10 Days of Culture, Innovation, and Family: My Incredible Trip to India
My recent 10-day trip to India, primarily centered in Bangalore and a short, sweet visit to Pune, was an unforgettable whirlwind of family, discovery, and vibrant Indian life. From futuristic technology workshops to serene luxury retreats and heartfelt family reunions, here is a look at the journey.
Bangalore Beginnings
Day 1: Landing and Local Action
The long journey from the UK was finally over! After landing in Bangalore, the first order of business was getting home for a proper, home-cooked Indian lunch, a truly comforting start to the trip. The afternoon quickly turned competitive as I hit the badminton court with my cousin, a perfect way to shake off the jet lag and catch up. It was a wonderful start to the trip, mixing relaxation with some energetic fun right from the moment I arrived.
Day 2: Future Tech and Festive Lights
The day started with an incredible visit to Giftd Minds, a fascinating educational platform focusing on hands-on science and sustainability. It was inspiring to see future-forward technology being developed, like the air-to-water generator, alongside other cool projects. The evening shifted gears completely as I dressed up for a vibrant Diwali party. The atmosphere was electric with lights, sweets, and laughter, celebrating the festival of lights with friends and family.
Day 3 – 5: A Soul’s Retreat in Nandi Hills
Time to check out of the city hustle and into a pure sanctuary: Kosh: Soul Retreats near Nandi Hills. The resort was a luxurious escape, living up to its name as a ‘soul’s retreat’ with its stunning villas and peaceful atmosphere, offering a true sense of rest. We spent three blissful days enjoying the tranquility and savoring the luxury of quiet time. On the way back to Bangalore on day five, we made two significant stops: first, for blessings at the serene Shree 108 Parswanath Bhagwan Tirth, and then for some retail therapy and fun at the massive Mall of Asia.
Day 6: Sports, Pooja, and Spirituality
After the resort, it was a perfectly relaxed day at home, dedicated to quality time and spiritual reflection. I spent the morning indulging in some quality exercise, playing a spirited game of squash with my uncle, which was a fantastic workout. The evening was dedicated to spiritual reflection and prayer. We performed pooja at the Shree Sambavnath Bhagwan Derasar, a serene Jain temple near SNN Raj Lakeview. It was a lovely balance of physical activity, family bonding, and spiritual grounding.
Pune Reunion and Final Days
Day 7: Heading to Pune for a Heartfelt Reunion
Today was travel day as I journeyed to Pune for a very special reunion. The primary mission was to meet my dear dadhi (grandmother), and the anticipation made the journey fly by. Arriving and finally getting to hug her was the true highlight of the trip, instantly washing away any travel fatigue. It was wonderful to finally see her and settle in for a few days of cherished time together in the Pune area.
Day 8: South Indian Feast and Movie Night
The morning started with an authentic and delicious South Indian feast! We visited Jainagar Derasar, and afterward, enjoyed a classic, energizing breakfast of fluffy idli, crispy mendu vada, and flavorful sambhhar. It was the perfect meal to set the tone for a relaxed day with family. The evening brought cozy indoor fun: a large, comforting pizza and a movie marathon, which included watching the classic Karate Kids Legends. A simple, perfect day of good food, good company, and quality time.
Day 9: Adrenaline and Devotion
We kicked off the day with some high-octane excitement at Torq03, an entertainment center where we got our adrenaline rush on the go-karting track! In the afternoon, the mood shifted to spiritual devotion as we participated in the auspicious Gnyan Pacham Vidhi. This significant Jain ritual is a time for honoring sacred knowledge and scripture. It was a beautiful way to conclude my visit to the Pune area, perfectly balancing modern thrills with deep spiritual reflection and tradition.
Day 10: Back to the UK
The adventure had to come to an end, and it was time for the final leg of the journey—heading back to the UK. It felt bittersweet to leave after ten packed days of family, culture, and fun, spanning across both Bangalore and Pune. Saying goodbye was hard, but I carried back a suitcase full of wonderful memories, from the futuristic science and resort luxury to the deep warmth of my dadhi‘s visit. Already looking forward to the next trip!