The urban dictionary describes 'solivagant' as one wandering alone to escape the world. Otherwise called solo travellers, they are here to stay — rather leave. While solo travelling may sound unnerving to some, die-hard followers swear by it and live by it.
"You are not bound to anything,'' says Pritam Gowda, a software engineer, who regularly sets out on solo trips. "And if you like a place, you can spend any amount of time there. You don't have to worry about the interests of others. That is the advantage." Pritam has been doing solo trips in the country for some time now while his recent one was a trip through the West Coast of the US.
"I had to attend my sister's convocation, so I went one month ahead to explore the place. Since I had an international driving licence from India, I hired a car and drove to Niagara. Since everything is so well-organised, you can easily find your way with just a map in hand. Just make sure you and your car is insured. Solo travelling is all about adventure, driving, hitchhiking and meeting like-minded people," he says.
However, it's a different ball game in India, adds Pritam. "Unless you are used to India, its roads and transport system, it can be difficult doing solo trips here. For foreigners, it could be tough travelling alone. For Indians, on the other hand, it is a cakewalk to travel abroad all alone as everything is in place," he says. And there is more excitement coming his way. He is planning a Europe trip in January. "Before that, I'm going to London to watch all the 'Premier League' matches," he avers.
Solo travelling by women is still a relatively new phenomenon and safety concerns almost always raise their head. Nevertheless, this band of women is growing. Of these, the solo female bikers are just a handful. Pratima Hebbar is made of tough mettle. A biker, she has been riding extensively across South India and Goa for the last three years. "Solo riding has been great so far, she says. "If you look at it as a woman, I have not faced any difficulties. The only thing is that people get flabbergasted when I remove my helmet. They tell me, 'ma'am, we thought you are a man'.
"If I am on a solo ride, I usually travel for three to five days. The biking community here is really small and it is through references that I decide where to stay during my trips. I combine trekking, photography and trailwalking along with riding. As far as food is concerned, I usually walk into any restaurant I find and have 'idlis' for breakfast and curd rice for lunch. I also carry hydropacks and tender coconuts to keep myself energised," she explains. "The number of kilometers covered depends on the destination. It may be 300 to 650 km per day if it's a straight highway. The ghats take time. So far, Kerala has been my favourite place to ride, because of the roads, the hairpin bends, the curves, greenery, wild animals and the people. I've been to Thekkady, Wayanad, and Alleppey. Wayanad is a frequent destination for me. Once during a Wayanad trip, I encountered a tiger and during another, a wild tusker. Both have been unforgettable experiences for me," she says.
The freedom that solo travels bring is like none other. If you want to read a book, you can, if you don't want to see a tourist place, you don't and if you just to want to doze off, you sure can!
Solo travellers, who have seen it all, are believed to be able to face any challenge life throws their way. John Chacho, a New Yorker, has been living in Bengaluru for six years now. An entrepreneur, he has been discovering the sights and sounds of India, specifically Karnataka, through his solo trips — armed with, well, a dictionary. "My solo travelling experience has been quite enjoyable. I had gone to Hampi for a weekend and extended it. I went by train, got down at Hospet and took a bus to Hampi. I enjoyed it thoroughly."
"Communication was not a problem in Hampi as people spoke English there. However, travelling by bus was quite a challenge. I needed to know Kannada when I was looking for directions, like 'where is the bus stand'. So I kept referring to the Rapidex English Kannada dictionary and going back and forth," he says. John has done quite a bit of North Karnataka and the archeological sites there. As far as food is concerned, it has never been a problem, he says. "Whenever I try some new food while travelling, I finish it off with a soft drink, and that has worked,'' he laughs. He has done his bit of solo travelling back in the US as well. "I remember the one year when I travelled to Utah. I went snowboarding and broke my wrist but I carried on,'' he adds.
While travelling solo, one is not entirely alone with all the experiences around. As for the essentials to carry — a lock, a good book and a curious mind!
