Hyderabadi content creator Aastha Maheshwari, who is also a passionate explorer, takes The Pioneer through her travel diaries this week exclusively for our Travelogue segment.
Subodhini Purohit
Aastha Maheshwari, a passionate explorer and content creator from Hyderabad, travels into the depths of both international and national landscapes, not only as an experienced traveller but also as an avid scuba diver, deciphering the mysteries of the undersea world.
“In the rhythm of life, travelling is like a relaxing tune; each voyage provides the me with fresh experiences and is composed of emotions,” she says. “It unleashes my creativity and frees my soul. I’ve been known to hike 20 kilometers just to see the perfect sunset—it’s just who I am.”
Exploring off-beat places and adventure activities brings out the adventurous and brave side in humans, and amidst the hustle of life, one finds simplicity and allure in the surroundings, offering unforgettable moments. She continues to share, “I recently went on solo journeys to Thailand and Vizag. In Thailand, I explored the breathtaking beauty of Koh Tao, indulging in memorable diving experiences. Given that it was my second visit to Thailand, I aimed to delve deeper into Bangkok’s rich culture. In Vizag, my primary goal was to immerse myself in the coastal charm, spending a couple of tranquil days in the quaint town of Bheemli.”
The limits of any part of existence blur when one meets the right tribe and people with comparable interests. For example, she remembers one instance when, “In my opinion, as long as one maintains warmth and openness, obstacles such as language, ethnicity, and nationality lose their meaning. During my travels, I spoke with numerous Germans who had relocated to an island. They were not only content creators, but also diving instructors. Shared interests drew us together, transcending societal divides. Through these ties, one can easily learn about the history and culture of others by joining a tribe with comparable interests.”
A place and its beauty cannot be explored in a few days, and engaging with locals takes time. “I repeat places numerous times since properly exploring them requires more than just one visit. During lockdown, I spent six months in Goa, immersed in its essence. I spent 35 days in Ladakh and two months in Manali, immersing myself in the local lifestyle. In a little town, I met old women who supported themselves by knitting. Four to five days barely scratch the surface of these places—I like to take my time and enjoy every minute, embracing leisurely travel,” she explained.
Culinary is the gateway to many cultures, and India has abundantly experimented with flavours and tastes from all over the world, including Aastha’s favourite Portuguese dessert, ‘Seeradura’, which she tried in Goa!
Then, obstacles while travelling are also unavoidable, and as a solitary woman traveller, concerns about safety arise, and women travellers frequently bring out the contrasting reality of locations. For women solo travelers, safety is always a companion. She describes, “As a solitary traveller, I encountered eve-teasing in Kerala, which served as a vivid reminder of the safety risks associated with travelling in India. Despite Kerala’s reputation for safety, I did not feel safe there. In contrast, in Kargil, which is known for its less calm climate, I felt comfortable. This event demonstrated the need for alertness and attentiveness in solo travel, underscoring the crucial need to remain aware of one’s surroundings.”
The quick pace of life and modern-day jobs frequently result in burnout and neglect of travel. This developing environment of modern times necessitates holiday preparation, and as remote work becomes more common, the importance of experiencing new places increases, she explains. “As a content producer and freelancer, I can work from anywhere, blurring the line between the workplace and vacation. I honestly don’t recall my last proper trip. Even throughout my two-month stay in Varkala, where I learned to surf, my laptop remained by my side while business continued. This is how I try to balance work and life. However, there are days when I simply don’t feel like writing or creating content.”
The trip to Vizag and Ladakh, two diverse yet enchanting destinations, opened her eyes to the remarkable compassion and friendliness of strangers, as she recalls, “Ladakh truly captivated the spirit; I was anxious to return despite its commercialisation and the extended onset of altitude sickness. Spending only five to six days there felt insufficient; its attraction necessitated a longer visit. The friendliness of the folks I met was unexpected and uplifting. While trudging towards a monastery with my luggage, a monk offered me a ride in his mini-truck, demonstrating true hospitality. In Vizag, a cab driver went above and beyond to ensure my safety by avoiding drunken areas and dropping me out in a safe location.” Her trip as a solo traveller is a dance between planned preparations and unplanned adventures. “As a lone traveller, spontaneity guides me, but I prefer to have arrangements in place, particularly for overseas journeys in terms of hotels, expenses, and currency conversion. However, I dislike fixed itineraries and prefer to depart from them whenever possible. During my recent trip to Thailand, there were days when all I wanted was a calm afternoon snooze, which is completely fine. Skipping some tourist attractions is also acceptable; what truly matters is living in the current moment and enjoying it to the fullest.”
Additionally, “For women solo travellers, menstruation can add an added degree of complication to their adventures, but it doesn’t have to be a barrier, because travel forces individuals to stretch their boundaries and embrace the new and challenging surroundings. Travelling empowers me in ways I never expected. I had no idea how capable I was until I went on solo adventures. I distinctly recall an 18-hour bus ride to Rishikesh while menstruating in sub-zero temperatures in December. I didn’t think I’d be able to pass that test of resilience, but I did. Travel challenges you to your boundaries, providing you with stories to tell and unforgettable experiences and lessons to treasure and learn from.”
