Ishabil.com

Traveling as a family of five is always an adventure, but choosing to rely entirely on public transport adds a whole new layer of excitement to the journey. I am Ikbal, and along with my wife Sabeera and our wonderful kids—Isha, Shabil, and our little one, Ishwa—we set out on a memorable trip to the royal city of Mysuru. We decided to ditch the private car and experience the changing landscapes through the wide windows of the KSRTC buses. Here on Ishabil.com, I am thrilled to share the complete story of our journey, from the misty hairpin bends of Wayanad to the glowing lights of Mysuru Palace.

Sometimes, the best journeys are the ones that aren't perfectly planned. A solo trip fueled by the desire to experience a new train, reunite with old friends, and wander through the historic streets of Kochi. This solo trip was not strictly planned out with an itinerary. Instead, it was driven by two main purposes: to experience a journey on the brand-new Vande Bharat Express train, and to meet up with some dear old friends in Alappuzha, followed by a short, spontaneous exploration of Kochi. For someone who deeply appreciates the rhythm of different public transit systems, this two-day adventure turned into the ultimate joyride. The journey started early in the morning. My cousin Muthu generously dropped me off at Othukkungal on his bike, from where I caught a local bus to Tirur. The morning air was fresh, and the anticipation of the train ride ahead kept me wide awake.