Travel isn’t just about the places we visit—it’s about the people we travel with. This Father's Day, we asked our staff to look back and share experiences of travelling with their fathers or children. The responses we got were brimming with deep emotion, nostalgia, and warmth. These tales remind us that the most significant memories sometimes arise from shared footsteps and silent understanding, from calm train rides to snow-covered mountain routes and spiritual pilgrimages. Here are five stories that touched our hearts.

Father & Son’s Journey to Varanasi – A Pilgrimage 

My father took me on a journey I didn't completely comprehend at the time—a trip to Varanasi, the oldest city in India and one he called "the place where time breathes" when I turned fifteen.

Early in the morning we got on the train from Delhi. I watched the city whiz by the window as it left the station. Calm as ever, my father opened two chai thermos and quietly smiling offered me one.

He remarked, "This is a pilgrimage for us both, not a vacation."

I nodded not certain what he meant. My father was not a very sentimental man. Normally, his statements were those of a government employee discipline and silence. This time, though, something felt different.

Over 12 hours, the train journey was lengthy and abounded with chai sellers, folk musicians, and even a group of sadhus who gave blessings in trade of money. Asking strangers about their reasons for travel, my father started talking to them. Half asleep, I listened; yet his voice and the train's cadence felt comforting.

The ghats stand out under the setting sun as we got to Varanasi. Barefoot we strolled along the tiny alleys, the air was heavy with temple bell sounds and incense. That evening we saw the Ganga Aarti from the steps of Dashashwamedh Ghat. My father eventually spoke as lights floated down the river.

“This is where I came when my father passed,” he said gently. “And where I came to see life doesn't end—it transforms.”

His words struck me deeply. Though we had done all the rites at home, I had never witnessed my father grieve since my grandfather had passed away the year before. He had kept calm—until now.

We went aboard a boat ride along the Ganges the following morning. My father presented me with a tiny copper kalash overflowing with rice and flowers.

“Make one wish. Give it to the river," he instructed.

I closed my eyes and thought about my grandpa, school pressure, and childhood. After then I let it flow away. The current took it gently, like a secret being carried to the heart of something ancient.

That vacation changed my opinions about my father. Not only as the head of our family but also as a man bearing tales, suffering, and quiet power.
Even now, as I sip chai or hear temple bells, I reflect on that trip—of the train, the river, and the moment my father permitted me to see the depth of his soul.

-  Vishwajeet Jha, Training Team

A Father- Daughter Trip to Ujjain 

Travelling and exploring new countries have always been something I have loved. Exploring new places, seeing many civilizations, and making lifelong memories—it's something I have always been driven by. But as I reflect, I see this obsession didn't only emerge from me. It runs in my father's lineage.

His solitary journey to Nepal is one of his stories I will always remember. This was from a time before smartphones, Google Maps, or internet financial transaction applications. Without great knowledge, he visited another country and handled everything alone. That was really motivating for me: the bravery, the self-reliance, and the independence he must have felt on that journey. I want to experience that too.

But over time I watched my father grow more engaged in his fatherly responsibilities. The thought of travelling appeared to vanish as he concentrated on supporting the family and managing everything. That's when I thought: there is no ideal moment to go. Though we all feel we will wait for the perfect moment, when we have more money, fewer obligations, or more time. Life, meanwhile, does not wait. You believe you have all the time in the world, but before you know it you are involved in studies, work, family, and child-rearing.

That is the moment I concluded that the time to travel is now. Waiting for the ideal opportunity could never come. Thus, I vowed to myself to travel more, not only on my own but also with my father. I intended to take him places he never had the opportunity to visit, but he always desired to.

Finally, last year, I honoured that pledge. During our five-day road trip, we visited two of the 12 Jyotirlingas: Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar in Ujjain. On the road, we also saw some magnificent locations in Madhya Pradesh, including Indore, Bhopal, and Jabalpur. The way he snapped photos and recorded videos of me, capturing moments without my even noticing it, struck me most during the vacation. He was essentially capturing my happiness, just as I was capturing his. It was more than simply a vacation; rather, it was about spending time together, remembering previous experiences, and making new ones.

