Hii, I’m Ahmed, a 23-year-old IT professional who hails from the enchanting town of Dandeli in Karnataka. I’ve journeyed through life, completing my engineering degree in Belgaum and now working full-time in the IT industry while also juggling freelance work.
However, there’s another facet of my life that fills me with boundless enthusiasm – my love for travel and exploration.
Discovering My Roots in Dandeli
My love for travel didn’t start in my engineering days, but rather way back during my pre-university college years, around five years ago. Dandeli, the very name evokes images of pristine natural beauty and unspoiled wilderness.
Nestled in the heart of Karnataka, this enchanting town is a treasure trove of natural wonders waiting to be discovered. With its lush green forests that stretch as far as the eye can see, Dandeli is a sanctuary for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty, set the stage for my early exploration.
It’s a town with over four schools, including St. Michael Convent High School, Janata Vidyalaya, Rotary School, Anglo Urdu High School, Dfa Township, Morarji Desai School, and more.
My academic journey took me from St. Michael Convent High School through to my 10th grade and then to Bangurnagar Junior College for my PUC.
Bonds Forged in PUC, Dandeli
It was at Bangurnagar Junior College that my world expanded. I met a diverse group of friends, including Darshan, Shoaib, Abdul, Harsh, Arif, George, and many others.
Despite coming from different schools, our shared pursuit of higher education brought us together. These friends became my comrades in adventure, introducing me to the hidden wonders of Dandeli and its surroundings.
A New Chapter: Belgaum
After completing my PUC, my friends and I went our separate ways. I set off to Belgaum to pursue my engineering degree, while some of my companions ventured to other destinations for their higher education.
However, fate had something special in store for me. In Belgaum, I met kindred spirits among my engineering peers – individuals like Aditya V B, Aniket Patil, Aditya Chavaj, Aniket Hosamani, Rutwik, and more.
These were friends who shared my passion for travel, a love for the mountains, and a desire to experience the serenity of remote places.
The Adventurous Turning Point
Our collective travel journey truly took flight during our third year of engineering. At that point, the routine of academic life had grown stale, and we yearned for fresh experiences.
It was in that moment that we decided to break from tradition and embark on a series of adventures. Belgaum, surrounded by some of India’s most splendid waterfalls, became our playground. We explored waterfalls not only in Karnataka but also in Maharashtra and Goa.
The Price of Adventure
While I treasure these memories, I’m aware that my parents might not have shared the same enthusiasm when they learned that I occasionally skipped classes to travel with my friends. Yet, the adventures we experienced were irreplaceable and taught us the value of living in the moment.
Belgaum Chronicles
In Belgaum, we made the most of our time beyond studies. We ventured to the summit of the mountain that loomed behind our college not just once but four times. It’s the second ascent, during the rainy season, that stands out in our memories.
The mountain was shrouded in fog, rain poured relentlessly, and we trudged through the mud. Our pristine white shoes transformed into splotchy black, but we persevered. At the peak, my friend Aditya VB bought a thermos of steaming hot tea, which we savored in the midst of the cold rain. It was a moment of pure bliss.
Exploring Beyond Dandeli and Belgaum
Afterward, our travels led us to Maharashtra, where we marveled at the beauty of waterfalls such as Baba Falls, Chikale, Jamboti, and many more.
The Ultimate Dream: Goa
And then came the day when we collectively decided to embark on a 2-3 day trip to every young traveler’s dream destination – Goa. Our journey commenced in Belgaum, with a bus scheduled for 11:30 AM to Panaji, North Goa, where we planned to explore. However, the 11:30 bus was overcrowded, leaving us without seats. We waited for the next bus, which arrived an hour late, only to encounter a similar situation. The cycle continued until 1 AM when we finally secured a bus to Panaji.
Goa Unveiled
Our Goa adventure was unforgettable. We explored iconic places like Calangute Beach, Baga Beach, Vagator Beach, and even dipped our toes into underwater adventures.
We also had our share of humorous encounters with the law when we were fined a thousand rupees for not wearing helmets. These moments were filled with laughter and camaraderie.
A New Chapter
After completing my seventh semester, I embarked on a new adventure – a campus selection in one of the IT companies. Unfortunately, my training commitments kept me from joining my friends on their travels. However, they patiently waited for my return to Belgaum to plan their next escapade.
Conclusion – Sharing My Travel Tales
With a treasure trove of travel memories, I’m excited to share my stories with you. Through my experiences, I hope to inspire your own adventures. I’ll also take you on virtual journeys to the places I visit, so you can experience the thrill of exploration alongside me.
Join me as I venture through Dandeli and beyond, discovering the hidden treasures and cherished moments that await.
Stay tuned for more stories, and remember, life’s greatest moments often occur when we choose to wander off the beaten path.
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