MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST: 5 PLACES I WANT TO VISIT POST COVID-19.

When I started traveling solo in 2016, I didn’t have any particular Travel bucket list in my mind. I started with Goa and from 2017 I have been consistently traveling solo through the towns of coastal Maharashtra.

I like spontaneity while traveling, my purpose of visiting a certain place is not always the same, every city, town and village are different, some places have historical importance and some are rich in culture, some are abundantly blessed with natural beauty. I don’t travel with an agenda, on some days I travel to just breathe in some fresh air and admire the landscapes, some days maybe to have a cup of tea looking over magical sunsets by the beach, there are also days when I travel to a particular place to explore its local cuisine, or just to breathe peacefully the lap of nature, sometimes I travel to simply stroll aimlessly on the narrow roads of a particular place, or to admire the local artisans and click a million pictures, I know sounds basic(except for the million pictures, we both know it it’s quite not possible, I tend to exaggerate the numbers at times), but isn’t life all about the little moments of peace, calm and happiness?

I’ve been to various parts of India since childhood, and I’m blessed to have witnessed the cultural difference, abundant beauty of nature, and unity among people of India. As I started traveling solo, I wanted to know more about India, explore every part of it.

In November 2019 I started making my travel bucket list. Just a basic list of 5 places I wanted to visit in 2020, a new list for ever-new financial year. Many of you must have been to these locations if yes strike off the name from your bucket list. 

Before I could start checking off my bucket list Covid-19 Lock-down was imposed in India. Borders were sealed and there was no way I could travel. Not complaining, No regrets. I have decided to resume Solo traveling in 2021 if everything is good and State borders officially open for safe travel.

 Here is the list of places I want to Explore post-COVID-19 pandemic,

  • THE RANN OF KUTCH, GUJARAT:

Please don’t raise your eyebrows and say, damn! you haven’t been there yet, well fingers crossed, If the COVID-19 situation gets better I will be going to kutch in December 2021. I have heard about the Rann of kutch from so many people in the past, but the beautiful Instagram pictures played a huge role in making me fall in love with the mighty huge salt marsh.

The Rann of Kutch is India’s largest salt dessert.

SO WHERE EXACTLY IS THE RANN OF KUTCH?

The Rann of Kutch is between the border of India and Pakistan, most of it is in Gujarat, India. And some parts in Sind, Pakistan.

WHAT IS THE RANN OF KUTCH FAMOUS FOR?

The White salt desert is a major attraction in itself, tourists visit kutch from all over India, and are spellbound by the beauty of the vast salt pan. Another major attraction is the Rann Utsav, which is held at Dhordo and is Organized by the Tourism Department of Gujarat, the kutch festival is held in the winter mostly during a full moon.

It is also famous for the beautiful handicrafts made by the local artisans.

I can’t wait to see the Great Rann of Kutch, let me know if you’ve experienced the vast beauty of the largest salt pan of India.

The best time to visit the Rann of Kutch is from October to February.

  • HAMPI, KARNATAKA:

Stop rolling your eyes, I know I have got a lot of catching up to do. One of my best friends is from Karnataka, I always ask her about Hampi and various beaches in Karnataka. In spite of planning for years I’m yet to see Hampi, and I hope it happens really soon.

WHERE EXACTLY IS HAMPI?

Hampi is an ancient village in Ballari District, Karnataka. Hampi or Hampe is from old Kannada word Pampaa which means big or great. This great ancient Place is situated at the bank of Tungabhadra River.

WHAT IS HAMPI FAMOUS FOR?

Hampi is a UNESCO world heritage site spread over 4,100 hectares. Hampi has several ruined temples from the Vijayanagara empire. I love places with historical significance. Hampi is also famous for its coracle boat ride on the Tungabhadra river. Have you been to Hampi? If yes tag me(IG-thebrownwildflower) in your Instagram stories or posts, if you haven’t seen Hampi yet add this gem to your bucket list.

The best time to visit Hampi is from October to February as the temperature is pleasant. During the monsoons, the area becomes very slippery, making it diffcult to explore around.

  • GANDIKOTA GORGE/CANYON, ANDHRA PRADESH:

Okay! So, I lived in Hyderabad for over 2 years, and I had no clue about this magnificent place called Gandikota, I didn’t know how to pronounce it till 2020. I saw the astonishing pictures of Gandikota on a traveling Facebook group. Gandikota has been on my travel list ever since. 

