The great Dalai Lama quotes, "Once a year, go someplace you've never been before" and my family completely agrees with this. We’ve been on so many trips, but the one to Karnataka in 2015, shall remain as one of my fondest memories. I was really enthralled as it was my first 'Out of Maharashtra' trip (since mom was too scared to send away her only daughter to any of the school camps to Goa, Hyderabad, Manali & other gorgeous places).We boarded the morning flight and as I watched the summer clouds spread far and wide, with the beaming sunlight, I already knew this trip was going to be a memorable one. It was going to be a week long road trip through the towns of Bangalore, Mysore, Coorg and Mangalore. As soon as our SUV left the airport area, we were welcomed by the buzzing city of Bangalore. But I noticed that it was all fresh and clean there in spite of the city culture. The houses by the roads showed a distinctive style of architecture, and the roads we were plying on, gave no trouble (well , that is a bonus for a holidaying Mumbaikar.) We gorged ourselves on the local South Indian 'Thali' that was served traditionally. At the outskirts of the city, moving towards Mysore, we spotted long stretched paddy fields bordered by tall coconut palms. It was a delight to watch this greenery, as we're habituated to watch the concrete jungles growing around us. We unwound at the 'Vrindavan Gardens' ( A popular Bollywood shoot location in the 90s) with a light and sound show & also witnessed the spellbounding lunar eclipse over the dam! The next day was spent in Mysore visiting the Mysore Zoological Garden, that iss spread across acres and is home to some rare and amusing species of fauna, some of which I had never seen before. We also visited the majestic Mysore Palace, that recounted legends from its history of grandeur, and the ‘Chamundeshwari’ Temple from where one could enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. We also visited national parks where troops of ‘langurs’, and herds of deer and ‘sambars’ were extremely close to our safari bus. Where would I get a chance like this? We trekked in dense forests that had cascading waterfalls with crystal clear water. I also remember how ecstatic we got on spotting a handsome ‘Sambar’ stag on our way through the woods. Spotted deer were like pedestrians there! I always preferred keeping the windows rolled down so that I could breathe the fresh air and enjoy the cool, mesmerizing climate. The short trek to ‘Tala Kaveri’ was one heavenly experience, where we walked amongst the fog and clouds. It was almost like getting lost in one big cloud, or amongst many,which had hidden the valley beneath. After all, 'Not all those who wander are lost!' I pondered over some thoughts, while watching the coffee plantations all along the way, wrapped in a shawl, while it rained. Life is meant to be lived and it's truly done by travelling. Running across states, meeting new people, learning their language, their culture, their lifestyle could be a whole new experience. If all of this gives you the good vibes, makes your heart pound, and gets happiness run through your veins, only then have you travelled in true sense! Travelling doesn't only mean boarding flights to distant places or covering miles. It could be exploring what you've never witnessed. It could be a small trek to a hill nearby, a walk in the unknown woods or reaching out to the farthest end of the beach. How long would you keep the "Places to go” on your wish list? You need to break the monotony of the scheduled grey days of routine. All you need is a pair of shoes to befriend this huge world, the secrets that it holds and the purpose of your very own existence. And if you're fortunate enough, you’ll get answers as you get going to the places you always knew of but never walked to. Travelling has become like meditation for me that brings clarity to the mind and soothes the heart. Ibn Battuta, the explorer said, “Travelling- it leaves you speechless and then turns you into a storyteller". Well, indeed this trip to Karnataka gave me plenty of stories to narrate when I returned back. Travelling is all about discovering the untold secrets of this world, and yourself! So, have you travelled yet?