Cochin - I will lose everything for you

April 30, 2024 — I boarded a 7:00 AM flight to Cochin for what would become my very first solo trip. Maybe you’ve done crazier trips, gone farther, or done more. But for me, those three days and three nights were nothing short of euphoric—possibly the most freeing, soul-filling experience in my 22 years of existence. It holds a different kind of magic, because it was my first. No fear, no second thoughts. I knew where I wanted to be, what I wanted to feel, and somehow, I let myself live exactly that. Maybe this blog is more of a virtual diary, but five years from now, if I ever look back—I want to remember just how special this one truly was.

Once there, i found how much i love this

I’ve always been a big believer in doing things solo. From the time I was 18 or 19, I’d tell my friends — go sit at a café for an entire day, catch a movie alone, take yourself to the beach, just exist with yourself for a while. I’ve done it all. Being alone never scared me. In fact, it grounded me. So when I finally booked my first solo trip, it didn’t feel like a leap — it felt like a return to something I’d always known.

Why Cochin?

Simple. Kumbalangi Nights.

My all-time favourite film. My number one, and I’ll scream that from the rooftops if I have to. Ever since I watched it, there was this silent pull toward that place — the backwaters, the mood, the stillness, the blue of it all. I had a little checklist in my head, small moments I wanted to live out in that space — and I did exactly that.

As luck would have it, something called Kavaru — a blue bioluminescent bloom — was happening at the same time. That felt like the final nudge. I remember thinking, “If not now, then when?” I was also in a space of quiet vulnerability back then, and I desperately needed something fresh — something that reminded me I’m still alive, still capable of wonder.

So, one fine day, I just booked everything and went.

DAY 1

A Day in Fort Kochi — The Solo I Needed

I landed around 9:00 AM, heart full, and the first thing I did was book a cab to Fort Kochi. And honestly? That’s where it all started. My cab driver was the sweetest—like he instantly became part of the story. He was so pumped that I was on a solo trip. I told him straight up that my parents had no clue I was here and that I came all the way just for Kumbalangi. He was shocked in the best way—kept calling it a movie scene.

I checked into my stay, rented a scooter for the next three days, and decided to just drift around Fort Kochi that day. And god, those lanes? Those small, artsy cafes that felt like they had a story in every corner? Uff. It felt fresh, like I was stepping into a version of life I had only seen in my dreams.

What surprised me most was learning I had to take a ferry to get to the other side of Kochi. I didn’t plan for it—it just happened. And there was something beautiful about it. Everyone was just… waiting patiently, no rush, no honks, just life happening slowly. I stood there, just soaking it all in like some wide-eyed kid.

Later, I took the scooter and rode all the way to Kuzhuppilly Beach. And there’s this stretch of road that I still think about—it has backwaters on one side and the beach on the other. I’ve seen prettier places maybe, but that ride? Just me, no music, no one calling, wind on my face… it healed something. Then that day it was raining and i was sitting in the balcony of my airbnb and i had everything feeling that day, that was my whole moment!

DAY 2 - KUMBALANGI - NEENDAKARA - ALLAPUZHA

May 1st, 2024 – The Day That Saved Me

Started the day early, heart full of excitement. I was finally going to write about this one day that meant everything. Kumbalangi — I was there. Just roaming, parking my scooter wherever it felt cinematic, smiling at the backwaters, talking to strangers like I was some extrovert. Football murals everywhere. I didn’t know how to get into the waters, so I just asked this random uncle in a street. He said “Come, I’ll take you” — no hesitation, no money. And I trusted him. Parked my scooter, and for two hours, I was lost in that world.

Can’t explain it. It was that good.

Then came Alleppey — 55 km ride alone. I was so exhausted I crashed in a CCD for an hour. But I pushed myself to go. Reached at 4:00 PM… and I didn’t know then that this day would change me. I mean it. The kind of day you hold close when life gets too loud. I still watch those videos from 4 to 7 PM — May 1st — whenever I feel low.

Booked a random kayak session. Didn’t know it’d become my turning point. The sky changed from blue to orange to this deep violet, and I was just there—solo girl among a group of silent boys—floating through silence, color, and peace.

If I ever had a reason to travel… that day reminded me of it.

He was Mr. Ranjith, who took me in his boat

I was there!

DAY 3 - Athirappilly Water Falls

Just Like That, It All Made Sense – Athirappilly, Sunsets & Side Lowers

I’m a sucker for waterfalls. Like, hardcore. Wherever I go, my itinerary needs one — no questions asked. So even though I was exhausted from the previous day’s 100km ride to Alleppey, 3-hour kayak session, and a soul-hitting sunset, I still got up the next day (half-minded, not gonna lie) and left for Athirappilly. Another 75 km. Through forests. Alone.

And honestly? My best ride ever.

Riding through those empty forest roads, no music, no chaos — just wind and trees — something just clicked. Sitting there near the falls, I felt it… this was exactly how I planned it, and this was exactly what I needed. Everything made sense.

By 3 PM, I was back at my room. Rested for a bit and thought, “One last thing.” So I hit Fort Kochi beach again. Because if you’re anywhere near the Western Ghats, your evening has to be with the sea. From 6 to 7:30 PM, I just watched the sky turn from deep blue to orange to this wild pink and finally to soft violet. That one sunset? It’s still my lock screen wallpaper. It’s that special.

And the universe? It didn’t stop there. My train was RAC (last-minute bookings, as always), but guess what? I got a side lower. Perfect end to the perfect trip.

It’s been a year now. And I’ve taken a few more trips since then. But that one solo ride, that mad decision to go all out — that’s the one I’ll always hold close. Maybe because it was the beginning of something I’ve always dreamed of — being adventurous, being a little wild, being… Bunny.

This one's really special. A core memory kind of special.

To travel, to write, to create — it's always been more than just a hobby.

It’s a moment, a feeling, a version of myself I always want to hold onto.

And if this little piece of mine made you feel something, even a tiny bit — then that’s everything.