A Journey That Changed Our Perspective
Hi, I'm Natasja from the Netherlands. My husband Karel and I have travelled through many countries on motorcycles, but India was always the destination we kept postponing. We had heard so many different opinions that we simply didn't know what to believe.
When we contacted GoPlanOut, they asked us a simple question: "What kind of trip do you want to remember?"
Instead of suggesting the usual Golden Triangle, they recommended beginning our adventure in Northeast India. That single decision completely changed our journey.
Riding Through the India We Never Expected
We flew into Guwahati, explored Kaziranga National Park, and then picked up a Royal Enfield to ride through Shillong and Meghalaya. Riding through misty mountain roads, visiting waterfalls, exploring the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, and stopping for tea in small villages became some of our favourite memories.
The freedom of travelling by motorcycle allowed us to experience India at our own pace. Every day felt different, and every conversation with local people reminded us how welcoming everyone was.
One unexpected moment happened when I suddenly got my period during our trip and realised I hadn't packed enough tampons. I mentioned it to our local buddy, who helped me order everything through a quick-commerce delivery app. Within minutes, it arrived at our homestay. It was such a simple moment, but it completely changed my perception of modern India.
One Country, Countless Experiences
Our journey continued to Varanasi, where we watched the sunrise over the Ganges, before travelling to Agra and Delhi. Standing in front of the Taj Mahal was just as magical as we'd imagined.
Rajasthan introduced us to magnificent forts, colourful streets, and unforgettable wildlife safaris, while Kerala slowed everything down with tea plantations, backwaters, and peaceful beaches. We finished our adventure in Goa and Mumbai, realising that every state felt like a completely different country.
What India Taught Me
When we arrived, I carried a mind full of assumptions.
When we left, I carried a heart full of memories.
India surprised me in every possible way. It wasn't just the mountains, wildlife, heritage, or beautiful landscapes that stayed with me—it was the kindness of the people, the freedom of riding through places we'd never heard of before, and the countless little moments that no guidebook could ever prepare us for.
If there's one thing I'd tell anyone thinking about visiting India, it's this:
Don't let someone else's opinion become your experience. Come and discover your own story.
