with WoW (Women on Wandurlust).Before these reflections slip away into the blur of daily routines, I thought I’d capture them here—raw, real, and fresh from the heart.
This time, the trip felt different. No familiar faces, no shared history—just me and a world waiting to be discovered. Perhaps that’s why my reflections aren’t only about landscapes, but about the quiet lessons from strangers, fleeting conversations, and the beauty of human connection.
First, the Place.
- Kaziranga National Park
Two safaris, two perspectives. The morning began on elephant back—slow, rhythmic steps leading us closer to rhinos and their serene kingdom. Acres of untouched wilderness stretched endlessly, and the silence of the forest spoke louder than words. Later, the jeep safari brought laughter, shared stories, and the thrill of spotting nature’s wonders together. We ended with tea and fritters from a roadside stall—a simple bite that added a human warmth to the wild.
2.The Living Root Bridge at Nongriat
Adventure called, and we answered—7,000 steps down and up, through steep stone paths and riverbanks, to witness nature’s masterpiece. They say roots grow stronger with age; standing there, I hoped that was true. The bridge was breathtaking, yet the crowd chasing perfect pictures dimmed its magic. I longed for silence—to dip my feet in clear waters, watch fish glide, and marvel at roots weaving a timeless wonder.
3.The Food
Every journey has flavors that linger. Jadoh rice and chicken from Dalimi’s humble kitchen—an unexpected gem shared by fellow wanderers—introduced us to the soul of Khasi cuisine. Then came the Assamese thali at Kaziranga: mustard oil, papaya curry, chutneys, and payas to end—a symphony of tastes that felt like love served on a plate. And those chicken momos? Pure bliss. The kind that sets a new standard for every momo you’ll ever eat.
The Road Ahead
Meghalaya’s brown winter hues surprised me; I had imagined lush greens. Dawki, too, fell short of its magic—construction and borders overshadowing nature’s grace. I left hoping that the essence of these places survives, that nature remains strong enough to outshine human interference.
People Through My Travel Lens
To make sense of the colorful cast of characters from this trip, I’ve decided to sort them into two broad categories—because what’s life without a little organization 🙂
Category 1: The Professionals Who Made This Trip Possible
First up, Upasana—our travel lead and unofficial shepherd. She kept the herd moving on time, adjusting plans with the grace of a diplomat and a smile so sweet it could melt glaciers (and those dimples? Absolute scene-stealers). She didn’t just lead us; she became one of us.
Then there was Deep, our guide who moonlighted as a photographer on demand. One moment he was sharing bird-watching wisdom, the next he was crouching for the perfect Instagram shot. A man of many talents—and infinite patience.
Our Innova drivers deserve a special mention. They drove for hours, sometimes joining in our jokes, sometimes quietly listening to our stories. I often wondered: if their livelihood didn’t depend on ferrying travelers, would they still tolerate our endless chatter—or would they speed off into the sunset? And then there were the local vendors, and the mahouts who spend their days in the jungle. Here’s a thought that tugged at me: should our empathy lean toward the majestic elephants who deserve freedom, or the mahouts whose lives depend on guiding them? A question with no easy answers.
Category 2: Us—The Wanderers
A motley crew of strangers who wouldn’t have crossed paths if not for this trip. We were a cocktail of introverts and extroverts—some bubbling with stories and energy, others quietly sipping the experience, offering only a smile as their opinion. By the end, though, everyone had shared a piece of their life—a story, a dream, a laugh. No one felt left out when we said our goodbyes. It’s funny how a week with strangers can feel like magic. Coincidence? Maybe. Or perhaps it’s the human superpower of connection—the ability to belong, even briefly, in someone else’s world
My Big Lesson
If I had to distill one takeaway, it would be this: be in the moment and let everyone be themselves. The first few days, fatigue made me hesitant to share. But as stories unfolded, I felt lighter, more relaxed, and deeply respectful of each person’s unique being.
In the end, it was a week of sunny-side living—putting our best stories forward, pausing the pursuit of happiness to simply be happy. And maybe that’s the secret: keep watering your soul, and everything that makes you, you.
Until next time…!
Anecdotes of the ordinary 
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