A Journey of Resilience: My First Solo Backpacking Adventure to Guwahati

Hello, peep! I'm thrilled to share with you the incredible, albeit challenging, adventure of my first solo backpacking trip to Guwahati, a city steeped in history and natural beauty. This journey was a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement to moments that truly tested my resilience.

After impulsively booking the flight ticket in an "I don't know why I'm booking this" state, I started searching for accommodations online and found one Hotel Shreemoyee Inn. To save some money (YouTuberon ki tarah rahenge hum, kyuki cool lagta hai), I started searching for the Hotel's contact number, and I found the number. I called the hotel and booked a two-day room @ ₹2800. Then the hotel guy told me that he hadn't received the money. So, I sent him again, thinking there was some issue with SBI. Then, exactly what you are thinking I got blocked by the hotel guy. Two days prior to my departure, I realized that I had fallen victim to a scam, the bitter realization dawning on me like a dark cloud. In response, I took action by promptly filing an FIR to address the fraudulent transaction. Then I booked another Government-owned accommodation.

The beginning of this remarkable adventure was set in motion as I ordered my junior, Tushar, to drop me at the airport in Chennai. As I bid farewell to the familiarity of my home, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness, knowing that this was the start of a journey that would shape my life in unexpected ways. The flight from Chennai to Guwahati was an exhilarating experience, and as the plane touched down in the evening, the city of Guwahati stretched out before me, bathed in the warm hues of a setting sun. I could feel the city's vibrant energy welcoming me with open arms, and little did I know that the adventure had only just begun.

I booked a cab to the Hotel. On the way, the cab guy was telling me that it was his first ride since the morning. It made me upset, and I asked for his number. So that I can book him for tomorrow (uske liye mujhe bura lga that saalo kanjoos itna bhi nahi hun). My initial excitement took an unexpected turn when I arrived at my pre-booked hotel. To my astonishment, they refused to provide me with a room due to some last-minute complications. I stood there, perplexed and pondering my next move. I called the same cab driver Just when I thought my adventure was taking a sour turn, fate intervened. The same cab driver who had transported me from the airport emerged as an unexpected hero. He whisked me away to another hotel, where I quickly secured a room. It was a reminder that heroes often emerge in the unlikeliest of places (karma ek kuttiya ka naam hai Maine uske baare main socha aur thankfully mujhe le gya). I still remember him telling me in the car, "Yeh Sarkari Hotel wale bade behenchod hai, humare Assam ka naam kharab karte hai."

After securing a room in Hotel Koyel, the prospect of food became an immediate priority, especially as the night had fallen and my hunger grew. While coming to the hotel from the cab, I saw a charming restaurant that beckoned with its warm glow and inviting aromas. I walked to that restaurant and had a North Indian Thali there. It was fucking amazing. while returning, I was wearing my Airpods and listening to this song.

The streets of Guwahati were dimly lit as I strolled back towards my hotel, my mind occupied with thoughts of the day's events. It was during this walk that I encountered a man, a Sardar, who appeared to be a fellow traveler. In my naivety, I struck up a conversation with him, assuming that travelers often share their experiences. He told me his name is Jassi, and his residence is near the Nepali temple, and he mentioned his Delhi roots. Yet, as the conversation progressed, it became clear that his intentions were not as innocent as they seemed. He began to inappropriately touch me, crossing boundaries and invading my personal space (Delhi roots bola na). The distressing realization of his true intentions filled me with a sense of alarm. In that vulnerable moment, I reacted instinctively and forcefully. I slapped him to repel the threat and quickly fled the scene, (Jassi ki lassi bana di Maine.)

(PS: I can feel what girls today feel living among molesters.).

