An impromptu trip refers to a spontaneous or unplanned journey that is decided and carried out on the spur of the moment, without much prior preparation or advanced notice.
The author recounts a three-day New Year adventure. Beginning in Ranchi, the author and his wife embark on a motorbike road trip to Ghatshila, Jharkhand, visiting several picturesque sites, experiencing local culture, and overcoming challenges such as poor road conditions, wounds, and extreme cold. Highlights include Dharagiri Falls, Phuldugri Hill, Ratmohana River Bridge and Rankini Mandir. The trip concludes with a newfound eagerness for future adventures.
The narrator and his wife Tania embarked on a long bike ride on a perfect weather day to Bagda Valley viewpoint, some 50 kilometres from their house. The valley is part of the Chotanagpur plateau, with hills, forests, rare species of birds, butterflies, tribal villages, and farms. Their journey included off-road biking and a steep climb to a hilltop providing breathtaking views. After enjoying the destination's serenity and beauty, they had to leave due to drizzling weather.
During the pandemic, my family and I were confined to our home, and we began to feel a sense of restlessness. After we got vaccinated, we planned a road trip to Dumka, but our plans were thwarted by relentless rain, forcing us to abandon them. Then, inspired by a spiritual calling, we decided to journey to Tarapith, a revered site dedicated to Goddess Tara. The experience turned out to be incredibly profound, filled with blessings and spiritual significance. It felt like a blend of creation and dissolution, where we could truly connect with something larger than ourselves. What initially seemed like a disappointing trip turned into a meaningful pilgrimage, one that brought us closer to the divine.
Crossing the Bhutan Gate into Phuentsholing is like stepping into another world. From serene monasteries and the vibrant riverside of the Torsa, to the bustling markets and cozy Kizom Café, every corner tells a story. Cultures blend, nature thrives, and spirituality whispers through the town. Even a day here reveals Bhutan’s charm, leaving memories that linger long after departure.
A spontaneous trip from Lataguri to Jaldapara National Park saw unexpected delights, such as quiet drives through beautiful landscapes and encounters with local wildlife. The travelers are not allowed into the park due to monsoon but they stayed in a nearby resort that borders the park, where they enjoyed pleasant accommodations, good food, and a tranquil atmosphere. They visited Bhutan's Phuentsholing, before returning to Siliguri after a short, but enjoyable stay.
Stranded en route to Gangtok by monsoon-triggered landslides, we detoured into the emerald expanse of the Dooars. From the graceful Coronation Bridge over the Teesta to the rustic charm of Lataguri and the buffalo-cart safari at Gorumara, every moment unfolded like a storybook. The Dooars turned a disrupted journey into an unforgettable encounter with nature and culture.
