“My journey into travel didn’t start with any big plan; it was more of a spontaneous adventure. While I was studying B.Tech, I took an unexpected trip to Goa with friends. The night before, I’d seen a video on Dudhsagar Waterfalls, and by the next day, we were there by train. We had gone just to see the waterfalls, but after five days of exploring, I came back with a whole new passion for travel.
After graduating in 2020, I began working remotely in IT, which gave me the flexibility to balance both profession and passion. Whenever I get free time, or even when I feel a sense of negativity, I use travel as a way to reset. Managing work and travel together has shown me that where there is a will, there is always a way. Over time, travel has become my way of learning, dealing with circumstances, and experiencing life with positivity.
I have explored across India—from forts in Maharashtra to the ghats of Varanasi, the mountains of Himachal, and the beaches of Tamil Nadu. Every 100 kilometres in India, culture, language, and food change. That diversity itself is thrilling. We’re fortunate to live in a country where you can witness snow, deserts, beaches, ancient temples, and futuristic forts, all within a single journey.
One of my most memorable adventures was a night bike ride from Lonavala to Raigad. The route was risky and the maps weren’t much help, but a local guided us through. That experience taught me that if you don’t complicate the problem, the solution will appear simple. Varanasi, on the other hand, gave me a life lesson—at Manikarnika Ghat I realised how temporary ego, guilt, and pride are. Watching Dev Deepotsav there is something I will never forget. Uttarakhand gave me another perspective. After a long trek to Mouni Baba’s ashram, I was exhausted and starving, and he arranged a satvik meal for me. That act of kindness, along with meeting people who spent decades meditating, showed me the meaning of compassion, karma, and presence.
Travel also comes with challenges. At Kumbhe Waterfalls in Maharashtra, the trek was steep and narrow, but the view was heavenly. In Manali, a cancelled plan to Solang Valley unexpectedly took me to Hampta Pass, where I experienced snowfall for the first time. Sometimes destiny has better plans than the ones we make. I’ve also witnessed landslides in Rishikesh, the grandeur of Ganesh Visarjan in Pune with dhol-tasha, and the colourful Losar festival in Manali. Each moment reminded me to embrace uncertainty with gratitude.
I am fascinated by places like Raigad and Lohagarh forts, which prove how advanced people were centuries ago, and by Dhanushkodi, where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean with the legendary Ram Setu in sight. These places make you realise that history books only tell part of the story—true learning comes from being there.
Along the way, I’ve met travellers from around the world, some of whom introduced me to transcendental meditation. Travel is not just about visiting places—it is about people, values, and perspectives. Fitness too has been part of my journey. From trekking mountains to completing Hyderabad’s Devil’s Circuit with its 15 obstacles, I’ve realised that both travel and life are about endurance, learning, and compassion.
My dream is to take my parents on an international trip one day so they can experience what I have. Personally, Ladakh is still on my list—sitting by Pangong Lake and crossing the Himalayan passes is something I know I will do sooner or later.
Travel has taught me budgeting, patience, problem-solving, and the importance of embracing uncertainty. Every place has something unique to teach, whether it’s through culture, history, or the silence of nature. For me, travel is not just movement—it’s a way of understanding the world and, ultimately, myself.”
– Sai Kiran Vangala, Travel Enthusiast & Techie