The Pioneer is guided through Sonal Kukreja’s journey and her passion for travel. Sonal represented India at the Miss Supranational 2024 pageant, which was held in Poland.
Tejal Sinha
Just a week ago, beauty queens from different countries were seen competing at the Miss Supranational 2024 pageant in Nowy Sacz, Malopolkska, Poland. Making India proud was Sonal Kukreja, who sashayed her way into the top 12.
After our exclusive interaction with the LIVA Miss Diva Supranational 2023 ahead of the pageant, we once again have her on board for our weekly segment of Travelogue, as we speak to her about her travel experience around the scenic natural landscapes, captivating historic sites and cultural artifacts.
Adding to her excitement about representing the nation, travelling was something she was exhilarated for. Sonal, in a telephonic interaction with The Pioneer begins, “I love travelling. It is something that helps you to get to know yourself better. It brings a fresh perspective on life and brings different experiences because you are stepping away from your daily routine. You give yourself an opportunity to get into new experiences. It also refreshes your mind.”
Even when not travelling, her lessons from her past itinerant are something she keeps thinking of to have a fresh perspective. She got to experience Poland for a whole month and she has had great fun, especially travelling to abroad after quite a long time. Travelling to Poland, she says, was a ‘once in a lifetime experience’.
“Before my trip to Poland, I have been on many work trips,” she recalls, adding, “I went to Kerala for a show. And I had gone to this beautiful place called Wayanad. It’s a land of paddy fields and as you go there, you feel the fresh air. It is so refreshing. The landscape is so beautiful in Kerala and it’s called ‘God’s own country’. The atmosphere, breeze are just so amazing. I went there to support the local tribes and I walked along with some of the tribal women. The raw involvement I got to experience in Kerala was amazing. I am lucky to be there and just imagine that it was a work trip. It was making the best of both worlds.”
Sonal, however, makes sure that every time that she’s on a work trip, she focuses and prioritises her work. “I like to be present. When you are on a trip and taking a car, or in Poland, I was walking around.
Poland has beautiful picturesque landscapes and buildings. It also has a beautiful European culture. People there like to enjoy and have fun. I did make the most of that and took my own time to experience the Polish culture and their food. Even the pageant had planned for us to travel. I had a really good time there.”
“I am a daredevil when it comes to travelling solo,” shares Kukreja, if she experiences something frightening while travelling.
India, she says, has so much and it’s difficult to choose one place that is unique. “India is so diverse and beautiful. Even if you ask me about Mumbai, I will have ten places to name and talking of India, there are so many. We have so much richness, culture and tradition. There’s so much that’s special. Every city brings something beautiful. For example, I am from the Pink City and I love the streets, the tradition and the architecture of the city. For somebody to experience that, one has to come and stay in India for a while to even cover a portion of it.”
