Shamal Nesarkar On Travelling Solo And Trekking

Travelling is something that excites most of us. Some want to travel solo, while others are comfortable travelling in a group. Though everybody loves travelling, not all can travel frequently due to various reasons. But some people live a passion for travelling and inspire others. One such traveller is a girl who wanders solo – Shamal Nesarkar.

Shamal Nesarkar is from Pune, Maharashtra. She is currently working with an IT company in Pune after completing her MBA. Since her father is in the Indian Army, their family had to relocate to different locations. This eventually developed into an interest in travelling for Shamal. Today, she is passionate about travelling and exploring new places. She did her first solo trip when she was in 8th-grade, a time when solo travelling wasn’t even a millennial lingo. However, she has been actively doing trekking and solo travelling for the past 3+ years. In a one on one interview, Shamal shares her experience about her travelling adventures.

Where was your first solo trip?

My first solo trip was in Kerala in January 2019. I travelled from Pune to Kerala alone. It was a 5 days Trip where I explored Ernakulam,  Alleppey (or Alappuzha), Kochi, Idukki, Thekkady and Munnar. I started solo travel after travelling Sahyadri (Western Ghats) in a group during my treks to different forts in Maharashtra. This helped me in gathering trekking experience and later gave me the confidence to travel solo.

How much do you usually spend on solo trips?

When I visited Hampi for 5 Days, I spent Rs. 3,200 in February 2019. During November 2019, when I went to Kerala for the second time for 5 days, I covered Alappuzha (Alleppey), Ernakulam, Idukki, Munnar, Kochi, Kovalam, Thekkady in just Rs 3,800. In another travel route, I covered Gokarna, Murdeshwar, Yana Caves, Udupi, Dharmastal, Coorg, Madikeri, where I got to spend Rs 2,800 in February 2020. 

How do you manage to keep your expenses low?

I like to do budget bag-packing which helps me cover more places at a lesser cost. I do hitch-hiking, taking free lifts from passing vehicles and travelling as long as possible. I mostly prefer the local public transport facility. For accommodation, I prefer temple stays, homestays, or go-stay. They are available at a cost starting from Rs. 350 to 400.

How do you prepare for any solo trip?

I do a mapping of my journey, I look for basic information about the local place, transportation, feasible timings, etc, over the phone, so that I can plan activities accordingly. Also, the amount of time to spend at a destination. I also maintain a diary where I make a note of spots I want to visit, nearby tourist attractions, local cuisine, etc.

Two days before the travel date, I check for my ticket-reservation status if I am opting for a train. Sometimes, if it is not confirmed, I adjust to a general compartment. There are people around so I don’t really worry.

The type of things you carry along depends on where you are travelling, and the duration. But I do have a set of must-haves such as a torch, first aid kit, power bank, ORS, quick bites (dry-fruits, chocolates, etc.), clothes, tent, and a sleeping bag. You can carry a separate bag for keeping your personal belongings such as wallet, emergency contacts list, phone, etc.

Knowing the local language helps to communicate and get the required information from the locals. Also, you have to be soft-spoken while approaching people. Avoid being rude or arrogant, since it may escalate the problem in a place you don’t belong.

Along with a smartphone, I carry a basic phone, specifically when I am travelling to another state. It consumes low power and the battery lasts for long. A basic handset will surely come in handy in case of emergency.

Are you not scared to travel alone? Have you faced any hurdles as a female solo traveller?

Being scared of something is just a thought. Its a creation of the mind. One needs to be alert and mindful while handling any situation. And that completely depends on the individual. I am not scared to travel alone. People are helpful wherever I go and more so because I am a girl. 

I did not face any problems so far. However, for safety, you can keep pepper spray. Opt for temple stay or homestay as they are safer with other families and people around. And you have to eat whatever local food is available even if you don’t like it.

How do you balance work and travel?

My colleagues and managers are very supportive. I usually plan inter-district travel over the weekend holidays as 2 days are enough to visit most of the places. I leave on Friday evening.  But even if there is a long trip planned they support me. So I don’t have any problem when it comes to managing both.

What has your experience been travelling in Maharashtra and specially Sahyadri since you have been there a lot?

