Tal Chappar - The land of Raptors and Blackbucks, November 2024
Day One: The Journey Begins, Exploring Self. Sometimes, life gives you a gentle nudge—or a firm shove—out of your comfort zone. For me, it was a question that echoed in my mind as I contemplated this trip: *Am I living for myself, or am I simply living as others expect me to?* That question became the turning point. I realized that happiness, for me, isn’t found in fulfilling expectations but in moments of solitude, surrounded by nature. When it’s just me, the open road, and the serene company of the natural world, I feel a deep sense of purpose. No masks, no roles to play—just *me and myself*. This was my first solo drive to Tal Chappar, a haven for raptors and the graceful blackbucks of Rajasthan. The plan had been in my mind for months, but the thought of driving 400 kilometres alone always made me defer it. This time, though, I broke free of hesitation. My day started early—before my alarm even buzzed. Restless and excited, I...