WHERE EXACTLY IS GANDIKOTA?

Gandikota is a village and historical fort which was in the power of various dynasties such as Kalyani Chalukyas, Pemmasni Kamma Nayakas and also the Golconda Sultanate, Gandikota Gorge/Canyon is situated on the right bank of the Penna river, a few kilometers away from Jammalamadugu in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, India.

WHAT IS GANDIKOTA FAMOUS FOR?

Gandikota is famous for the Gorge/Canyon. Gorge is a narrow valley between hills or mountains, usually with steeper rocky walls and stream running between the walls. I won’t compare this marvel with any other place, its historical significance and the sheer beauty of nature are reasons enough for me to visit Gandikota.

The best time to Visit Gandikota is from September to February, during summers the temperatures are between 40- 45 degree Celsius, and I kid you not I have experienced the summers of Hyderabad.

  • PINK CITY, JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN.

I saw you rolled your eyes again. Yes, I Have never been to Jaipur and No my college didn’t take us for an Industrial Visit to Jaipur. I and my friends always complained as our college didn’t take us anywhere interesting for Industrial visits. Jokes apart, I want to explore every corner of Rajasthan, but I want to start with Jaipur.

WHERE EXACTLY IS JAIPUR?

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, it is called the old or pink city, it is called Pink city for the pink similar color of all the buildings.

WHAT IS JAIPUR FAMOUS FOR?

Jaipur is a Royal city, City of Palaces, Gardens, and Museums.

Hawa Mahal is a palace in Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is built from red and pink sandstones by Lal Chand Ustad, this palace is famous for its Jharokhas (Windows) which enable free circulation of air within the structure. Jaipur is also famous for Amer Fort, the fort faces Maota lake which sources water to entire Amer Palace. I’m particularly curious about Historical places they fascinate me.

Jaipur is famous for Handicrafts, Jaipuri Juttis, Gems, Carpets, Textiles, Leather, Jewellery, Hand-knotted rugs, and more. A solo trip to Jaipur is what I’m eagerly waiting for. I would love to aimlessly roam around the pink city and know about its culture and history.

  • KEDARNATH TEMPLE, UTTARAKHAND:

Who doesn’t know Kedarnath Temple and what it is famous for? Kedarnath Temple is not last in my bucket list, but it’s the ultimate place in the travel bucket list of my life.

Kedarnath is one of the major temples of the Chota char Dham pilgrimage.

WHERE EXACTLY IS KEDARNATH?

 Kedarnath is a town in Uttarakhand, located on the Garhwal Himalayan Range in the Rudraprayag District.

It is the most remote of the four Chota char Dham sites, Kedarnath is located in the Himalayas, about 3,583 m (11,755 ft) above sea level near Chorabari Glacier, the source of river Mandakini, and is beautifully covered with snow-capped peaks, especially Kedarnath mountain.

WHAT IS KEDARNATH FAMOUS FOR?

Kedarnath temple is one of the most important temples of the Chota char Dham pilgrimage. (Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, Kedarnath)The temple Is closed for six months in a year and only opens on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya which usually falls in April end or first week of May and closes in October or November after Diwali. The temple is closed for six months because of heavy snowfall. Once winters begin, the statue of Shiva is carried down from Kedarnath to Ukhimath, and later it is brought back to the Kedarnath temple, in the first week of May. 

I would love to hear the Legend from the temple priests and the locals who are living near Kedarnath temple since many years.

The Best season to Visit Kedarnath is from April to October. 

This is my Travel bucket list post Covid-19. As a responsible traveler, I have decided not to travel till the situation gets better, I have decided to wait till the state borders are open and all restrictions are lifted. I will travel only when It is safe for me as well as others, locations included. I think we all can wait. There is no point rushing our travel plans, you may have a different perspective and I totally respect it. Do let me know if you have a travel bucket list as well. Also, do tag me in your Instagram posts if you have been to the above locations.

I hope you all are in good health. Keep reading, keep smiling my lovely wildflowers. Live free, stay calm, and don’t forget to be kind to one another.

IMAGE CREDIT: This blog is my bucket list, I haven’t been to the above places, I have sourced the Image content from the internet, these images are not subject to copyright. I applaud and thank the respective photographers for providing such amazing Photographs.

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