As a Canadian raised in distant areas of BC and Yukon, my yard was comprised of breathtakingly lovely and seemingly infinite wilderness. Even at a really early age, us children would wander the in bush unaccompanied.

After residing and dealing on 4 continents and travelling to greater than 30 international locations, I now name Tamil Nadu dwelling.

I may spend my complete life exploring India, and nonetheless not be capable to see all of it. It is so huge and layered.

Nothing makes me happier than getting out in nature. I spend most of my free time trekking and path operating. I’m usually requested “How do you do it?” “Is it secure?” “How do I get began?” I recommend beginning off by having an sincere dialog with your self. Be real looking about your present skills and permit your self time to develop.

Listed below are just a few of my high suggestions for these looking for journey.

Staying Secure
Do not forget that each journey carries a component of threat. For this reason we do it. Journey will get us out of our consolation zones and breaks the monotony of our every day routines. We are able to scale back our threat by planning properly and studying our environment. As a girl who usually treks alone in India I’m continuously warned of the potential risks.

I really feel massive cities are sometimes extra dangerous than rural areas. Possibly as a result of I used to be raised in a number of small communities I really feel a kinship with country-folk. In my 5 years of wandering India, I’ve skilled a lot kindness and hospitality. By no means have I been harassed. In reality, I’ve been invited into individuals’s properties for relaxation and refreshment numerous occasions. I’m a agency believer that for those who put good out on the planet it comes again to you.This doesn’t imply that I don’t take precautions. I gown modestly. I don’t ever exit alone at evening. I plan properly and let no less than one particular person know the overall space I intend on exploring. I don’t carry costly tools or jewelry with me.

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As for wildlife, when you find yourself in nature tune into your environment. If the birds and monkeys immediately go silent, be alert {that a} predator could also be close to. The very best factor to do is make noise. Nearly all animals, even predators, don’t need something to do with people and can keep away from you if they’re alerted. 

The right way to navigate properly 
I take advantage of Google Maps for locating new areas. I examine backroads, path programs and inexperienced zones. I’ve come throughout so many lovely areas this fashion. Many map apps supply offline modes. 

Look out for main landmarks like a mountain, a primary river or a temple on high of a hill. These will provide help to preserve your bearings. Hold discovering new landmarks as you progress alongside.

Bear in mind to look behind you. If you might want to backtrack, typically issues look very totally different coming from the other way. That is how many individuals get misplaced. At any time when there’s a fork within the street I flip round to see the way it will look on the way in which dwelling. I typically take a photograph in order that I can bear in mind.

Go away markers on the path particularly at crossroads. After I’m within the bush I usually stack three rocks or make an ‘X’ with sticks. This helps me to hint my manner again particularly when there are not any clear landmarks to observe.

What to pack
Journey mild. Let me say that once more. Journey mild. I’ve been identified to go away for one month of trekking with underneath 6kg. I sleep in visitor homes or with villagers within the mountains. In case you are tenting you might be clearly going to have extra.

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Listed below are my necessities.

• · Hydration vest with water bladder
• · First assist equipment (small and fundamental)
• · Head lamp (typically you find yourself on the path after sundown)
• · Pee funnel (it is a sport changer. Ladies you’ll be able to pee standing up and never need to take away any clothes)
• · Light-weight sneakers with good tread. (I like Teva-style sandals. Massive clunky boots are a no-no. Runners with path treads are additionally good)
• · Snacks (don’t overlook to refuel)
• · Bug spray and sunscreen (put into smaller containers)
• · Hat (I put on a mushy cap that packs small and is washable)
• · One or two modifications of garments, even for a month (I hand-wash every evening)
• · Plastic rain poncho throughout monsoon 
• · Telephone and energy financial institution
• · Quick drying towel
• · Hygiene gadgets will differ for every particular person. Hold it easy and use small containers 
• · Not more than a pair non-essential gadgets (I convey a mini-perfume as a result of I don’t wish to stink. Others convey issues like a change of sneakers, an additional clothes merchandise or some tech gear)

The place to go
One among my favorite issues is to go to a well-liked vacationer spot, like Munnar, however then discover my very own manner round. I skip the well-known sightseeing areas, speak to locals and get an concept of what hidden treasures are close by. I’ve visited some lovely locations and had all of them to myself. 

With our journey restricted because of the pandemic I’ve began to discover my close by environment. I’ve discovered many new and attention-grabbing locations. I usually observe again roads via villages and fields. I try close by reserve forests and wherever I see a hill I attempt to scramble up it.

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Solo or group
Many individuals battle with this. If you happen to actually don’t welcome the concept of being alone in nature then go in a gaggle. In case you are merely afraid on account of lack of expertise, there are steps that you may take to slowly construct your talent and confidence.

Begin doing small treks with mates. As soon as you might be comfy with the route attempt it alone. Like something, follow makes excellent. There is no such thing as a proper or fallacious right here. The purpose is to discover India and uncover the pure magnificence throughout us.

This text is a submission by one in all our readers, and a part of our sequence #OTReadersWrite. Have a fantastic journey story to inform? Write to us at letters@outlooktraveller.com