As I glide towards 40, I realise there is more sand now at the bottom of my irreversible sand-clock. No, I don’t disapprove of people choosing to lead a ‘normal life’ – juggling with career, instalments, raising families, saving for the rainy day and hoping to enjoy a retired life at 60. Somewhere deep down I knew that this wasn’t how I it to be. Redefining social norms without feeling guilty about making that choice has perhaps been my life’s toughest decision. I still made a conscious choice. As for me, life is about feeling liberated and ‘feeling’ alive and not just ‘living’ it. Its about doing what I want to do NOW, and not waiting till the end. It’s okay to not ‘fit-in’..
Where it all began: My interest in travel was kindled by the small weekend treks I did in my early years of college. Having born in Mumbai, I was never too far away from the jaw-dropping forts of Maharashtra. (After all, the state encompasses the largest number of forts of India!). Back in December 2006, I did my first wildlife tour to Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India. I remember going on the safari with a Nokia N73 phone to take pictures! The experience of witnessing wildlife upclose at Kanha was so exhilarating that upon my return, I bought myself a Bikram Grewal bird book, a binocular and a Nikon point-and-shoot camera from the little savings that I had. Eventually, I developed a keen interest for birds. After a few years, I stepped up to an entry-level DSLR with a basic telephoto lens. I did not take long to conclude that my images were awful since both my equipment and my patience had limitations. Though my interest in birds and wildlife photography dipped since I couldn’t afford high-end gears, the thrill of being close to the wild never ceases to excite me. A turning point happened when I did a 14-day biking trip to Ladakh with my spouse in 2012. The mesmerising landscapes of the Himalayas, the magic of sunrise and sunsets and the feeling of wind in my hair was enough to get me addicted. There has been no looking back ever since..
Travel photography and Writing: I wrote my first blog in 2014 post my visit to the gorgeous Gandikota canyon in Andhra Pradesh. Eventually, I started traveling to places in search of stories that I could share with the world. Witnessing the spectacular colors of Holi in Mathura kindled my interest in culture, color, people and streets. I loved the versatility, spontaneity, surprise and the freedom of perspective that travel photography offers. Mathura had a very strong influence in transforming me from a hobbyist to a passion photographer and storyteller. Over time, my pictures and writing have intertwined perfectly to narrate first-hand stories; from the ghats of Banaras to the Konyaks of Nagaland, from the Theyyams in Kerala to trekking the Himalayas and beyond..
How and where I travel : I am a rugged and budget traveler. Luxury is alien to me. I prefer home-stays; that way, I get a peek into the lives of the locals, their food and their traditions. Going local helps me to give back what I take. My travels are a primarily a mixed bag of people, culture and nature. I am a mountain child. Sunrises and sunsets never fail to fascinate me. In the whimsical world of selfies and pouts though, I am non-existent.
How travel changed me: When I started off, I travelled for fun. I now travel with the eyes and heart of a curious child. Each time I climb a mountain or watch the ocean, I feel the vibes. When I walk through a forest and hear its voices, I feel connected. When I live in a homestay, I am overcome with love and gratitude. Travel has taught me to trust my instincts and to let go of things beyond my control. I have never been more thankful and grateful for the abundance of joy in little things around me.
My way forward: A coffee table book with my travel sojourns when I turn 50. If I can make a tiny spec of contribution in changing the way we treat our planet or if I could inspire at least one person, I’d say that I found my purpose.
Be a Traveler. Wander limitless. Be Mad. Explore and Inspire!