I rushed back to the refuge of my hotel, my heart racing with fear and uncertainty. This episode was yet another harsh reminder that, even in the most unexpected circumstances, one should always be cautious. As I locked the door to my hotel room behind me, a whirlwind of emotions consumed me. Fear, anger, and confusion gripped my thoughts. However, my determination to continue this adventure remained unwavering. In the privacy of my room, my thoughts turned to the Aadhar card, my vital form of identification, which was notably absent from my possession. During my check-in at the hotel, it had been required as part of the standard protocol, but it hadn't been returned to me. This realization struck me like a bolt of lightning, and I began to panic. My identification was a lifeline, and its absence made me feel vulnerable in a foreign city. I went to the reception. The hotel staff not only refused to return my Aadhar card but also met me with cold indifference. I was left with no choice but to attempt to recover it by checking out from the hotel. I thought i will leave this hotel by tomorrow morning after coming from Maa Kamakhya Temple.

My phone rang at midnight. That was Anurag (ek number ka nikhat chutiya hai, bas dil ka acha hai.), I picked up. He wished me a Happy Birthday. Yes, March 11 is my birthday. I told him the whole situation of Guwahati. He wasted no time, immediately contacting a mutual friend, Murchana, who was a localite in Guwahati. Murchana called me, and I told her the whole situation. Murchana's knowledge of the city and her connections provided me with a lifeline during this challenging time. She booked me a new Hotel. Hotel Nandan which was very close to this bullcrap hotel. She told me to check out from this hotel when i leave for Maa Kamakhya Temple and leave my luggage at Hotel Nandan and check in after coming from the Temple.

The next day in Guwahati was a brand new opportunity to uncover the city's hidden gems and create lasting memories. With my bags safely stored in the Hotel Nandan, I set out to visit the sacred Maa Kamakhya Temple, a place of deep spirituality and mystique.

I arrived at the temple 3 hours before the sun had risen under the vast and starry Assamese night sky. The atmosphere was serene, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence as I stood in the queue, eagerly waiting for the temple gates to open. As the minutes ticked by, people began to gather behind me, each with their unique stories and reasons for seeking solace at this holy place. Amidst the diverse crowd, a particularly heartwarming encounter stood out. A damn cute girl, accompanied by her mother, had traveled all the way from Siliguri. In a conversation with them, they asked if I knew where Siliguri was, and with all the enthusiasm of a travel enthusiast, I began to explain the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor to India. However, a moment of embarrassment followed when I realized I had gotten a bit carried away – Siliguri was indeed important but it was in West Bengal, not Assam. By the beautiful sunrise, the temple gates were finally flung open, and I entered the sacred premises. It was a moment of spiritual awakening, and amidst the divine atmosphere, I made a new friend in that adorable girl from Siliguri. Our friendship was sealed by our shared experiences within the temple's holy sanctum.

Amidst the soft glow of flickering oil lamps and the intoxicating scent of incense, I made my way towards the sanctum sanctorum. The temple's inner sanctum was shrouded in mystery, and the air was heavy with an almost tangible aura of divinity. Inside, I caught a glimpse of the resplendent Maa Kamakhya, bathed in the flora in that dark room. The deity's presence seemed to radiate a sense of profound calm and power, enveloping all the devotees in a cocoon of spirituality. I didn't touch anything there because I believe no one has a right to touch some parts of anyone, even if it's a goddess. As I stood before the deity, I felt a connection that transcended words. The power and grace of Maa Kamakhya seemed to wash over me, and in that sacred moment, I offered my prayers and sought blessings for the journey ahead. I couldn't help but be moved by the devotion of the other pilgrims who had also gathered for darshan. Many had traveled great distances, their faces reflecting a profound sense of faith and reverence. It was a humbling experience to be in the presence of so many souls, all seeking solace and blessings from the divine.

After obtaining the darshan, I sat on the stairs of the temple, and then I received a call from my closest cousin, Nishtha Didi. She wished me on my birthday. then I called my parents. and I received some calls from family. (yk I just realized everyone video calls me, even my ass-looking friends I too video call them.)

I went to a dhaba nearby and had Assamese food called Bhatt (Rice with different cooked lentils and vegetables). then I made my way back to Hotel Nandan (tumhe kya laga apni prem kahani chala raha tha main saalo kutto), where I checked in and took a well-deserved nap. The energy of the temple had filled me with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for the day.

