Top 3 Dream Destinations from My Bucket List

Travelling is a form of therapy that offers me a sense of peace and tranquility that no other activity can match. Moreover, travelling is an unparalleled teacher, imparting wisdom that no classroom can ever replicate. Whether it’s the meticulous pre-travel planning, the journey itself, or exploring the destination, each expedition teaches invaluable lessons.  

I admit that I have quite an extensive bucket list. In that sense, I feel my travelling bucket has a bottomless pit. However, I would like to share the top 3 destinations that are special for me and my family that tug at our heart and soul.

Let me take you on a dreamy journey to these 3 places and share some mind-blowing facts on why they have a special place in my list.

A Spiritual Odyssey to Kailash Mansarovar

I desire to embark on a spiritual sojourn to the sacred Kailash Mansarovar and immerse myself in the serenity, piety, and bliss that the place offers.

Religious Significance

The staggering, 30-million-year-old, Kailash Range is considered to be the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati as per the Hindu mythology.

If legends are to be believed, the freshwater lake, Mansarovar, at Mount Kailash serves as a bathing place for Gods during the Brahma Muhurta.

The lake is believed to be first created in the mind of Lord Brahma, hence the name, Mansarovar which is composed of the 2 words- Manas (mind) and Sarovar (lake).

Geographical Significance

Mount Kailash is located in western Tibet Prefecture, almost 50 kilometers to the northwest of Nepal and 100 kilometers east of Uttarakhand. It is considered as the axis of the Universe and the energy center of the Earth.

Now let me share some enigmatic facts that pique my curiosity about the place:

1. The time at Kailash Mansarovar seems to run at a different pace. Many pilgrims have experienced a faster ageing process evident through the accelerated growth rate of nails and hair. Many Yogis in spiritual slumber on the mountain seem to transcend time and age.
2. The 4 faced shape of the mountain is unique and mysterious. Each side of the mountain has its own relevance and is hollow from the inside.
3. No human, not even the most skilled mountaineers, has ever been able to conquer the summit of the mountain. And now climbing the mountain is prohibited owing to its sanctity.
4. Near Mount Kailash lies 2 adjacent lakes namely Mansarovar and Rakshas Tal. The freshwater Mansarovar lake harbours magnificent swans and a peaceful atmosphere while the saline lake Rakshas Tal always stays stormy.

Personal Reflection

I wonder how one can miss such a spiritually enigmatic place which is believed to be a heaven close to the earth. The place is considered sacred not only by the Hindus but also by Jains and Buddhists.

My childlike imagination often leads me to the snow-clad mountains hoping to meet Shiv Parivar happily residing there just like we see in mythological serials.

The spiritual significance and the mysteries surrounding it make it the number one destination on my bucket list.

A Symphony of Lights and Universe in Norway

The breathtaking play of the northern lights illuminated against the dark Norwegian sky is a sight I wish to witness once in this lifetime.

The mysteries of space and nature have always fascinated me and Aurora Borealis is one such experience that I want to witness unfolding before my eyes.

Aurora – A Scientific Marvel

An aurora, commonly known as the northern lights (aurora borealis) is a display of bright natural light in the Arctic sky. The sky transforms into a mesmerizing canvas on which the aurora display appears as bright strokes in dynamic patterns.

The light displays are the result of solar wind that causes disturbances in the magnetosphere. The particles from the solar wind interact with the gasses of our atmosphere to give off brilliant colors. Oxygen gives off green and red light while Nitrogen emits blue and purple.

It definitely sounds like a magical performance in the night sky!

Another compelling reason to visit Norway is the opportunity to observe the Milky Way Galaxy as clearly as possible. We are but a tiny part in the grand scheme of the Universe.

Of so many galaxies, the Milky Way is known to harbor life on planet Earth. I feel insignificant while looking at such a broad picture but at the same time, I also feel grateful for the fact that we humans, such fine creations exist in this lonely universe. Maybe we are not that insignificant after all.

But are we really alone????

The Northern Norwegian coast and the Lapland regions provide the perfect backdrop for pondering this question while enjoying the aurora and Milky Way views – definitely a feast for the eyes.

A Desert Carnival at Rann of Kutch

My next stop would be at the Rann of Kutch in Gujrat to witness the vibrant and enigmatic Rann Utsav.

The Rann Utsav, usually celebrated from November to February every year, offers a carnival of music, dance, and enchanting beauty of the White Rann desert.

The place caught my attention when I heard that on a full moon day, the vast expanse of the white desert shimmers like diamonds with inner fire.

Since then, I can’t stop imagining myself living in one of the beautiful tents in the desert waiting for the moon to appear in a star-studded sky and illuminating the desert beneath me.

Isn’t it magical?

The festival has more to offer like the vibrancy of Gujarat culture celebrated through the plethora of hues, creative art and craft, cornucopia of music and dance, and ecological diversity.

Location

The celebratory festival begins in Bhuj city and then travels around the district before returning to Bhuj for the concluding ceremony.

I wish to enjoy the cultural extravaganza and the natural wonders of the White desert with a camel ride on the shimmering desert, folk music and dance, delectable Gujarati cuisine, and definitely spend my day shopping at the vibrant and unique Rann Utsav.

Conclusion

The bucket list destinations reflect my pursuit of not just places but the experiences that enrich the body, mind, and soul. Each destination offers a unique blend of spirituality, historical significance, nature’s wonder, and adventure.

I wish to find wisdom and write heart touching travel stories along the way as I tick off the places from my travel bucket list.

PS: This post is a part of Blogchatter Blog Hop