Rediscovering Life through Travel at 60

An inspiring story of Rajiv & Neena Mehta (Khyaal Community Member)

“We are Rajiv Mehta, 61 years and Neena Mehta, 60 years old. I worked for more than 40 years in the garment industry and Neena worked as a teacher for 25 years in a school. We both retired around 2020 during Covid -19. Before retiring, we rarely travelled because of our busy work schedules. Most trips were short weekend getaways to nearby hill stations like Mussoorie. After retirement, our son encouraged us to travel more, as it is best to explore while we are still healthy and active. So, we decided to shift our focus on travel.

Our first big trip was to Kashmir in 2021 with Khyaal tours. Neena had joined Khyaal in 2020 when it started, and later I joined them. We met many other senior citizens, and the trip was well-organized. The team was very helpful, and we enjoyed beautiful places at our own pace. Even when we made special requests, the team handled them patiently. The trip lasted six days and was a wonderful experience.

In May 2021, we visited Goa for the first time. Our son planned the entire trip, and both our sons, along with our grandchild, joined us. We explored North Goa, rode scooters, and visited beaches. It was a special family trip that we will always cherish.

Our next trip with Khyaal was to Nepal. It was our first international trip, and the arrangements were excellent. We stayed in beautiful hotels and visited places like Pokhara. The journey to Pokhara was long and tiring but the sunrise view we saw the next morning made it all worthwhile. We also enjoyed a cultural evening with traditional dances and music.

In October 2024, we were alone for Diwali and invited our children to join us. They suggested meeting at my elder son’s home in Bangalore. Instead of flying, I suggested a road trip. Though hesitant, Neena agreed. We were both excited since I had always wanted to go on a road trip. We began on October 21 and our first stop was Indore, a 14-hour drive. Leaving Gurgaon at 5 a.m., we reached Jaipur by breakfast time and Indore by evening, ahead of schedule. The next day, we left for Shirdi, taking 11 hours to reach. That evening, we attended the Sai Baba Temple’s aarti, which was a deeply spiritual experience.

From Shirdi, we drove to Goa, a place close to our hearts. We spent a day at Candolim Beach and then moved to Casa Anjuna for a relaxing three-day retreat, enjoying the beaches and Goan cuisine. I even made a video of us strolling on the beach, making it more special. After a few days in Goa, we reached Bangalore and had a wonderful Diwali with family. On our return journey, we took a different route, stopping at Pune instead of Shirdi. We again took a stop at Goa for a week which was the most serene and calming stay of all.

Our road trip was more than just visiting places from North to South, covering a distance of 6700 Kms. It was about breaking routines, being spontaneous, and enjoying the journey. Traveling has brought us joy, unforgettable memories, and a desire to see more. This experience has changed us in unexpected ways. I am more confident driving long distances. For Neena, it strengthened her trust in me and showed us that no destination is too far if we have the right mindset. We have learned to live in the moment, embrace opportunities, and value the journey as much as the destination. It has brought us closer as a family and created memories we will always treasure.

One message we would like to give our fellow senior citizens is: Travel, explore, and embrace the unknown. Good health and the ability to move freely are blessings and we should make the most of it.” - Rajiv & Neena Mehta (Khyaal Community Member)