![]( "inspired The freedom that solo travels bring is like none other. John Chacho at The Great Wall of China.")
The urban dictionary describes 'solivagant’ as one wandering alone to escape the world. Otherwise called solo travellers, they are here to stay — rather leave. While solo travelling may sound unnerving to some, die-hard followers swear by it and live by it.
"You are not bound to anything,’’ says Pritam Gowda, a software engineer, who regularly sets out on solo trips. "And if you like a place, you can spend any amount of time there. You don’t have to worry about the interests of others. That is the advantage.” Pritam has been doing solo trips in the country for some time now while his recent one was a trip through the West Coast of the US.
"I had to attend my sister’s convocation, so I went one month ahead to explore the place. Since I had an international driving licence from India, I hired a car and drove to Niagara. Since everything is so well-organised, you can easily find your way with just a map in hand. Just make sure you and your car is insured. Solo travelling is all about adventure, driving, hitchhiking and meeting like-minded people,” he says.
However, it’s a different ball game in India, adds Pritam. "Unless you are used to India, its roads and transport system, it can be difficult doing solo trips here. For foreigners, it could be tough travelling alone. For Indians, on the other hand, it is a cakewalk to travel abroad all alone as everything is in place,” he says. And there is more excitement coming his way. He is planning a Europe trip in January. "Before that, I’m going to London to watch all the 'Premier League’ matches,” he avers.
Solo travelling by women is still a relatively new phenomenon and safety concerns almost always raise their head. Nevertheless, this band of women is growing. Of these, the solo female bikers are just a handful. Pratima Hebbar is made of tough mettle. A biker, she has been riding extensively across South India and Goa for the last three years. "Solo riding has been great so far, she says. "If you look at it as a woman, I have not faced any difficulties. The only thing is that people get flabbergasted when I remove my helmet. They tell me, 'ma’am, we thought you are a man’.
"If I am on a solo ride, I usually travel for three to five days. The biking community here is really small and it is through references that I decide where to stay during my trips. I combine trekking, photography and trailwalking along with riding. As far as food is concerned, I usually walk into any restaurant I find and have 'idlis’ for breakfast and curd rice for lunch. I also carry hydropacks and tender coconuts to keep myself energised,” she explains. "The number of kilometers covered depends on the destination. It may be 300 to 650 km per day if it’s a straight highway. The ghats take time. So far, Kerala has been my favourite place to ride, because of the roads, the hairpin bends, the curves, greenery, wild animals and the people. I’ve been to Thekkady, Wayanad, and Alleppey. Wayanad is a frequent destination for me. Once during a Wayanad trip, I encountered a tiger and during another, a wild tusker. Both have been unforgettable experiences for me,” she says.
The freedom that solo travels bring is like none other. If you want to read a book, you can, if you don’t want to see a tourist place, you don’t and if you just to want to doze off, you sure can!
Solo travellers, who have seen it all, are believed to be able to face any challenge life throws their way. John Chacho, a New Yorker, has been living in Bengaluru for six years now. An entrepreneur, he has been discovering the sights and sounds of India, specifically Karnataka, through his solo trips — armed with, well, a dictionary. "My solo travelling experience has been quite enjoyable. I had gone to Hampi for a weekend and extended it. I went by train, got down at Hospet and took a bus to Hampi. I enjoyed it thoroughly.”
"Communication was not a problem in Hampi as people spoke English there. However, travelling by bus was quite a challenge. I needed to know Kannada when I was looking for directions, like 'where is the bus stand’. So I kept referring to the Rapidex English Kannada dictionary and going back and forth,” he says. John has done quite a bit of North Karnataka and the archeological sites there. As far as food is concerned, it has never been a problem, he says. "Whenever I try some new food while travelling, I finish it off with a soft drink, and that has worked,’’ he laughs. He has done his bit of solo travelling back in the US as well. "I remember the one year when I travelled to Utah. I went snowboarding and broke my wrist but I carried on,’’ he adds.
