Travel diary · Chayanika Misra

Langkawi · Kuala Lumpur

01

Malaysia

went gaga over the shopping

I booked a trip to this country in a hurry but do not regret it one bit. First, I landed in Langkawi, a beach destination with a serene atmosphere, fewer crowds, and stunning views of the Andaman Sea. Don't miss the island-hopping trip and evening strolls past tiny souvenir shops. Next came Kuala Lumpur, the main city filled with beautiful hotels, skyscrapers, and malls. My sister and I went gaga over shopping here. Thian Hou Temple and the Petronas Twin Towers are must-visits.

02

Thailand

snorkel, on your own terms

Thailand is usually very crowded throughout the year thanks to the sheer variety of entertainment it offers. While you cannot miss the bustling Phuket street at night, do explore the other side of Thailand: the Big Buddha and the many islands teeming with biodiversity. If you're a swimmer, you'll have the chance to jump into the ocean and snorkel entirely on your own.

Phuket · Islands

Hanoi · Ho Chi Minh · Dong Hoi

03

Vietnam

Shrimp Lays. Too yum!!

I was amazed by Vietnam. A country that has it all, from the calming beaches of Dong Hoi to the hustle and bustle of night markets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It took my breath away. I want to visit again and again, for the food and the happy, welcoming people (every evening I watched locals whiling away time, talking and dancing in community gatherings). I also tasted non-veg chips for the first time here. Loved Shrimp Lays. Too yum!!

04

North India

disconnect completely in Ladakh

There is a never-ending list of places to visit here. For amazing food and culture, go to Rajasthan: try kachoris and sweets like mawa kachori and ghevar, and make memories in the royal palaces. For the serenity of the mountains, explore Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where the landscapes offer both peace and adventure. And for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, visit Ladakh, where you can disconnect from the network entirely and lose yourself in high-altitude lakes and dramatic, untouched beauty.

Rajasthan · Himachal · Ladakh

Kerala · Karnataka · Tamil Nadu

05

South India

where my solo journey began

Travelling around South India has filled my life with experiences. I met people from all over the world, trekked, backpacked, had fun, and soaked up the rich cultures of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Kerala is the perfect place for women to start solo travelling. I began my solo journey right there, and after that, there was simply no stopping.

06

North East India

17,000 ft of pure blue

This is the part of India with difficult terrain but beauty all along. From Sikkim to Meghalaya, each state is unique in its own way. The most iconic point in Sikkim is Gurudongmar Lake. After the difficult Silk Route and battling mountain sickness, you reach a serene blue-water lake at 17,000 ft, a view you will never forget. In Meghalaya, the wettest state, rent a scooty and enjoy the gorgeous roads and weather. And do not miss the Living Root Bridge trek.

Sikkim · Meghalaya