For our weekly exclusive column of Travelogue, we have the very talented actress
Aahana Kumra, sharing her travel diaries from her recent trip to Rajasthan.
During her recent trip to Rajasthan, actress Aahana Kumra was enthralled by the region’s legacy, which includes enormous deserts and historic forts. She could walk hand in hand with their traditions because she thought the state was so colorful. She did so much exploring that it was included in this week’s travelogue feature!
“I always love going to Rajasthan,” Ahana reiterates. “Something about their culture appeals to me! Every time I arrive in Rajasthan, something within me shifts. I’m not kidding! Wintertime in Rajasthan, in particular, strikes a different note.”
“I visit Rajasthan frequently,” the Lucknowi girl continued. “Twice, I have visited Bikaner! The number of times I’ve visited Ajmer and Jodhpur has slipped from my memory. I’m just imagining how beautiful Udaipur must be; I haven’t had a chance to explore it yet. Its lakes are renowned, I’ve heard! The pictures seem so good that I have been itching to visit. On the other hand, I make it a point to go to Ajmer Sharif once a year; it’s a tradition of mine. My normal personality is somewhat reserved, but after visiting Rajasthan, I started to feel alive. When I visit Rajasthan, I enjoy observing the ladies in their sultry pink dupattas! Everything about it is vibrant.”
The Lipstick Under My Burkha fame continues, sharing additional information about her “colourful” trip: “I have a lot of friends who are from Rajasthan. I’m always welcome to stay with them. I want the Ghevars and/or Kachoris made by my Rawat Mishtan Bhandar when I’m in Rajasthan. The Rajasthani Kachori has a certain quality. The Ker Sangri ki Sabzi is quite tasty. I enjoy experimenting with seasonal cooking! I detest visiting Rajasthan in the summertime. I’m not able to tolerate the amount of loo there. Because they are not as fast-paced as those in cities, the people of Jaipur are more endearing. Their innocence and simplicity appeal to me. Their ‘Khatirdaari’ tells you that they are innocent at heart.”
She goes on in great detail, saying, “The palaces there are constantly screaming history. I imagine things in my head, like who lived there in the past and what the dynamics were like. How magnificent must they have been? Rambagh Palace is my absolute favorite palace! Many folks have turned their former havelis into Airbnbs; you should definitely check those out.
I also recall taking my folks on my first vacation to Bikaner. To Narendra Bhawan, we proceeded. We now consider the general manager of that Bhawan to be family! We visited the Bikaneri Havelis and enjoyed some Gujiyas. They prepared an amazing supper scenario for my folks beside the lake. It was quite good—the grilled meals! I was astounded by the warmth and kindness shown to us. It comes highly recommended! A white rat indicates good fortune, as there is a rat-infested celebration held at a temple in Bikaner. Those rats had me literally on top of my sister!”
In a more general sense, the well-known actor from The Accidental Prime Minister added, “I like Lucknow; it’s truly something special. Since it is my hometown, it has a special meaning for me! Yes, every time I visit Uttarakhand after a shoot, I do it under extreme strain. Mahadev attracts me. Although I spent a significant portion of my childhood in Dehradun, my Nani resides in Uttarakhand. However, I too have my share of scary situations as an actress. Thank heavens for my makeup artist, I was in Mogha when I remember this unexpected individual walking into my room at a strange hour! We were very afraid since he was inebriated.
We neglected to lock the room, and he unintentionally entered. However, I travel alone most of the time, so I know how to deal with these circumstances. When my family and I visited Jim Corbett last year, we saw a tigress! That’s where I had the best ‘Pahadi khana.’ Wildlife has a unique way of affecting you, particularly in the early hours of the day. Finding a hornbill on your own is such an amazing experience!”
Finally, “I adore Dia Mirza’s work, so I would be thrilled to travel with her. She and I have comparable interests. Even she is a huge fan of nature!”
