First Solo Flight

It’s been a while since I last sat down to write here, thanks to end-of-semester exams taking over everything. But now that things have finally slowed down a little, it feels nice to be back here again, sharing something small but special.

A couple of weeks ago, I took my first solo flight, from Pune to Dehradun, my hometown.

It sounds simple, but it wasn’t just another travel day. I’ve flown plenty of times before, but always with family, where I didn’t have to think twice about which gate to go to or when to board. This time, though, it was just me and my suitcase, quietly figuring it all out.

At the airport, I wasn’t completely alone at first, my roommate was there too, waiting for her flight. We spent the morning together, sipping coffee, taking photos, and laughing over how grown-up we suddenly felt. Eventually, we parted ways, walking toward different gates, different flights, different destinations.

There was this strange mix of comfort and calm that followed. I found a quiet spot by the window, ordered a hot chocolate, opened The Atlas Paradox, and just sat there, watching people rush around while I had nowhere to be but right there, in that moment.

Maybe it’s because I’ve been away for months now, living in a new city and learning to handle things on my own, but that morning felt different. The kind of independence that doesn’t shout, it just quietly settles in.

There was a quiet heaviness to that moment. Sitting there, alone yet not lonely, I felt a wave of warmth and calm, almost as if the universe was giving me a gentle pat on the back. It wasn’t about doing something big or brave, but about realizing how far I’ve come from the person who used to need someone by her side for every little thing.

And when the plane finally took off, I looked out at the clouds and smiled. Coming home hits differently when you’ve grown a little in between.

Jaipur, Until Next Time

It’s crazy how fast this trip went by; Bharatpur to Jaipur, two cities that felt so different yet somehow flowed together perfectly. Day 2 in Jaipur was our last full day, and though we didn’t have a long list of places to tick off, it turned out to be one of those slow, memorable days that stay with you for a while.

Morning Views at Hawa Mahal 🌸

We started at Hawa Mahal, the “Palace of Winds,” glowing in the soft morning light. I’ve seen it in pictures a hundred times before, but standing there, watching sunlight spill through its tiny windows really hit differently. Jaipur truly lives up to its name as the Pink City. There’s something about those pastel walls, the warmth of the people, and the quiet buzz of the streets that just feels… timeless.

The Pink City & Some Retail Therapy

After Hawa Mahal, we wandered through the Old Pink City, and it honestly looked like a postcard come to life: bright walls, colourful shops, and the kind of chaos that somehow makes perfect sense.

Of course, I couldn’t resist shopping. I picked up a pair of juttis, a few clothes, and some small things I didn’t plan to buy but absolutely had to. The best part? Bargaining, laughing, and just soaking in the old-city vibe. Jaipur markets have that charm - they’re loud, messy, but full of character.

Dinner, Dessert & Little Goodbyes

Back at the hotel, we ended the night with one of the tastiest dinners of the trip: simple, cozy, and exactly what we needed. And of course, dessert was a must: chocolate ice cream with brownie bits (my all-time favourite). It was the sweetest end to a day that had everything: culture, colour, calm, and a little chaos.

The Next Morning

We woke up early the next morning, packed up, and started the long drive back to Dehradun. I didn’t take too many pictures this time, just a few here and there, but maybe that’s what made it more special. Some trips aren’t meant to be over-documented; they’re meant to be felt.

And that’s how this Bharatpur–Jaipur trip came to an end: a mix of forts, laughter, chai breaks, unexpected turns, and quiet moments.

Bharatpur Diaries: Day 2 – Lassi, Maggi & The Road to Jaipur

It’s been a while since my last post; life’s been a mix of college, moving to a new city, and a whole lot of change in between. But that’s a story for another post (coming soon 👀). For now, let’s rewind to something a little lighter, the second (and equally beautiful) day of our Bharatpur trip.

Morning Calm

We woke up to the softest morning light streaming through our window — the kind that makes you want to just sit by the sill and breathe it in. Bharatpur had a stillness that was rare and comforting, and we decided to enjoy it slowly before hitting the road.

Breakfast Goals: Badam Lassi & Masala Maggi

Before leaving, we stopped by a cozy roadside café that quickly became a favourite. Served in traditional clay kulhads, the badam lassi was rich, creamy, and perfectly chilled, a sweet start to the day.

But the real star? A bowl of spicy Maggi, loaded with green peas, chillies, and street-style masala. It was simple but somehow perfect - the kind of comfort food that always hits the spot when you’re travelling. Between sips of lassi and bites of Maggi, we chatted, laughed, and stretched breakfast into brunch without even realizing it.

From Bharatpur to Jaipur – The Open Road

By late morning, it was time to say goodbye to Bharatpur. We packed up, put on our travel playlist, and set out on the road trip to Jaipur. The drive was lined with open fields and dusty roads that glowed under the sun - one of those scenic stretches that makes silence feel meaningful.

Our Bharatpur leg was short but wholesome, from forts and birds to chaat, lassi, and Maggi mornings. As we reached Jaipur in the evening, the change of pace was immediate. The calm of Bharatpur gave way to Jaipur’s lively charm - pink walls, busy streets, and the hum of a city that never seems to slow down.