I am going to be out travelling for 2-3 weeks starting tomorrow and I shall be travelling to picturesque locations in Northern parts of India. I shall make occasional updates on my where abouts and my experiences, but unlikely I will post detailed reports till I return. Till then, if there is a lull in the updates in this page, there is plenty to read in the archives of this blog and rest of this site. Here is a list of all the travel stories I have published so far, which you could find useful.
Mullayyanagiri and Charmadi, Chickmagalur, in the monsoon
Hill stations of south India – Wayanad, Chembra, Ooty, Munnar, Kodaikanal, Perumal Malai
Rishikesh
Driving in the rains: Jog falls, Karwar, Kali wilderness and Goa
Driving to Hampi
Riverside picnic: places around Bangalore
Bandipura National Park
Sikkim: A trek to Gochela
Driving from Bangalore to Goa via Jog and Murdeshwara
Tubing in Kaveri
Muthyala Madu
Belur and Halebeedu
Bhadra wilderless: Muthodi
Hiking in Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
In search of Snow
A birding trip to Wayanad, Kerala
Dandeli: Wilderness and adventure
Skiing at Auli
Driving trip to Coorg
Things to pack when backpacking
Trekking on the railway tracks to Yedakumari between Sakaleshapura and Subrahmanya
It is normal to hurry and pack at the last moment when you are travelling. And it is equally normal to forget to pack something in a hurry. So life would be easy if you have a list of things you require, so you can refer to the list and quickly pack your bag. I am a forgetful person, so I always keep a list of things that I would require when I am going backpacking. Here is the list that you might find useful too. Note that this contains individual items to carry and does not have many other common things you might have to carry, which will be needed for a whole group(such as a tent, rations, etc). I am trying to make the list comprehensive, so some of the things in the list may not be needed for some trips but needed for the other. Keep in mind that it is important to carry everything you require even if your bag becomes a bit heavy, and at the same time don’t pamper yourself with too many things you may not need. Use your discretion in carrying or leaving something for every specific trip.
GENERAL LIST
* Clothes(See detailed list below)
* First aid(See detailed list below)
* Toiletries(See detailed list below)
* Torch
* Candles and matchbox or lighter if you find the need
* Tissues
* Money required during the journey
* Your travel tickets, don’t forget!
* Books, guide books(such as maps or birding books, field guides etc) if you need any.
* Additional footwear/shoes if needed.
* Plastic bags. They will be very useful to carry wet clothes.
* Water bottles.
* Sun screen
* Sleep bag/carry mat if needed
* Rain gear, if it is rainy season
* A Swiss knife could be useful
* If you are cooking the food – a plate and glass for yourself.
* Sun glasses
* Cap for shade
* Always better to carry an ID
* Some Glucose may be useful
OPTIONALS
* Camera and accessories
* Nail Cutter(if you are on a long journey. Otherwise, make sure you cut your nails before you start)
* A waist pouch or a small bag, which could be useful if you have an option to leave your baggage somewhere and walk around with minimum things needed, such as camera and water bottle.
* Pen and paper to maintain a journal
* Waterproof money bag. If you carry lot of cash, it is better to distribute it into two wallets.
* Cell phone and chargers!
* Some food to munch on the way
CLOTHES
A. Normal wear
* Comfortable Trousers and shirts. Plan properly and find out how many you would require. Don’t pack less or more
* Socks
* Towel
* Hankies
* Innerwear. Make sure you pack enough of them
* Shorts, if needed
* Comfortable tracks, if needed.
B. Thermal Wear, for cold climates
* A jacket suitable to the climate.
* Thermal Inners(Extreme Cold Conditions)
* Sweater(Extreme cold conditions when you need to dress in layers)
* Woolen Cap/Mufflers. Better to carry one to cover your ears
* Gloves(Very cold conditions)
* Woolen socks(Extreme Cold Conditions)
* Shawl(Extreme Cold Conditions)
MEDICINES
It may be enough for one or two persons in the group to carry first aid and medicines.
* A pain reliever spray
* Dressing material such as cotton, bandage cloth and a disinfectant.
* Antipyretics(Such as crocin)
* Personal medication, if you are taking any
* Bandage strip such as band aid.
TOILETARIES
* Tooth brush and paste
* Soap. Try to carry liquid soap. They are lot more easier and less messier than a cake.
* women’s toiletries
I have been away for sometime, which explains absence of any posts in this page for last two weeks.
I am headed towards North India in the first week of February. I shall spend a week between Feb 8 and 14 skiing in Auli. Otherwise, I have plans to spend some time in Corbett National Park, Rishikesh, Varanasi and Agra. I may also do some winter treks in the Himalayas if time permits. I may be out for a month hanging around these places in the month of February. I would love to have any one joining me to any of these destinations, or if you are going to be in any of these places travelling at the same time, would love to journey together.
I have not made an exact schedule for places other than Auli and it can be fairly flexible since I don’t intend to make any bookings. Would you be interested to join me or if you are going to be in any of these places, do send me an email…