Explore Through Your Homes

Digital Walk - Havelis of Chandani Chowk

Yes, we all are sitting at home once again and 2022 has begun on a rather gloomy note. Is it really that dull and boring? I don’t think so. There are numerous travel restrictions being implemented once again.

Digital Walk - Discover Hoi - An ancient town

Despite all this I could easily visit and experience the beautiful ancient town of Hao In, situated in Vietnam last week. Unbelievable right? Well, I was also stunned to see those yellow-coloured houses on my laptop screen a few days back. Yes, you read it right, I visited the place virtually. The experience was named as “Discover Hoi - An ancient town” (Booking Link - https://www.airbnb.co.in/experiences/2273484)

Well, when the 1st lockdown was announced in March 2020, my disappointment levels had gone up. Travel limitations were a major factor. Back then, most of the days would be spent in cleaning and cooking along with doing the office. As usual, I was scrolling through my Instagram and came across a creative titled “A Digital Walk on Ancient Routes” The schedule spanned the course of a whole week. Initially I was bit skeptical to register for the same, but it opened my eyes to one of the most insightful walking routes. With this my journey of digital walks began.

I'm sure the shutdown spoiled Goa plans for many of you. Well, not for me though. I could explore the lovely town of Panjim by booking an experience titled “Heritage Hues of Panjim” conducted by the wonderful people at Make It Happen (Booking Link - https://makeithappen.co.in/tours/?tour_types=virtual) I had the impression that I was really going by those Goan homes and churches. Since I have physically been to Goa a lot of times earlier, I could easily relate to the stories being narrated and made an instant connection with the place.

Digital Walk - Birbhum Terracotta Trail

As for the digital walk based in rural Bengal, I felt uneasy about paying the expenses for it. To my surprise it was one of the most beautiful digital walks I had ever been on. "Birbhum Terracotta Trail" was the name of the walk. Conducted by Immersive Trails. One can easily say that they are true to their name, with their extensive use of high-quality images,3D views of the monuments and actual video recordings of the place in real time. Another amazing feature recently added by Immersive Trails is that a person can book and enjoy these digital walks as per their own convenience. One can easily rent their online experiences having unlimited access (Booking Link - https://www.immersivetrails.com/rent)

Instagram Post on Rashtrapati Bhavan Walk

Now, let's chat about a remarkable digital walk that I'll always cherish. This digital walk was based in Rashtrapati Bhavan conducted by the wonderful ladies of Enroute Indian History. The walk is known as " Rashtrapati Bhavan: Exploring Central Vista." I had booked it last minute. Generally, while attending any walks, I click photos, screenshots for online walks and post it on my Instagram account. For this virtual stroll, I used the same procedure.

My Quote in Indian Express

After a few days, I got an email from someone at Enroute Indian History saying a reporter from Indian Express would like to have your opinion on Digital Walking Tours. Before responding, I read the email at least ten times. Next thing I see is my quote being published in Indian Express. (Perhaps this is one of the reasons I wrote` this blog.) Enroute Indian History have a variety of virtual walks coming up this month (January) in and around Delhi (Booking Link - https://www.enrouteindianhistory.com)

Collage of a Mumbai Virtual Walk

Up until now, I've solely talked about online tours that take place in other cities or countries. I even attended online tours and talks of various places situated in and around Mumbai. Instead, it was via these online discussions that I learned about many cultures, customs, and ways of life. In one such online talk, I was stunned to know about the numerous forts and caves that exist in a metropolitan like Mumbai.

Most of these internet-based walking tours take place on a weekend. That too in the evening. You can even book customized online experience on Airbnb. I generally book only international online experiences on Airbnb. These walks have the benefit of being flexible in terms of attendance, but they are also pricey. They are typically priced between Rs.1500 and Rs.3000. (Booking Link for Airbnb Online Experiences - https://www.airbnb.co.in/s/experiences/online)

Some of you may be wondering what I paid for other digital walks by now.Most of the time, I try to look for free ones, but they do cost me spending a romantic evening with my husband. Poor soul, he gets fed up every now and then. In terms of cost, the paid ones begin at Rs.200 and go up to Rs.500. A few months ago, I had almost stopped attending digital walks since physical walks had started. Now with restricted movements again, I am looking forward to go on more exciting and insightful tours through the comforts of my house.