What place in the world do you never want to visit? Why?
The narrative reflects on the significance of travelling, emphasising its multifaceted nature beyond mere recreation. It recounts a personal experience at Fatehpur Sikri, where historical insights piqued curiosity and admiration. The contrast between past and modern travel highlights shifts from challenging journeys to comfortable tourism. The text encourages exploration while acknowledging risks linked to certain locations. Ultimately, it suggests that every place holds potential value, inviting travelers to embrace adventures with informed caution, balancing excitement and safety.
The taxi was running on a narrow road flanked on both sides by tall tufts of dense “Sarpat” grass (Saccharum bengalense). Soon, it reached an open space dotted with medieval, red-stone, dilapidated historical structures. It was a historically significant site. As he pondered the magnetic attraction of the place, unaware of his destination, the taxi stopped at a grand and towering gateway.
Constructed with red sandstone, the grand structure looked stunningly beautiful against an azure sky. He raised his head and tried to capture the whole structure with his eyes, but the tall and humongous gateway was difficult to scale all at a time. Standing there for several moments, he gazed at the monument with admiration. When he regained normal thoughts, he realised that he had seen this monument in a picture from his basic history book. He was stunned to know that the iconic gateway was “Buland Darwaza”, constructed by the famous Mughal emperor Akbar; he was in Fatehpur Sikri, the capital city of the emperor, who later abandoned the place due to a dearth of water.
It was his first face-to-face meeting with history. Up until now, he had only learned information that left no lasting impression. It was, nevertheless, not the end of surprises in the area. He met several spots which stunned him for a moment. On one such spot, while scanning the area, standing atop “Panch Mahal”, he came across a vast field carpeted yellow with mustard flowers. He felt goosebumps upon learning that it was the battlefield of Khanua that solidified Babur’s rule in India. This was the ground where the intrepid army of Rana Sanga faced Babur but was defeated in 1527.
Visiting places is essential in many ways. It is not only about touring and boasting about the number of places visited/remaining to be visited. It is a serious and multi-faceted study. It involves culture, cuisine, literature, folklore, philosophy and science.
Visiting places is essential in many ways. It is not only about touring and boasting about the number of places visited/remaining to be visited. It is a serious and multi-faceted study. It involves culture, cuisine, literature, folklore, philosophy and science. It is an endeavour of understanding and learning.
In the modern world, travelling is fun and joy, a means of recreation and enjoyment. People go to places for luxurious stays and sumptuous food, enjoy the nightlife and have a feel of rustic culture, staying in luxurious tents and arranging bonfires. It is now not a pursuit of knowledge or a quest for exploration but a spree in comfort. It has become a vogue, palatable to a section who earn their bread and butter from this “industry”.
Compared with the current time, touring in the past was not easy. There were limited modes of transportation, and people used dirt roads. Horses, ponies, and bullock carts were commonly used means. Most areas were covered with dense forests infested with predatory animals and dacoits. The night journey was impossible. Travellers used to join a caravan and stay during the night in an inn.
Despite all odds, touring was important. It happened to be either a business trip, government work, or simply travelling to meet relatives in another village or place. Historical accounts show that Buddha used to travel often, staying at places during the four months of monsoon – “Chāturmās”. He left for his heavenly abode, travelling.
Travelling and visiting places gives insight and vision to see things from a different perspective. Those who find it difficult to travel or do not want to leave their cosy nest are armchair tourists. They like to see places from others’ points of view and perspectives, which they produce as videos or travel accounts. Armchair tourists miss the aroma and feel of the place and the excitement of physically visiting the place of interest. It can be a historical, religious, spiritual or natural place.
There is a plethora of new places waiting to be visited and explored. India is a country of variety. It presents a unique blend of cultures, food, etiquette and customs. With twenty-eight states, India presents a beautiful tapestry of culture, cuisine and traditions. It is thrilling to visit them all as they offer many things for everyone. While Kerala is famous for tea plantations, backwaters and cultural diversity, Punjab is famous for its vibrant and colourful people, fond of good food and Bhangra. From Arunachal Pradesh to Kutch in Gujarat, India is full of natural beauty, rich cultural traditions and spirited people. Visiting them all is an experience inexpressible. No place can be denied.
Travelling for an ordinary person is still a task. Money is a great concern, but people manage to travel according to their choice. Travellers who want to take up religious or spiritual tourism take up the journey, and they often visit temples located in different places. They are not bothered about the constraints and difficulties, nor do they seek luxury. Thanks to modern amenities that have made travelling to remote and difficult hilly areas and temples easy and comfortable.
It is difficult to resist the temptation of visiting places. There is no place that is unworthy of visiting. But, some places are dangerous and not worth visiting, like some African countries or countries of the Middle East infested with civil war. It is unwise to risk one’s life for a destination lacking historical or cultural significance.
Returning to India, visitors can explore not only its historically rich places but also many naturally beautiful sights. The hill stations of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh offer serene natural beauty with lofty snow-capped mountains of precipitous heights.
As has been underlined in earlier paragraphs, visiting places is not only thrilling but also a means to explore knowledge and experience. Avoiding the risky places has also been discussed in detail. While contemplating disturbed or risky areas, it is advisable to gather enough information about the place. Potential grey areas and the law-and-order situation must be carefully weighed. It is, nevertheless, uncertain about any mishappenings, but beforehand preparation can prepare oneself for any unforeseen and unpleasant incidents.
Negativity can never be ignored as it is the other side of a coin that is bound to live together. It needs to be called out and addressed properly. In a sense, negativity is an emotion that gives power to fight the adversities and impediments. It leads to a struggle and the emergence of a new and effective order. Avoiding to visit negativity and difficulties would not be a wise step. Risking life is unwise, but at the same time, a calculated risk is equally important.
In light of the above discussion, it can safely be inferred that there should not be any place that is to be avoided. Exploring new areas is bound to give difficult times and many squalls. Every successful expedition and discovery is preceded by failures, frustrations, and social criticism. So, why worry and avoid them? Prepare for the eventuality, arm properly and buckle up. The future is ready for us to explore and start a new trend.
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