Following this trip, I now want to explore, other locations with my father, more. I still wish to visit many amazing sites in India with him; one day I want to go on an overseas journey to explore new places as well.

What I have come to realize is that travel is more about the experiences you share and the memories you make than the places you see. Though money may be earned again, the moments with our loved ones are irreplaceable. So, this Father's Day, I urge you to travel either with your father or with your children. Set up those situations you will always remember.

-  Amrita Parihar, IT Department

A Childhood Memory: Mayodia Pass with My Father

I was in Class 3—a ball of energy bundled in a red sweater and woollen gloves that were two sizes too big for my hands. This was my very first visit to the snow, and Daddy had vowed to give me an experience like no other. We were going to Mayodia Pass, set in the Eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh. 

We started our journey early in the morning climbing the twisting roads of Lower Dibang Valley was magical. I recall putting my head out the window, wide eyes drinking in the misty mountains and thick woods and wondering if fairies or wild bears inhabited the trees. Daddy chuckled and spoke of how the mountains turn different colours with each season. The higher we went and more excited I become as to see the white wonderland not on a TV screen or in children's book. But actual white, soft snow. 

When we finally arrived at Mayodia, it was like entering a fairy tale. Snowflakes whirled about in the air, and the entire compound glowed like a postcard. Daddy picked me up and taught me how to catch snowflakes on my hand. We constructed a small snowman together—with branch arms and a jacket button nose. And mummy made some hot snacks, chocolate milk accompanied by some piping hot and delicious Maggi. That journey to Mayodia was not a journey —it was one of those elusive, still moments when time stands still and all that is left is love, laughter, and the sound of crisp snow under little feet. To this day, whenever I see snow or catch a whiff of that crisp mountain breeze, I am transported back to that Mayodia day. Just me, Daddy & Mummy and the mountains—sharing a silence more comforting than a thousand words. 

-  Lakhi Das, Marketing 

A Visit to Goa - the Beach Paradise with My Son

I’ve travelled across many parts of India with my son, mostly by road or train — but this trip was different. It was our very first time flying together, and Laksh was beyond excited. His eyes sparkled with joy as we boarded our morning flight from Delhi International Airport to Goa.

The skies carried the moody charm of the August monsoon — soft fog, scattered clouds, and a hint of rain. We experienced a bit of turbulence, but it only added to the thrill of our first airborne adventure.

As we descended, Goa unfolded beneath us like a dream — lush, vibrant greenery washed in fresh rain, and palm trees swaying gently in the breeze. The monsoon had painted the entire coastline in deeper shades of beauty.

We stayed near some of Goa’s quieter beaches — clean, serene, and almost untouched. Palolem and Agonda Beach were absolutely stunning. We also visited Mayan Beach, a hidden gem with striking evening views and peaceful surroundings.

Our days were filled with a mix of relaxation and exploration. We visited the historic Aguada Fort and strolled along the golden sands of Candolim Beach. One evening, we enjoyed a scenic cruise, and another day we went boating — Laksh loved every moment on the water.

We also explored the local markets, full of vibrant colours and the scent of spices in the air. We picked up some local dry fruits like cashews and pure, original coconut oil — perfect souvenirs from a place so rich in flavour and culture.

This trip was more than just a holiday. It was a beautiful blend of firsts, shared joy, and unforgettable memories with my son. Goa in the monsoon truly felt like a hidden luxury — raw, romantic, and endlessly refreshing.

-  Prakash Chander, Marketing 

An Unforgettable Father-Daughter Trip to Khajjiar 

The most unforgettable day of my life was the visit to Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh, with my father. Spending a lifetime in only one day felt to me. We went there in summer, and my father made certain I had all I required. He bought me a watermelon, sliced it in half, and we savored each instant with spoons, laughing and laughing. The enchantment of the day was enhanced by the abrupt weather shift from warm to cold as we marched ahead. Starting every morning in comfy clothes, we stayed for two days to wander nature and snap photographs together. With rabbits, we had the most incredible time, went horseback riding over the jungle, and made fun reels. 

I will treasure it forever because it was the ideal combination of love, comedy, and adventure. Wearing Himanchal traditional garb and creating amazing reels, I had spent my most time with my father; there is hard to explain every little detail here.

- Vaishali Sharma, ELITE