Shafna is a television star of great repute. Though Shafna kicked off her career by acting in a few films, this beautiful actor struck a chord with the audience by essaying some striking roles in soap operas and TV series.
One of Shafna's hobbies is to hit the road with her hubby Saji. Shafna, who has toured a lot, shares her travel experiences with Onmanorama.
Both love travelling and wish to visit many places. The only constraint is paucity of time due to tight shooting schedules, but whenever there is free time they would like to go on long journeys and let the spirits rip.
Saji is more into adventure trips, but lately Shafna has started to enjoy the risky expeditions. "He used to push me into many adventure activities and this helped me to overcome fear," says Shafna.
Kullu-Manali trekking
"The Kullu-Manali trip is one of the best in my life," an excited Shafna affirms. Usually the trips are planned meticulously, including reserving hotel rooms, but not the one to Kullu-Manali, which is 532 km from Delhi, in Himachal Pradesh, she adds. This tour was on the adventure list and no planning went into it; just carried the trekking bags, that's it. Reached Delhi by air and from there took a bus. Shafna loves bike rides and can travel on a bike for hours together.
The couple were on motorbike for 15 days criss-crossing Manali in Kullu district, which is 1,950m above sea level. There was pretty heavy snowfall with intermittent rains. The mountains were a blanket of snow and the hill-tops were covered with trees.
Kullu-Manali is one of the most sought-after romantic destinations in India. There are many exotic spots in Manali that would take your breath away. New Manali, Old Manali, Mal road, Solang road, Hadimba Temple, Gulaba and Rohtang pass are just some of them.
"There was more nip in the air as we climbed the mountains ranges. We tried our hand in paragliding on the way to the top. The travel was an experience of a lifetime as we came in close contact with the unique lifestyle and culture of each and every place," Shafna notes.
Manali trip was purely mesmerizing, and this high-altitude town provides something for everyone. If you are someone searching for nature's beauty, then Manali won't disappoint you. Pilgrims and adventurists will find Manali equally interesting as there are many temples, valleys and snow-covered mountains. Trekking, mountain riding, paragliding and skating are some of the activities for persons with adrenaline rush. There is no limit to leisure here.
A trip with friends to Maldives
Maldives is a perfect island getaway and the coral atolls strung around like pearls will blow anyone away. Pristine beaches and premier accommodation facilities are hallmarks of this island nation. "I got hooked up with the unspoiled beaches there, and we had a blast for 10 days at this fascinating place," Shafna recounts.
Everything in Maldives is so pleasing to the eyes. You can indulge in snorkelling, sailing and underwater diving in crystal clear blue waters. "Though I am not a good swimmer, I did scuba diving with the help of experts. It was an out-of-the-world experience though initially there were some jitters," she says.
You will never get bored with Goa
Goa is one place you want to visit again and again, and you will never get bored with the beautiful beaches there. The beaches soak in dance and music, and always there is romance in the air. The main beaches in Goa are Anjuna, Baga, Vagator, Calangute, and Candolim, besides many small beaches. It is better to visit the less-crowded beaches to get a feel of the real Goa, see sunrise and sunset, and just chill.
Parasailing, snorkelling and kayaking await people who have an adventure bone in them. It is possible to visit Goa on a shoe-string budget but during the tourist season between October and February a Goan tour can burn a hole in your pocket.
"We usually go to Goa in our car, and we love the drive. It takes 17 hours to reach Goa from Thrissur," says Shafna.
Experience the warmth of chillness
Shafna and Saji have been to the hill stations of Munnar in Kerala and Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu. Munnar with its ravishing landscape and pleasant weather can be on anyone's wish list of places to visit.
The blossoming of Neelakurinji, which occurs only once in 12 years, is a natural wonder of the Munnar hills.
"Once during a visit to Munnar we came to know that the Neelakurinji has flowered, and off we went to see the purple spectacle on the slopes and dales. As there was a heavy rush of tourists, we got a hotel room only on the outskirts of Munnar town," says Shafna.
The Ecotown Resort had rooms made of mud, and it was a great feeling to stay in a mud room in Munnar.
"It was like connecting with nature. A world full of birds, flowers and mountains. We stayed there for three days," she adds.
Shafna concludes by saying that there are many miles to go.
