Embarking on the Enchanting Journey to Harrai
Rolling through the verdant countryside on a rattling local train (always my choice over a rushed flight), I found myself heading towards the serene town of Harrai. Nestled in the lap of Central India, it’s a lesser-known gem that lacks the typical tourist polish but offers an authenticity that’s hard to come by.
An Unexpected Encounter at Attraction Zero
Following the thrum of the community life, I landed at my first destination: “Attraction Zero.” An unusual name for an unusual site – a magnificent, century-old Banyan tree standing proudly as the town’s unassuming cultural hub.
Now, I’ve often said I’m a reluctant magnet for local adventure, and here – under the sprawling branches of this colossal tree – it proved true again! A local game of Kabaddi was in full swing, and before I knew it, I was roped in. Despite tripping over my own feet and being marked the unofficial ‘worst player of the day,’ the shared laughter and camaraderie glued me to Harrai’s soul in a way no flashy tourist attraction could.
The Flavours of Harrai at Baba Chicken Shop
Post a laughter-infused (read: losing) Kabaddi game, I was famished. Guided by friendly locals, I ended up at ‘Baba Chicken Shop’ on the Chhindwara road. With its simple setting and an intoxicating aroma wafting through, this place embodied Harrai’s spirit – humble yet brimming with heart.
For someone with a palate that prefers sushi and Irish stew, the fiery but flavourful Chicken Tikka was surely a stretch. But sitting there, amidst warm smiles, clucking chickens, and sincere food preparation, I found comfort in the spice-infused smoke filling the air and the earthy flavours bursting on my tongue.
A Moment of Quiet Reflection
The next morning, I sat at Attraction Zero, tracing the gnarled tree trunk with my travel-worn fingers and sketching its powerful image. Pitted against its centuries-old presence, I felt fleeting, transient. This humble town, with its roots sinking deep into the culture and community, made me ponder my own nomadic lifestyle.
True to my penchant for painting, I captured the age-old Banyan on my iPad in watercolours, its every nook whispered tales of time. In the colour strokes absorbing into the digital canvas, my heart absorbed an indelible reminder: no matter how far and wide we wander, what’s cherished is community, connections and shared stories.
Leaving Harrai, and Its Mark On Me
As I boarded the train back home, my usually cluttered mind was uncharacteristically calm. Harrai, with its earthy terrain, nutrient-rich culture, and heartwarming residents, had thrown me into a whirl of trials – from Kabaddi games to spicy gastronomy – and doused me in warmth.
What I will say to fellow travellers considering Harrai: travel there not with your must-see list, but with open eyes and hearts. Time seems to hold its breath here, offering deep, undisturbed engagement with the people and place.
Even as the walls of my flat welcome me back, I feel a piece of my heart beating back in Harrai. A quirky coffee mug from Baba’s shop is now a part of my ever-growing collection, a symbol of a newfound understanding that’s trickier to articulate – rooted in a giant Banyan tree and sketched into watercolour memories.