Lichi, who won over Keralites in the Malayalam movie 'Angamaly Diaries,' has turned a star with a handful of upcoming projects. Anna, who enacted the role of Lichi, is now busy shooting for a film with Jayaram in the lead.
Anna's favourite engagement apart from work related to films is travelling, especially with family and friends. Speaking to Onmanorama, Anna revealed interesting experiences during her journeys. “My favourite trips are those with friends as it gives me the opportunity to enjoy the journey best. My policy during travelling is to have maximum thrill,” she said.
Anna chooses to travel whenever she has free time. “I don’t have any particular preferences regarding the destination. I love to visit any scenic spot where the beauty of nature can be enjoyed,” she said.
However, the actress does not find the trips for shooting purposes much interesting. “It is, in fact, a boring affair,” she felt. It is the presence of friends that adds ‘colour’ to travels, according to Anna.
Mysuru charms Anna
Anna has visited several destinations in Kerala and other states of India, but she has a special liking for Mysuru, the city of palaces. It is visiting the palaces that she loves doing at the place. The biggest attraction is of course the Ambavilas Palace, popularly known as Mysore Palace.
Another favourite spot in Mysuru is Brindavan Gardens, which is about 20 km from the city. “A visitor to Mysuru should never avoid Brindavan. It a beautiful garden spread over an area of 60 acres,” said Anna.
She has visited Brindavan Gardens several times, but never felt weary. Another thing that Anna likes to do in Mysuru is going on long walks with her friends. “You won’t realize how the time passes as you exchange tales with your pals,” she said.
Anna's first flight
The young actress considers herself to be a 'tension-free' person. Moreover, having already gone on several trips, she felt totally at ease while boarding a flight for the first time. “I don’t like worrying over silly matters. I love being happy all the time,” she said.
“Though I had travelled a lot, my first air travel was after the release of 'Angamaly Diaries' along with the movie team to Dubai.”
Her colleagues tried to frighten Anna, but she kept her calm. “In fact, I was very cool during the entire flight. As I was already thrilled over the journey, everything was smooth,” said the actress.
Qatar, her favourite destination
After her first trip to Dubai, Anna visited several other places in the Gulf region on other occasions, but she liked Qatar the most. “The sights, sounds, and the life in Qatar have moved me,” she said.
“My favourite location in Qatar is Pearl City. It looks like any city in Europe. The architecture is typical European,” she added.
Anna also experienced her first camel ride in Qatar. Another spot she loved visiting was the beach. “I enjoyed spending an entire night there. On the other side of the beach was the desert; a unique phenomenon,” said Anna.
Qatar has attractions which satisfy adventure-seekers, kids and all other sections of the people. “Each time I visit the place, it has something new to offer. Qatar is certainly my favourite destination,” said Anna.
Scenic locales of Kanthalloor
Lichi aka Anna has been attracted by the natural beauty of Kanthalloor also. “It is a place where oranges and apples are grown. The Kanthalloor village sits on the lap of the hills surrounding Munnar. There are the green fields and thatched huts which add to the beauty of the place,” said Anna.
Yet another interesting sight along the route to Kanthalloor is the shacks where 'Marayur jaggery' is prepared from sugarcane juice. The winding roads are a feast for photographers with sandalwood trees, wild shrubs, and the cultivation taking place amidst them. “One will never feel tired visiting Kanthalloor any number of times. Nothing can replace Kanthalloor,” said Anna.
At Kanthallur, Anna chooses to stay at the farmhouse of Thoppil Joppen. It is surrounded by acres of cultivated land where apples, oranges and even roses bloom in abundance. “There is no better place to be close to nature,” said the actress.
In search of the 'Neelakurinji'
Anna travelled to Munnar recently to watch the blooms of 'Neelakurinji' (Strobilanthes kunthianus). “It is a nature's miracle and I was so eager to enjoy the scene. However, due to bad luck, I could not enjoy the beauty of Neelakurinji. Munnar has been destroyed by the recent floods and is struggling to come back to the normal condition,” explained Anna.
Most tourist spots in Munnar are still inaccessible. “It was a big let-down to miss the sight of the blue flowers on the green valleys. I felt so sad. We returned from Munnar without the usual celebrations,” revealed the actress.
Now, Anna has another dream - travelling to the Himalayas on a bullet motorcycle. She is eagerly looking forward to this hair-raising adventure.
