'My dream destination is Bhutan': Travel diaries with Nisha Sarang

Television actor Nisha Sarang like the rest of the world is shaken by the second wave of COVID and even more by the gruesomeness of it- “All I want is to live without fear. That’s my biggest wish now. So many people died, and many others are in treatment. When will we be free of this pandemic? Are we safe even inside the homes? We are constantly living in fear. The news reports are extremely worrying. All are scared.”

“We used to celebrate life earlier. Now we can’t even step out to work and are all confined inside homes. These days we try to think of all those travels we had and realised how much we are missing out on such simple pleasures in life. This has to end. Hopefully by the middle of 2021 things will be better.”

Throwback travels

Though I love travelling, nothing gives me more joy when those destinations are temples. Such peace and calm when you are inside a temple! And how can I not feel such bliss considering God has blessed my life so much? I have been to almost all the temples in Kerala, but I am more partial to the ones in Kannur. Probably Guruvayoor Sree Krishna temple features right on top when it comes to the most frequented one. Lord Krishna is my favourite, and it gives immeasurable happiness to just stand there and gaze at him. I usually spend hours at the temple whenever I visit Guruvayoor.

Bhutan love

Given a choice, I would love to settle down in Bhutan. Ever since I saw Bhutan in various travel vlogs, I have been dying to visit that country. It looks so calm, pristine, and beautiful. Like you get those amazingly positive vibes by just looking at the pictures. I have read that people who live in Bhutan are the worlds’ most contented lot! It’s a happy country and also one of the greenest! It also holds the distinction of being the only carbon negative country in the world.

Since it lies on the foot of the mountains, Bhutan is surrounded by natural beauty, untouched landscapes, where you can hear the sounds of nature and rivers gurgling and of course, witness its heritage in all its glory. The view is stunning, and its majestic monasteries add to its charm.

I also want to visit the popular Holy places in our country like Rameswaram, Haridwar, Kasi and Kailasam.

Though I love to travel, I haven’t technically been on a tour. Whenever my children and cousins plan something together I will be called for a shoot. I have been left out of so many travels because of that. As part of a shoot, I have travelled to several places in Kerala and outside India. And I do make it a point to explore these places whenever I get some free time. Therefore my travels are usually such official trips. Of all the places I have visited Dubai is right on top of my list. There is a special charm in Dubai. I have been to the US and New York etc. I was invited to the NAFA award function in America, and it was a memorable trip. I received the Best comedian award. But what was more heartening was the surprise birthday party thrown by my friends and fans. That was my best ever birthday memory. And not just that they also showed me around New York City that night. The night views were spectacular. I will always be thankful to God for being so kind and giving.

This pandemic should end

This Covid should be wiped out from the face of the earth, then only can we live in peace. Even travel will be a distant possibility if this continues. The world will be a better place only if this pandemic is no longer there. I am hopeful!

India’s best known holy destinations

Haridwar and Rishikesh – The Mystic Twin Cities: Tow of the holiest religious places in our country, they have an old-world charm that illuminates the soul. Masses throng here to take a dip in the Ganges and also to explore its rich history and mythology associated with them. Har ki Pauri Ghat, Mansa Devi Temple, Maya Devi Temple, and Chandi Devi Temple are the popular ones among other Hindu religious places in India. Besides, both Haridwar and Rishikesh are centres for learning ancient Hindu arts and culture.

Varanasi—the sacred city: It is widely regarded as one of the most spiritual places in India. There is a special magic in this city that is very liberating for the soul. It is said that many people prefer to spend their last years in Varanasi as they feel more closer to God. When in Varanasi, every corner emanates spirituality. Be it Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manmandir Ghat, or Manikarnika Ghat, they are popular riverbanks frequented by tourists from all over the world. You can’t miss the Kashi Vishwanath Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Vishwanath Gali) and Durga Temple when you are at Varanasi.

Mathura and Vrindavan – The Cities of Mythological Legends: Hands down the most popular Holy destinations in the country. Considered to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura is held in sacredness by the Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains alike. All the beautiful temples at Mathura and Vrindavan foster a feeling of piety. While there don’t forget to visit Banke Bihari Temple, Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple, ISKCON Vrindavan, Prem Mandir, and Shyama Shyam Dham. One of the most famous temples at Vrindavan is the Govind Deo Temple, near the Vrindavan Railway Station, constructed by the King of Amber, Raja Man Singh in the year 1590. Also must try at Vrindavan is the Makhan Mishri, Lord Krishna’s favourite food (rock candy topped with fresh butter) served in the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan.

Pushkar – Spirited Hues: One of the most significant pilgrimage centres in India, Rajasthan’s Pushkar is home to 52 bathing ghats and over 300 temples. Not just that the city’s architecture is a thing of beauty with its narrow alleys, bursting with colours and history. While there do visit Brahma Temple, Savitri Temple, Old Rangji Temple, Paap Mochini Temple, Raghunath Temple, Atmeshwar Temple, and Mahadeva Temple.

Bodhgaya – In the quest to attain enlightenment: This international centre of pilgrimage at Gaya (Bihar), attracts spiritualists from all over the world. It has monasteries and temples established by Tibetans, Sri Lankans, Bhutanese, Japanese, and Thai. One of the four most sacred Buddhist centers in the world, Bodhgaya is where Gautama Buddha became the Enlightened One. Lakhs of pilgrims visit Bodhgaya every year in the quest to meditate and study. The Bodhi tree, Mahabodhi temple, Great Buddha Statue, Vishnupada Mandir, and Animesh Lochan Chaitya are popular spiritual places. You can also visit the Chinese temple and monastery, the Buddhist monastery of Bhutan, and the Thai & Tibetan monastery.