In love with the Kerala backwaters

Sep 25, 2011

I am passionate, nearly obsessed, with travelling the world and the seven seas. I love to explore but in a relaxed manner. My travel normally is associated with work so I end up going in a group and we do get to hang out and discover places in a unique manner. There are times when I like to travel all by myself and spend time in solitude.

My best holidays have always been with Anand, my brother, we have travelled almost all over the world together and the best part is we have the same taste in food, music, art. He is someone who immaculately studies the history and cultural heritage of a place, and explores its unique and unusual facets. We have had the best experiences in Paris, Cannes, Nice, London, French Riviera and of course almost all over the US.
We used to enjoy driving to experience the real essence of a place and absorb its culture and nature. The best drive was from Nice to Monte Carlo in an amazing Ferrari and as we drove to a gas station we both got off forgetting the hand brake, and as we were strutting around we saw the car roll down towards the major highway. The craziness and madness that occurred in the next few minutes seemed to last a lifetime. We ran behind the car and luckily so did a couple of the attendants and Anand managed to jump in as they slowed down the car. We sat in shock for the next half hour.
Among all the places I have been to, India has excited me the most. There is so much to be seen and discovered here. Next to India, I love Perth and since I live in New York there are awesome places around the tri state way up to the Niagara Falls.
The one place that I would like to revisit is the whole of South India — especially Kerala, since I grew up there. I love seeing the backwaters, the beaches, temples, coconut palm groves, paddy fields, mango groves, historical spots — everything that led to imbibing the creativity and complexity that is me.
I relish different aspects in different places. In Kerala, I love the lush greenery, backwater rides, eating fresh seafood, its art and monuments.

Sanjana is a well-known designer As told to Saumya Bhatia

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