(abtk yehi soch rahe ho na uss ladki ka kya hua? tumhe kya laga apni prem kahani chala raha tha main saalo kutto)

However, that spiritual force proved irresistible, compelling me to return to the temple for another darshan. I went to the temple again and stood in the line. There, I had the pleasure of meeting two Jagran singers, and we shared moments of laughter and camaraderie.

By sunset, I had the privilege of receiving darshan once more. This time, a Panditji presented me with an exceptionally rare and sacred artifact – an Ambuvachi Vastra, a cloth dipped in the menstrual blood of the goddess. (acha hua tum Elvishhh bhai ki audience nahi ho nahi toh vo puchte menstrual blood kya hota hai.)

Leaving the temple with this rare gift, I couldn't help but marvel at the extraordinary experiences Guwahati had bestowed upon me.

I ventured out to find some local Guwahati food, turning to YouTube for recommendations. The city's food street beckoned, and there I indulged in a delectable spread of momos, vada pav, and dabeli (mere dimag main bhi yehi aaiya tha isn't this western Indian food. So, story behind this is Marwadi people came to Assam. It is expected that 10-15% of the population of North-Eastern states is Marwadi, and they bring this food here and Momos came from Nepal via Sikkam). As I savored each bite, a heartwarming encounter occurred – a young girl, around five years old, approached me, asking for food. I couldn't resist her innocent plea, and soon her sister joined in. The three of us relished the street food together, creating a beautiful memory of compassion and connection and that was my birthday party. (better than)

Later, I returned to my hotel, took my sleeping pills, and drifted into a well-deserved slumber. The events of the day had left an indelible mark on my soul, and I knew that my journey in Guwahati was far from over.

On the third day of my Guwahati adventure, I decided to make the most of my time in this enchanting city. To kick-start my day, I reached out to the same reliable cab driver who had assisted me earlier. His familiar face and warm demeanor made me feel at ease as we set off on a mini-tour of the area.

Our first stop was the Madan Kamadeva Temple, a remarkable site located 40 kilometers from Guwahati. This temple is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Kama, the god of love and desire in Hindu mythology. The temple's serene surroundings and its spiritual significance added a deeper layer to my journey.

From there, we continued to the Umananda Island, the smallest inhabited river island in the world. Nestled in the Brahmaputra River, this island is renowned for its Umananda Temple, a revered Shiva shrine. It's considered compulsory to visit Umananda if you're making a pilgrimage to the Kamakhya Temple.

To reach Umananda Island, I took a full-fledged boat ride. As the boat gently cruised on the river, the cab driver and I engaged in light conversation. He spotted my iPhone and kindly requested that I click a photograph of him. As a gesture of gratitude, he returned the favor and captured my first photo on this incredible trip. I am posting a photo of him without his face as I don't have his permission. It's my request if you go Northeast you can book his cab (+916900797560)

The Umananda Temple was a place of tranquility and spirituality. Its location on the river added an element of serenity, and I marveled at the spiritual essence that seemed to permeate every corner of the island.

After returning from Umananda, I decided to pay another visit to the Kamakhya Temple. While I didn't go inside the temple this time, I stood outside and admired its grandeur, appreciating the profound impact it had on my spiritual journey.

Feeling hungry, I opted for lunch at the Mandir Bhojnalya, where I relished the simple yet delicious meals served to devotees and travelers alike. It was a soul-satisfying experience that offered a taste of the local culture.

As the day drew to a close, I headed back to the airport, my heart and mind filled with the memories of this incredible trip. Guwahati had not only been a city of challenges but also a city of wonders, where every corner seemed to hold a piece of India's rich history and spirituality. This journey had been transformative, and the experiences I had gathered would stay with me for a lifetime.

Comment down whether you liked it or not and the song too. What do you think about this?

Also, i was listening to this song when i got idea to write this

Should I write more travel blogs?

More Travel Blogs?

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