The Unexpected Beginning

One day, while playing Ludo with friends, I lost—and my "punishment" was set: I had to go on a solo trip, something my family had always thought I'd never do. After retirement, and after my father passed away, I had been comfortable staying home—but this trip forced me out of my comfort zone.

The Challenge of Independence

I've always been free-spirited; restrictions were never part of my life. But suddenly, I had to navigate everything independently. The fear was real—leaving Delhi and traveling to a city I'd never visited before, reaching Varanasi (Kashi) all on my own.

Solo travel is not just about exploring new places—it's about discovering your own courage. Along the way, I met young travelers who couldn't even tell it was my first solo trip. Their energy reassured me, and I realized I was becoming confident in ways I had never imagined.

The Moment of True Freedom

The highlight of my journey was being alone on a boat in the deep river, navigating it myself. I was fully responsible for my own journey, my own decisions. No one could guide me, no one could hold my hand—yet that responsibility was liberating. That sense of freedom was unmatched.

My Advice to Fellow Dreamers

People often say, "We'll do it after retirement" or "We don't have time now." My advice: take the step now. Pack lightly, plan simply, and just start. One step can change everything—and once you do, you'll never look back.

The Transformation

I returned from this trip as a new Chandra Mohini, and that confidence now reflects in every aspect of my life. Solo travel taught me independence, courage, and the joy of taking charge of your own journey.

Chandra Mohini's story shows us that it's never too late to discover new sides of ourselves. Sometimes the most transformative journeys begin with the smallest steps—or in her case, losing a game of Ludo. What's stopping you from taking your first solo adventure?