I have trekked close to 150 to 200 forts. Out of which few of the famous ones are Sinhgad in Pune, Lohagad and Visapur fort in Lonavala, and many from Sahyadri like Alang Fort, Madan Fort, Kulang Fort (Known as AMK), Mrugagad, Harishchandra gad, Saras Gad, Torana, Rajgad, etc. 

One can do solo trekking to Harishchandragad, Torna Fort, Rajgad Fort and few others. But needs to be careful while trekking Sahyadri. Those wide mountain ranges seem beautiful and loving but can ground your overconfidence because of the treacherous trail. Avoid perfume while trekking as it can attract bees. Know where you are going and dress accordingly. ‘’I-know-everything’’ attitude is bad. Every time you travel, it is a different experience and learning. So be humble.

If you want to do a short trip from Pune, Lonavala is a good option. You just have to spend Rs. 50, out of which Rs. 30 for to & fro bus travel. Rs. 12, to eat Vada Pav. And do whatever you want in remaining Rs. 8!

What is the highest number of places you have visited in a day?

When we went to Manmad we trekked at 4 different forts in a day. Ideally, that would take about 2 days. We travelled from Pune to Manmad at 6:00 AM. After a quick breakfast, we trekked Ankai fort, Tankai fort, Gorakh Gad, Katra fort and Shambhu fort. 

In Satara, I visited 14 places in a day. I was so passionate about travelling that I forget everything else. I remember having just a packet of biscuit for my treks. For me, it is more about determination. Once I decide to visit places, I make sure I complete the journey as per my plan. 

Any specific travel experience you would like to share?

During a solo trip, I visited Dharmasthala in Karnataka. Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple from Dharmasthal is said to have the 2^nd largest kitchen in the world. I was very curious. I left Mangalore around midnight and reached Dharmashtala around 2:30 AM. Since religious places are safer for stay, and food is also easily available, I planned to stay in the temple quarters built for devotees. The quarters were of 4 buildings, each one had around 100 blocks. But on the day I visited, no rooms were available. The place was packed due to a festival. I usually carry a sleeping bag, but this time I only had a tent. The temple administration did not allow the tent, so they let me use a space at the corridor.

The next day, I left for Coorg. It was about 4 hours journey by bus. I reached Madikeri, visited the places on my list and was set to go back to Mangalore. Since it was Sunday, the bus frequency was low. So I walked almost 11 KM with 45-litre and 10-litre luggage bags. So basically, one should be prepared for any shortcomings. 

Where are you planning to go next?

I have a list of places that I want to visit. Due to Covid-19, I could not travel for a few months. But I have plans to go to the Himalayas for 10 Days, and then Vietnam for 15 days.

How supportive has your family been?

My family supports me, especially my mother, because my father is in Indian Army and mostly on duty. They both inspire me to be independent, confident, fearless, and a good human being. And this has helped me during my expeditions to various places.

What is the reaction you get from people for travelling solo as a female?

People react negatively and criticize. But double of them appreciate my passion. I do not give ears to the negativity. All that matters is that my family supports me and I enjoy what I am doing. For me Travelling is happiness. Living those places and capturing moments is what I enjoy.

What is your advice to beginners?

Trekking or solo travelling should not be a spontaneous act, rather be a well-planned journey. As a solo traveller, you are going to be responsible for good and bad experiences. Hence you need to be careful.

If you are willing to do a fort trekking. know that every fort is different. So do not be overconfident. Do a minimum of 10 treks and only then plan for a solo trek. Wearing the right shoes during the trek is important. But more than shoes, one’s experience is important for any trek.

Also, make sure to inform your family when you are going for a trek or travelling solo. And keep in touch with family members. 

Here’s a quick stats on her journey so far:

Treks: 150 to 200

Highest Altitude Trekked: Kalsubai Peak, Taila-Baila, Lingana

Highest Fort Trekked: Salher Fort in Baglan Range

Favourite Treks in Sahyadri: Harishchandra Gad, Rajgad, AMK and Ratangad

Longest Range Trek in Sahyadri: Sinhagad to Raigad. Did it in 2 days, whereas it ideally takes 3 days

Shamla’s journey as a solo female traveller is an inspiration especially to girls who aspire to travel independently. We hope Shamal will continue to trek more heights and achieve more milestones as a solo female traveller.