The word serendipity not only sounds intriguing but also has a fascinating origin.
Did you know that this word was coined by Horace Walpole way back in the year 1754? Horace Walpole was an Earl of Orford and he coined the word inspired by a fairy tale that he had read which was titled “Princes of Serendip”. In the book, the protagonists were always making new discoveries unknowingly and by accident.
Travel and serendipity seem to be made for each other. Travel offers a wide range of experiences for the traveller, but what must indeed be one of the most exciting of these experiences are the ones that happen because of serendipity. The fact that the experience was unplanned and a total surprise adds value to the experience.
We too have experienced the magic of the serendipity of travel many times, serendipity has given us many moments of travel that make for some great memories.
It was the serendipity of travel in action that led us to discover this intriguing structure, almost in the middle of nowhere. We were on our way to a small village known as McCluskeiganj in the state of Jharkhand in India when we stumbled upon this structure. A chance glance at the side of the road from the Tuk-Tuk that we were travelling in made us take a small detour to reach the structure which lay forlorn and isolated and had a certain melancholic charm to it.
These two structures that stood side-by-side seemed to make a silent statement through their architectural styles. While one of the structures was built in the Islamic architectural style, the second structure was an example of traditional Hindu temple architecture. The two structures seemed to symbolize the oneness of all religions, races, and communities. Enquiries and closer observation revealed that the place was originally meant as a resting place for Travelers of all faiths.
The structure that we stumbled upon accidentally, a glowing example of the serendipity of travel left a deep impact on our mind and the moments we spent there remain etched forever.
What is your favourite moment of serendipity in travel?
Do let us know through the comments section.