While travelling solo, one is not entirely alone with all the experiences around. As for the essentials to carry — a lock, a good book and a curious mind!
"You are not bound to anything,'' says Pritam Gowda, a software engineer, who regularly sets out on solo trips. "And if you like a place, you can spend any amount of time there. You don't have to worry about the interests of others. That is the advantage." Pritam has been doing solo trips in the country for some time now while his recent one was a trip through the West Coast of the US.
"I had to attend my sister's convocation, so I went one month ahead to explore the place. Since I had an international driving licence from India, I hired a car and drove to Niagara. Since everything is so well-organised, you can easily find your way with just a map in hand. Just make sure you and your car is insured. Solo travelling is all about adventure, driving, hitchhiking and meeting like-minded people," he says.
However, it's a different ball game in India, adds Pritam. "Unless you are used to India, its roads and transport system, it can be difficult doing solo trips here. For foreigners, it could be tough travelling alone. For Indians, on the other hand, it is a cakewalk to travel abroad all alone as everything is in place," he says. And there is more excitement coming his way. He is planning a Europe trip in January. "Before that, I'm going to London to watch all the 'Premier League' matches," he avers.
Solo travelling by women is still a relatively new phenomenon and safety concerns almost always raise their head. Nevertheless, this band of women is growing. Of these, the solo female bikers are just a handful. Pratima Hebbar is made of tough mettle. A biker, she has been riding extensively across South India and Goa for the last three years. "Solo riding has been great so far, she says. "If you look at it as a woman, I have not faced any difficulties. The only thing is that people get flabbergasted when I remove my helmet. They tell me, 'ma'am, we thought you are a man'.
"If I am on a solo ride, I usually travel for three to five days. The biking community here is really small and it is through references that I decide where to stay during my trips. I combine trekking, photography and trailwalking along with riding. As far as food is concerned, I usually walk into any restaurant I find and have 'idlis' for breakfast and curd rice for lunch. I also carry hydropacks and tender coconuts to keep myself energised," she explains. "The number of kilometers covered depends on the destination. It may be 300 to 650 km per day if it's a straight highway. The ghats take time. So far, Kerala has been my favourite place to ride, because of the roads, the hairpin bends, the curves, greenery, wild animals and the people. I've been to Thekkady, Wayanad, and Alleppey. Wayanad is a frequent destination for me. Once during a Wayanad trip, I encountered a tiger and during another, a wild tusker. Both have been unforgettable experiences for me," she says.
The freedom that solo travels bring is like none other. If you want to read a book, you can, if you don't want to see a tourist place, you don't and if you just to want to doze off, you sure can!
Solo travellers, who have seen it all, are believed to be able to face any challenge life throws their way. John Chacho, a New Yorker, has been living in Bengaluru for six years now. An entrepreneur, he has been discovering the sights and sounds of India, specifically Karnataka, through his solo trips — armed with, well, a dictionary. "My solo travelling experience has been quite enjoyable. I had gone to Hampi for a weekend and extended it. I went by train, got down at Hospet and took a bus to Hampi. I enjoyed it thoroughly."
"Communication was not a problem in Hampi as people spoke English there. However, travelling by bus was quite a challenge. I needed to know Kannada when I was looking for directions, like 'where is the bus stand'. So I kept referring to the Rapidex English Kannada dictionary and going back and forth," he says. John has done quite a bit of North Karnataka and the archeological sites there. As far as food is concerned, it has never been a problem, he says. "Whenever I try some new food while travelling, I finish it off with a soft drink, and that has worked,'' he laughs. He has done his bit of solo travelling back in the US as well. "I remember the one year when I travelled to Utah. I went snowboarding and broke my wrist but I carried on,'' he adds.
While travelling solo, one is not entirely alone with all the experiences around. As for the essentials to carry — a lock, a good book and a curious mind!
