I haven’t been to a place more beautiful than Gulmarg: Aahana Kumra

“Japan is a very safe country for solo female travellers”

Aahana Kumra is always bumbling with energy and travel satiates the explorer in her. She shares, “My favourite travel destinations are quite a lot but Japan tops the list followed by England. As far as India is concerned, it’s Kashmir.”

She recalls, “My first solo trip was to Japan. I went to Hiroshima, Kyoto, osaka, Tokyo. It was a surreal experience. I didn’t know the language and it turned out to be incredible. It’s a very safe country for solo female travellers. I met some wonderful people on the trip, I stayed in guesthouses, hotels. I ate interesting food. Wherever I saw long queues for food, i would go and stand there. Some dishes were a hit, some weren’t. People were helpful when I felt lost. I never once felt unsafe or uncomfortable in a foreign land. It’s a country that’s super punctual so if a train is late, they will apologise for the delay and they will give a valid reason. It was liberating.”

She elaborates, “Kashmir is the wonderland of India. I remember waking up to a snow-clad scenery in Gulmarg. I have never seen a more beautiful place be it the visuals, artefacts, or food.”
London is another favourite for Aahana. She loves the pub hopping culture there and theatre scene. “I would jog to the Hyde park. You can roam around alone. Time passes so smoothly and quick. The energy is reminiscent of Mumbai.”

Speaking of her travelling quirks she reveals, “I always travel in a very planned way. I have an itinerary in place. I love eating food, skiing, walking .. seeing the city on foot. You explore a lot more like this I even saw Paris like this. Just wear comfy shoes, clothes and walk. I like to be out of Mumbai when I am not working.”

Speaking of fond memories, the actress says, “I met this Indian guy in Kyoto and we became good friends. He got a thermos full of chai and a dabba of parathas for me. Having Indian food and chai after days was precious. He is now a good friend. Being in London during Christmas was also a favourite memory. I look forward to reuniting with friends there and watching a good play. Even South Korea I like. I have roamed alone in Seoul understanding skincare, food. As a woman you need to be careful of not stepping out late etc but all these places were safe. I wish I could travel all my life.”