First Solo Trip
Hi, I'm Rajni.
I am the youngest of six siblings. I come from a Scheduled Caste (SC) community, and I am the first person in my family to complete a Master's degree.Growing up, I had never traveled to new places. I would see other people exploring the world and always wondered, "Can I travel too?"
One day, I decided to stop waiting. I thought, "Why not start by exploring my own country, India?" During my summer holidays, I planned my first solo trip to Darjeeling. I made a simple itinerary, found a budget-friendly stay, and carefully planned my expenses. I still remember the excitement and nervousness of traveling alone for the first time.
That trip taught me so much more than I had expected.I met kind people who reminded me that humanity still exists. One local woman went out of her way to help me find a taxi at a much cheaper price. Small gestures like these made me feel safe and welcomed in a completely unfamiliar place.
I stayed at a beautiful property surrounded by the peaceful charm of Darjeeling. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, I spent most of my time simply walking through the streets, enjoying the cool weather, the fresh mountain air, and the calm atmosphere.
Honestly, how can anyone not fall in love with Darjeeling?
I experienced so many wonderful places and activities—the famous Toy Train, the Ropeway, Ghum Railway Station, lush tea gardens, Mirik, and so much more. Every corner had its own story, and every walk became a memory.
That one trip changed something inside me. It gave me the confidence to travel more, to trust myself, and to believe that I did not need to wait for someone else to explore the world. Since then, I've traveled to many places across India, including Siliguri, Kolkata, Bangalore, Mumbai, and most recently, Kerala—all with a backpack, curiosity, and a love for discovering new places.
Looking back, it all started with one simple decision: “Just go”. Today, every journey I take reminds me how far I've come. Through my travels, I hope to inspire others—especially those who come from small towns, marginalized communities, or limited financial backgrounds—to believe that their dreams are possible too.
If I could take that first step, maybe you can too.
