Lonely planet

Travelling alone gives you a whole new view of India

When the family heard that I was planning a trip north, they weren8217;t exactly thrilled, especially when they learnt that I planned to visit Jabalpur, Kolkata and Ranchi. Somehow the family had this belief that the entire swathe of what constituted India north of Chennai was a danger zone for a young, single woman like me. Well, as it turned out, I lived to tell my tale.

Starting from Chennai on the Patna-bound Sanghamitra Express, I was soon on my way to Jabalpur without a confirmed seat. Found it amazing how people went out of their way to help.The day I was travelling, World Cup cricket was on everybody8217;s mind. If cricket does no other earthly good but helps break the ice between strangers, let8217;s continue to play it 8212; forget Team India8217;s pathetic performance.

The Jabalpur halt was to catch up with long lost relatives. Obligations attended to, I headed for Kolkata. Got my first taste of famed Bengali hospitality when a co-passenger insisted on leaving me at my friend8217;s place, despite it being out of his way. Careful not to offend my 8220;southern8221; sensibilities, he assured me his mother-in-law and wife would be accompanying us. Mr Roshaim Roy, may your tribe increase!

My friend8217;s family was awesome. From endless cups of tea, to special dishes at every meal, to impromptu jamming sessions, I have never felt more at home. Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial, the metro, Camac Street, Nondon, little gullies and by-lanes with quaint stiles and houses built into walls, the city wears its history lightly. And best of all were the 8216;adda8217; sessions. It thrilled me no end to discover that people actually took time out for a time out!

Ranchi was a lovely little place and any outsider can be forgiven for believing that it is only an overgrown hamlet. I returned via Andhra Pradesh, so vast that you can board a train in the state, sleep overnight and still find yourself within its borders the next morning.

Once back home, the family wanted to know how strangers had responded to me. I told them that in north and eastern India, people were curious about how a single woman could travel alone and appear self-sufficient. In South India, however, they were more interested to know why I was still single. So which category is the more civilised?