My soulful investments in year 2018-19

31st March, It is finally here!  Can you please get me revenue stamps to submit my rent receipts? But wait! have I made enough investment to save my taxes this year? I think of this and side-by-side I think of my soulful investments in the year, Have I made enough investments to meet myself when I grow old? Which Experiences and Learnings Saving Schemes (ELSS) did I invest in this year? Let’s go together and see what have I invested in?

Trust in Stranger Group of Friends Scheme (TSGFS)

My journey began in Noida last year where I for the very first time decided to go to Rishikesh with a random group of friends. Not with high expectations from an unknown group, I decided to let it loose with positive vibes I was getting from the group. The experience of watching dawn break into day on shores of Ganga with the sound of bells ringing into my ears was like my encounter with my soul.

Soon after witnessing the pious Aarti at Har ki Pauri we moved towards Rishikesh and unveiling not so secretive camping life of Rishikesh with guitar by the riverside was definitely a pleasant and much needed one to relax myself from my newly changed 9-6 work life.

Know how of Experiential Living Scheme ( KHELS)

While I have heard of many experiential activities, witnessing the Experiential living Project (MudHouse Hostels) by @knowntales in Tirthan Valley left me awestruck that how big or large a place is when like minded people come together less becomes more, they co-create and build beautiful memories which is the maximum return on investment you could get anywhere.

This scheme also has a benefit of landing you up in an isolated yet very beautiful place called ‘Bahu’ where you can easily meet herds of sheep grazing among sky touching trees.

Luxurious lifestyle guided by Birds Scheme (LLGBS)

Guided to stay in beautiful Club Mahindra resort Binsar Valley for a love of waking up to birdsong amidst the mountains, riding through the winding roads, passing by the woods in the Wildlife Sanctuary to listen to Himalayan Whistling Thrush. The experience of walking through oaks and pines to settle on top of the cliff for the charming sun set into the Himalayas is definitely something not to be missed.

Modern – Archaic Dream Scheme (MADS)

A low risk high return scheme leading to unveil the history when archaic Indian temples were more forward approached than today’s modern view. Khajuraho is a must to invest in experience to time travel in its seeped history. 20 kms from Khajuraho meeting the Granite, Dolomite and Canyons at Raneh falls going through the series of waterfalls calming you nearing the end of the day is an experience of lifetime.

Orccha, like a small little known chapter in Bundelkhandi land from the history text book with a warm hospitality and surprisingly taking a corner of my heart.

Culture Rich Kashmir & Kerala SIP

Started investing this year, I am looking to invest in this SIP for atleast 5 years to get the true taste of Paradise and God’s own country. Each degree is worth watching and drenching yourself into the spirits of heaven. The hospitality of Kashmir and the comfort in the streets of Cochin, The soothing backwaters of Alappuzha or the pristine natural beauty of the pir panjal range. Every moment here is worth investing in. Surround yourself by the azure  waters of the ocean at every step in Trivandrum or find yourself mesmerized by the white waters in Doodhpatri, Srinagar.

Indigenous Confluence of Traditions, Music and Nature Fixed Deposit (ICTMNFD)

Walk through the golden brown paddy fields in the Ziro Valley and sitting by the granaries, while you let cold breeze with husky fragrance sway by you. Ziro is the best place to understand the calling of Apatanis tribe to preserve their unique culture unveiling their love to host people from all continents. The valley hosts Ziro Music Festival every year in September with performances and interaction with bands from all across the country and few overseas. Investment in the festival gives you an opportunity to make new friends and get high on the cheap beer produced in almost every house in the valley.

If you are a party lover, party and after-party are a double return on investment for you.

Exploring Self Wisdom Scheme

A ten day Vipassana retreat has happened to be the best investment of the year, calming my mind off all the conditioning. Completely unaware of the idea, 10 days silence gifted an art of learning to see things as they are. For once in my 25 years, I paid special attention to my being and confronted with my own unedited version. The course taught me to enjoy my own being, learning to be aware and equanimous. The retreat gave me a chance to admire the activities of nature religiously and acknowledge the changing patterns.

Reminiscing Royal Rajasthani Bond

Experiencing the brown royalty of palaces, three strangers turned friends ended up in the blue hue streets. The smile on each woman’s face from the roof of the house and kids on the street as we walked towards Pachetiya Hills to witness the sun set in the blue houses was the best takeaway from the city of Jodhpur.

Driving our way on to Jaisalmer to wake up in the desert and opening our eyes to the Thar Desert proved to be an infinite experience. Waving by the  windmills and reaching the city dwelling inside the fort, driving right next to Indo-Pak border unfurled many unsurprised realities of the country right from history to present.

My investments were not planned, but Yes! I am happy that the beautiful landscapes, snow-capped mountains, sea of sand, different shades of blues happened. Most importantly people who helped me on my journeys, who welcomed warmly, people who smiled, waved, criticised and people who became friends.

Travel has shaped me in different ways. From last few years I have been travelling to quench my thirst, penning down my thoughts and experiences here and there, and here I am today welcoming you on my personal blog ‘Trippingfeet’

I would love to know about your soulful investments of the year. Drop a comment to share your experience.