MapRoute Travel Blog
a Solo Woman Pilgrim Exploring India & the World
Intrepid solo travelling
These are the notes and stories of a solo woman pilgrim as she meanders through the world on adventures in known and unknown regions of the map. Fueled by a deep quest towards ultimate well-being, this blog includes her solo cycling trips around the world, ancient temple explorations, spiritual experiences, reflections on life, social challenges, balancing her work life and on-the-road stories.
Traditional Spirituality with Contemporary Independence
Over the years I have bridged the traditional spirituality that is ingrained deep in all of us Indians and the contemporary aspirations of an independent, modern woman who loves her solitude. I have found deep satisfaction by balancing these aspects. If you follow my blogs, I suspect you will find these different aspects merging and co-existing, each with its own elan. Thus, from calling myself a ‘solo woman traveller’, I feel more satisfied in saying ‘solo woman pilgrim’. Cause that is what all my travels and explorations are – a pilgrimage. A pilgrimage is more about how we are within ourselves rather than necessarily having an external goal of a specific temple. Though, of course, I am often meandering around temples and ashrams and ‘traditional spiritual’ spots on my journeys. 🙂
I am offering consultation services to help make your Pilgrimages (yatras) more MEANINGFUL for yourself and SUSTAINABLE for the destination! Know more here!
Solo Nomad Life
Know more about woman solo travel, living nomadic life, working remotely and other challenges.
Pilgrim Tales
Thoughts on ancient temples, yoga centers, religious festivals and spiritual truths.
Wild Roads
Stories of my intrepid solo adventures cycling, camping, hiking ….
All My Recent Blogs
Many Temples in the Mahalakshmi Kshetra of Mumbai: Swami Samarth, Swaminarayan, Hanumanji & More
Mahalakshmi Kshetra for Spiritual Sadhakas
A Travel Guide to Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, Prayagraj
Quick travel guide to the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj
5 Ways to a Powerful Isha Mahashivratri Experience
Isha Mahashivratri is one of the most viewed event across the world, but how can you make the most of it!? Here are 5 activities to help enhance your Mahashivratri experience.
History of Oswal Jains: Which Devi is Kuldevi Osiya Mata (Sachchiya Mata)?
A look into my Kuldevi, Osiya Mata or Sachchiya Mata as she is called. This is part of my series of posts on the Jain Oswal community (to which I belong)
Dwadash Madhav Temples of Prayagraj, Historic Parikrama
Veni Madhav is the nagara devta of Prayagraj city. There is a dwadash or twelve Madhav temples across the city, which is a history pilgrimage route
Mumbai’s Babulnath Shiva Temple & it’s Nath Sampradaya Connection: Raja Sundarnathji Avadhuta!
Nath Sampradaya has a deep connection with the Babulnath Shiva Temple in Mumbai. Read all about it here.
6 Places to Explore in the Pashupatinath Kshetra, More than Just a Temple!!
Pashupatinath temple kshetra will probably offer a lot more than you expect. This blog provides you a glimpse of that!
Plan Your Trip to Nakoda Jain Temple, Balotra, Rajasthan
Plan your trip to meet the Jain Bhairava forms in small Rajasthani village of Nakoda
Powerful Kaal Bhairava Spots Outside Kashi
Powerful Kaal Bhairava spots outside Kashi from Nepal to South India
Indians Traveling to Nepal: Visa, Currency, Language & Other Information
A little help for fellow Indians planning a trip to Nepal. Or for foreigners traveling to Nepal from India (with INR currency and Indian SIM etc..)
Exploring Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley as a Strict Vegetarian
Exploring Kathmandu and its neighbourhood was difficult as I am a strict Indian vegetarian. This is my journey of ensuring maximum exploration without starving AND a lot of tips for you, if you are also a vegetarian!
Impressive Nasik Road Railway Station: AC Waiting Rooms, Stays & Sleeping Pods
Calmly impressive railway station. Has some old and understated vibe coupled with many modern facilities. It was a good combo.
My 10-day Nepal Itinerary, An Intense Yatra of Katmandu Valley
My 10-day intense Nepal Yatra … here’s the itinerary to help you plan yours 🙂
My Experience with The Many Kumari or Living Goddesses of Nepal
Both the living goddesses had the same energy footprint in my experience.
Mauna (Silence) Ashrams of Surat & Nadiad on Banks of Narmada | Hari Om Mota
Mauna rooms for sadhakas from all walks of life to stay in solitude and silence
Mahakuta Group of Temples, 6th Century Chalukya Religious Space
Mahakuta, a pool of water called Vishnu pushkarni amidst heritage Shiva temples
Powerful Hanuman Spot: Anjaneya Hill, Anegundi, Hampi
Is it Hanumanji’s birthplace? Very likely. Anyway, 100% it is a powerful Hanuman spot and a great pilgrimage for all!
A Decade After Hampi, I Finally Visit Badami
Sharing my stories of exploring Badami and answering some of the common questions about this lovely heritage place in Karnataka
Which Adiyogi to Visit? Coimbatore or Bangalore (Chikkaballapur)?
Coimbatore or Bangalore – Which Adiyogi should you plan for? What is the difference?
Tripping with Narasimha, the 4th Vishnu Avatar
One fine day, I set about researching Narasimha, the 4th Vishnu Avatar and was amazed with the wide array of temples, forms and devotees!
Your Tirupati & Tirumala Balaji Trip Planner
Quick guide to your Tirupati Darshan
Arunachala Girivalam Preparation Checklist
Preparation points as you plan for your Arunachala Girivalam …
Nimbargi Sampradaya Pilgrimage Trail, Nath Tradition | Nisargadatta Maharaj Lineage
Nimbargi Maharaj –> Umadi Bhausaheb –> Siddhrameshwar –> Nisargadatta : A nath sub-path
A Quick Intro to The Nath Sampradaya
Let’s take a peek into the Nath Sampradaya…
The Transformative Maha Kumbh Mela Yatra
This eBook is an attempt to support you in planning a transformative experience in Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 taking place in Prayagraj.
I vividly recall how overwhelming it was to plan for my first Kumbh Mela visit; in fact, I skipped a couple before finally embarking on my first one. Now, after three immersive experiences at this ancient spiritual gathering, I feel well-equipped to guide you in planning a transformative trip to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
Buy for 99 INR