Award-winning actor and the titleholder of Mrs. India 2022, Priyanka Bajaj Sibal, takes The Pioneer through her memorable trip to Kurukshetra and more around her travels.
Aarti Sreenath
Priyanka Bajaj Sibal, a proud titleholder of Mrs. India 2022 and an award-winning actor, embarked on a memorable trip to Kurukshetra, a destination rich in history and spirituality.
Kurukshetra was also the place; she was honoured with her 6th Best Actress award for Kathakaar during the Haryana International Film Festival. “What I enjoyed the most was the deep sense of history and culture that the place embodies. The warmth and appreciation from the people there made the experience even more memorable,” begins Priyanka in an exclusive chat with The Pioneer.
Kurukshetra, a city steeped in the lore of the Mahabharata, left a profound impression on her. Kurukshetra, she says, boasts a rich historical legacy, being the land of the Mahabharata. “It’s where spirituality and history intertwine, creating an atmosphere that’s both profound and inspiring,” she observed, emphasising the city’s unique blend of cultural and spiritual significance.
Her visit wasn’t just about exploring the past; she also made sure to make a bold fashion statement. “I made sure to set the gram on fire! I wore a hand-painted red butterfly print blazer, inspired by the painting ‘Butterfly Wings’ and paired it with stunning accessories by E’clat Designer Jewellery. The look was bold, commanding attention and I was showered with compliments. It was like bringing the essence of the butterfly’s transformation to life, turning heads everywhere.”
Delving deeper into the cultural tapestry of Kurukshetra, she shared, “Kurukshetra is steeped in cultural richness, with its ancient temples and deep spiritual energy making a lasting impression. I explored historical sites that vividly tell the stories of the past.” Her interactions with the locals added another layer to her experience, sharing fascinating insights into their traditions and customs. At the Haryana International Film Festival, she had the pleasure of engaging with filmmakers and artists who are deeply connected to the region and its culture.
Among the hidden gems, she uncovered sites of immense spiritual importance. “In Kurukshetra, I explored a hidden gem called Jyotisar, believed to be where Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita and the serene Brahma Sarovar, especially beautiful at sunset,” she recalled, painting a vivid picture of the tranquil beauty she encountered.
When asked about a place in India that stands out to her, she said, “I find Varanasi truly unique. The city’s blend of spirituality, tradition and life on the ghats is unmatched. Nowhere else in the world do life and death coexist so naturally, with rituals and celebrations happening side by side. The energy there is otherworldly, making it a place like no other.”
Her accommodation in Kurukshetra was nothing short of luxurious. During her stay in Kurukshetra, she was welcomed into the hotel’s biggest suite with an exquisite lobby that set the tone for luxury. The entire experience felt like a perfect blend of style and relaxation, making it much more than just a stay for her.
Beyond her recent travels, she shared where she finds solace when life gets overwhelming. “When under intense pressure, my go-to place for rejuvenation is the beach. The sound of waves, the salty breeze and the endless horizon have an instant calming effect on me.” Walking barefoot on the sand, feeling the sun’s warmth and simply soaking in the ocean’s vastness helps me reset and recharge. It’s the perfect place for her to find clarity and peace.
Her travel adventures haven’t always been smooth sailing. She recounted a particularly thrilling and frightening experience. “It was during a paragliding flight that took a wild turn when strong winds suddenly swept in. For a few heart-pounding moments, I was tossed around like a leaf in the air, not sure where I’d land! It was both terrifying and thrilling—a real rollercoaster of emotions that I’ll never forget.”
Travelling, for her, is not just about visiting new places but also about immersing herself in the culture and cuisine. “Travelling to this place was liberating because it offered the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and serenity. The open landscapes and deep connection to nature made me feel truly free. As for the cuisine, I stumbled upon a hidden gem where the chef’s passion shone through every bite of a traditional dish. The rich, authentic flavors made it an unforgettable culinary experience, capturing the essence of the region perfectly!”
Her travels are filled with activities that bring out both the thrill-seeker and the culture enthusiast in her. “During my trip, I engaged in a mix of activities that ranged from exploring local markets and trying traditional cuisine to outdoor adventures like paragliding. I also took time to visit historical landmarks and enjoy serene moments by the beach, soaking in the natural beauty. The combination of thrill, culture and relaxation made the experience truly fulfilling.”
Her love for travel is deeply rooted in her childhood memories. “One of my fondest childhood travel memories is a beach vacation with my family. We spent hours building sandcastles, chasing waves and collecting seashells. I remember the pure joy of running barefoot on the sand and stopping at a roadside stall for hot Maggi noodles. The laughter and carefree moments made it a magical experience that still warms my heart.”
Every journey for her is accompanied by the perfect soundtrack. She’s always been passionate about curating playlists that align perfectly with the vibe of each travel destination. “My go-to soundtrack typically blends calming acoustic melodies, inspiring instrumentals and soulful tunes with a touch of upbeat Bollywood tracks to keep the energy vibrant. The playlist evolves with the mood of each trip, ultimately crafting the perfect backdrop to elevate the entire travel experience.”
Even her travel mishaps are embraced with humour and grace. She goes on to share, “One of the funniest cultural misunderstandings I had while traveling was when I attempted a local greeting but completely fumbled the process. The result was both awkward and hilarious, and everyone had a good laugh about it. It turned into a great way to connect and learn more about the culture in a lighthearted way!”
When it comes to travel, she swears by one particular hack: “My go-to travel hack is organising everything into neatly labelled packets. From outfits to toiletries, it’s all sorted and easy to grab, which makes packing (and unpacking) a breeze.”
As for her bucket list, it’s filled with dream destinations, including staying in the overwater bungalows of Bora Bora, exploring the charming streets of Santorini and the historic sites of Athens in Greece and witnessing the magical Northern Lights in Norway. “I’d love to take a road trip through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand and dive into the art, history and culinary delights of Italy, exploring cities like Florence and Rome. These destinations combine natural beauty, adventure, and rich cultural experiences that I can’t wait to explore.”
