India: the land of ancient temples, divine blessings, and… mischievous monkeys with a taste for eyewear? As an NRI who recently returned to India, I wanted to do more than just reconnect with my roots—I wanted to experience them. So, I packed my bags, hopped into my car, and set off on a soul-stirring spiritual odyssey across North India. What followed was a journey filled with unexpected moments, deep realizations, and a fair share of laughs. 

A Road Trip Like No Other

Driving from Jaipur to Agra, Mathura, Vrindavan, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya, I felt like I was reliving history. The roads were smooth—almost like cruising from Tampa to Miami, except here, you dodge cows and creatively interpret traffic laws. It was my first road trip since moving back, and let me tell you, India’s highways have transformed, though some drivers still believe lane discipline is optional.

The VIP NRI Privilege (and a Reality Check)

One thing I quickly learned is that being an NRI has its perks. Flashing my passport at temples meant skipping long lines and walking straight into the sanctum. While thousands of devotees stood for hours in the scorching sun, I breezed through. Convenient? Yes. Fair? Not so sure. 

But my visit to Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura was something else entirely. Seeing a mosque atop the sacred temple site hit me hard. And when I realized the door through which Vasudeva carried baby Krishna is now inaccessible, it left me conflicted. Religious harmony is something we all talk about, but seeing the unresolved past still standing before me was sobering. 

Monkeys, Glasses, and Divine Signs

Spiritual enlightenment was one thing—I wasn’t prepared for a full-blown monkey heist. In Vrindavan, a monkey snatched my eyeglasses, looked me dead in the eye, and refused to return them until I offered a bribe. I had no choice but to trade a fruit drink to get my glasses back. Rather than getting annoyed, I laughed—it felt like Lord Hanuman himself was reminding me to stay humble.

Mahakumbh’s Holy Dip – Spiritual or Superfast?

No religious trip is complete without a holy dip at Triveni Sangam. Amid the convergence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, I took a plunge, reflecting on the power of faith. But in true NRI style, I made sure my dip was quick, clean, and efficient—in and out before the crowds even noticed. It was surreal, reminding me how India is a land of devotion where time moves at its own pace.

Ayodhya Nostalgia and Political Miracles

Arriving in Ayodhya, I was greeted by a massive portrait of Ashok Ji Singhal, the man behind the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. It transported me back to childhood memories of my father’s first Kar Seva. Standing there, I realized how generations of faith and perseverance have shaped India. And just as I was processing this, news broke that BJP had secured a massive victory in the New Delhi elections. It was a fitting end to a journey that blended spirituality with India’s ever-changing landscape. 

Why Every NRI Should Take a Religious Road Trip to India

If you think religious travel is just about standing in queues and reciting prayers, think again. It’s an adventure—a mix of faith, self-reflection, and a few unexpected plot twists. Whether it’s witnessing thousands waiting for darshan, being outwitted by a Vrindavan monkey, or feeling the energy of a holy dip, this journey will leave you changed.

So to my fellow NRIs: pack your bags, rent a car, and hit India’s spiritual highways! Who knows? You might just find enlightenment—or at the very least, a monkey who wants your sunglasses.

All good things happen in life—this could be your next great adventure!

You may find more of my pictures on my Instagram channel.

Travelogue hinduism india mahakumbh nri travel prayagraj spirituality temples travel