Travelling is my passion — I love to explore new places. Learning about different cultures, sampling new cuisine and experiencing different life styles excite me. I have travelled to many states in India as I feel the country has much to offer with the diversity in culture, people and languages. My family ensures a trip to a new location at least once in a year; the vacation refreshes our minds and gives us time to experience a new place. 

We are a family of nature lovers. We usually go to places where we can enjoy the beauty of nature. I make sure to carry my camera and diary to encapsulate the beautiful memories. 

I remember travelling to Manali by bus and struggling to stay awake during the night journey, waiting for the first glance of the majestic hills, valleys and River Beas. The snow-covered peaks of the Himalayan range were breathtaking. The fresh air and scenic beauty made me feel as if in heaven. I would wake up early in the mornings and walk around to absorb the beautiful picture made by the mountains, flowers, trees, fruits and smell the wild air. I love travelling to uncommon places that have not been discovered by tourists. During my trip to Manali, I was delighted to discover a lake, unmarred by tourists, while trekking across the mountain ranges! This made me realise and feel that God is everywhere in the form of nature.

My trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands changed my approach towards the concept of travelling. Earlier, I used to think travelling is about shopping and enjoying with friends and family. But a trip to the islands made me fall in love with solitude and the beauty of nature. The beautiful clear beaches and aesthetic views, stalactite and stalagmite caves, corals and mangroves refreshed my soul. The family spent several hours on the beach, collecting sea shells and feeding the fish. But the highlight of the trip was snorkelling — an outstanding experience. The activity took me to a different world which was exciting to explore, a world without demands.  

As someone has already said, nature is the art of God and Kerala is one of his masterpieces. A picturesque place, Kerala offers a variety of natural beauty. From the magnificent mountains of Munar to the backwaters of Alleppey, Kerala is full of natural attractions. My favourite experience was spending a day in a houseboat which relaxed my body and soul. The chirping birds and the rippling water were the most beautiful and soothing sounds I had ever heard. I got a chance to see different species of birds, insects and animals which made me wonder at the different life forms that God has created.

Two other favourite destinations are Sikkim and Darjeeling. Apart from monasteries, the magnificent mountains, beautiful flowers and colourful butterflies found a permanent place in my heart. Changu Lake was a sight to behold! The glacial lake, at the altitude of 12,400 ft, is surrounded by snow-covered peaks. In Darjeeling, we would wake up at 3am to watch the sun rise over Tiger Hills. 

A complete opposite but still a favourite is Goa with its beautiful beaches, night life, clubs, shopping avenues and mixed cuisine. While many prefer the exciting nightlife, I like the beaches and the tranquillity during dusk and dawn at the beaches, as I would walk down the shore to collect shells. In fact, I still have the necklace I made of the sea shells. 

Divine Nature
Oh! This enchanting nature which freshens one’s heart and soul
With its purity and nimbleness for us to behold. 
Nature is God and God is nature
Rich or poor, everyone enjoys its splendour.
Dawn to dusk, every moment is pure
Watching nature moment by moment one loves it for sure.
The sun, the stars, the hills and the sea
With beautiful life forms on ground, water and trees.
One can relax on the seashore forgetting all woes
Lost in the sound of waves wetting our toes.
The sun supports life making itself burn
At dusk it sets turning the horizon saffron.
The night invites the stars and moon in the darkness of the sky
In the morning they disappear by bidding goodbye.
The majestic mountains stand silent with their snow-covered peaks
We gaze at them in awe as the pines on the slope creaks.
I turn back with a heavy heart for soon all this will disappear
For humans wrapped in self indulgence, selfishness fails to overcome their parochial behaviour.