The urban dictionary describes 'solivagant’ as one wandering alone to escape the world. Otherwise called solo travellers, they are here to stay — rather leave. While solo travelling may sound unnerving to some, die-hard followers swear by it and live by it. "You are not bound to anything,’’ says Pritam Gowda, a software engineer, who regularly sets out on solo trips. "And if you like a place, you can spend any amount of time there. You don’t have to worry about the interests of others. That is the advantage.” Pritam has been doing solo trips in the country for some time now while his recent one was a trip through the West Coast of the US.
"I had to attend my sister’s convocation, so I went one month ahead to explore the place. Since I had an international driving licence from India, I hired a car and drove to Niagara. Since everything is so well-organised, you can easily find your way with just a map in hand. Just make sure you and your car is insured. Solo travelling is all about adventure, driving, hitchhiking and meeting like-minded people,” he says.
However, it’s a different ball game in India, adds Pritam. "Unless you are used to India, its roads and transport system, it can be difficult doing solo trips here. For foreigners, it could be tough travelling alone. For Indians, on the other hand, it is a cakewalk to travel abroad all alone as everything is in place,” he says. And there is more excitement coming his way. He is planning a Europe trip in January. "Before that, I’m going to London to watch all the 'Premier League’ matches,” he avers.
Solo travelling by women is still a relatively new phenomenon and safety concerns almost always raise their head. Nevertheless, this band of women is growing. Of these, the solo female bikers are just a handful. Pratima Hebbar is made of tough mettle. A biker, she has been riding extensively across South India and Goa for the last three years. "Solo riding has been great so far, she says. "If you look at it as a woman, I have not faced any difficulties. The only thing is that people get flabbergasted when I remove my helmet. They tell me, 'ma’am, we thought you are a man’.
"If I am on a solo ride, I usually travel for three to five days. The biking community here is really small and it is through references that I decide where to stay during my trips. I combine trekking, photography and trailwalking along with riding. As far as food is concerned, I usually walk into any restaurant I find and have 'idlis’ for breakfast and curd rice for lunch. I also carry hydropacks and tender coconuts to keep myself energised,” she explains. "The number of kilometers covered depends on the destination. It may be 300 to 650 km per day if it’s a straight highway. The ghats take time. So far, Kerala has been my favourite place to ride, because of the roads, the hairpin bends, the curves, greenery, wild animals and the people. I’ve been to Thekkady, Wayanad, and Alleppey. Wayanad is a frequent destination for me. Once during a Wayanad trip, I encountered a tiger and during another, a wild tusker. Both have been unforgettable experiences for me,” she says.
The freedom that solo travels bring is like none other. If you want to read a book, you can, if you don’t want to see a tourist place, you don’t and if you just to want to doze off, you sure can!
Solo travellers, who have seen it all, are believed to be able to face any challenge life throws their way. John Chacho, a New Yorker, has been living in Bengaluru for six years now. An entrepreneur, he has been discovering the sights and sounds of India, specifically Karnataka, through his solo trips — armed with, well, a dictionary. "My solo travelling experience has been quite enjoyable. I had gone to Hampi for a weekend and extended it. I went by train, got down at Hospet and took a bus to Hampi. I enjoyed it thoroughly.”
"Communication was not a problem in Hampi as people spoke English there. However, travelling by bus was quite a challenge. I needed to know Kannada when I was looking for directions, like 'where is the bus stand’. So I kept referring to the Rapidex English Kannada dictionary and going back and forth,” he says. John has done quite a bit of North Karnataka and the archeological sites there. As far as food is concerned, it has never been a problem, he says. "Whenever I try some new food while travelling, I finish it off with a soft drink, and that has worked,’’ he laughs. He has done his bit of solo travelling back in the US as well. "I remember the one year when I travelled to Utah. I went snowboarding and broke my wrist but I carried on,’’ he adds.
While travelling solo, one is not entirely alone with all the experiences around. As for the essentials to carry — a lock, a good book and a curious mind!