Some of the best trips in life aren’t planned — they just happen.
It was a regular summer afternoon in June 2025. My Indian colleague and I were at work in Kuwait, trying to escape the heat and monotony when, out of nowhere, we started talking about his home country — India.
That simple chat somehow lit a spark. Maybe it was the looming change in Kuwait’s travel policy that gave me an extra push.
You see, starting in July, anyone traveling outside Kuwait would need to secure an exit permit from their employer — something we didn’t have to deal with before. It made me realize: if I wanted a quick trip, now was the time.
So I said: Why not? Let’s go.
The Hesitation, the Visa, and a Twist of Fate
My friend seemed interested, though I caught a hint of hesitation in his eyes. A recent plane crash in India had shaken him, and I understood the fear. But I told him, “Whatever happens, happens. We need to enjoy life. Let destiny decide.”
That night, I applied online for an Indian tourist visa. Two days later — boom — approved. We immediately booked our flights to New Delhi.
But just as we were packing, tension erupted in the Middle East. Iran attacked a U.S. base in Qatar, and suddenly the airspace over Kuwait and the GCC closed. We were supposed to fly out the next morning.
While on our night shift, I canceled our flights out of frustration. But for some reason, the cancellation didn’t go through. The system said it could take up to 48 hours. I kept checking… and oddly, the flight status remained active.
At 3 AM, just hours before departure, news broke: airspace reopened. I checked again — our flight was still good. I quickly woke my friend from his nap and said, “Plans changed. We’re going.” No time to second-guess. After our shift, we headed straight to the airport.
Kuwait to Delhi: Onward Through Dust and Doubt
That morning, Kuwait felt strangely quiet. Dusty skies and strong winds set the mood, but the airport seemed normal. No signs of panic, no disruptions.
Our flight left on time with a short layover in Bahrain, then continued to Delhi, where we landed around 9 PM. Immigration and procedures were smooth.
The moment I stepped outside, I was hit by intense humidity and heat. A typical Indian summer welcome.
First Night in Delhi
My friend negotiated with a driver to take us to our hostel in New Delhi — and also to Agra the next day to see the Taj Mahal. We were starving by the time we checked in, so we ordered butter chicken (for me) and a vegetarian meal (for my friend). Delivered to our room. Just what we needed.
Agra Bound: Early Start, Dreamlike Views
We barely slept. By 4 AM, we were on the road to Agra, which is 3–4 hours away from Delhi. Even that early, the humidity was heavy — I was drenched in sweat just walking to the car.
As the sun rose, the view from the window was surreal. Fog and morning mist made the fields look like scenes from a dream.
Driving in India was an adventure in itself. Counterflowing, nonstop honking — it’s chaotic, but somehow it works.
The Taj Mahal: Worth Every Mile
We reached the Taj Mahal just before 7:30 AM. We had to switch drivers (his friend took over), and then we stored our backpacks at the locker area since bags aren’t allowed inside.
Walking toward the gates, the excitement grew. My friend looked just as thrilled.
When we finally stepped into the complex and saw the Taj Mahal in full view, I was speechless. Majestic. Breathtaking. No photo ever does it justice.
Locals offered to take professional pictures, but unless you’re into that, a polite “no” works fine.
We stayed for around three hours, just soaking it in — the architecture, the people, the atmosphere. We skipped going inside the mausoleum since the heat was intense and we were getting hungry.
Agra Fort and Mathura
We found a restaurant nearby for a quick breakfast before heading to Agra Fort. We didn’t go inside — just took some pictures and selfies.
Next stop: Mathura, a sacred city for Hindus and a dream destination for my friend. His eyes lit up as we explored the holy site. Filming and photos weren’t allowed inside, but the experience was deeply meaningful for him — and for me as a guest in his culture.
Back to Kuwait: Mission Accomplished
By evening, we were already on our way back to the airport. Our return flight was scheduled before midnight. We were tired, sweaty, a little sunburned — but so fulfilled.
India became another country added to my travel list, and this time, it was one I got to experience with a friend who calls it home.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t a trip that took weeks of planning. It was born out of a random conversation, a looming policy change, and a few brave “why nots.”
It reminded me that sometimes, life gives you a very small window — and you just have to jump through it before it closes.
Spontaneity makes the best stories.
And this one? I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.
thenightingaleexplorer 