Actress Asha Sarath, who debuted on the small screen and later carved a niche for herself on the big screen, is also a gifted dancer. She is known for portraying any character in her own style. It is Asha’s pleasing smile that has endeared her to the Malayalam moviegoers.
Asha, who loves both acting and dancing, is an avid traveller too. She ensures that one or two long trips take place every year and shares interesting experiences during her journeys to Onmanorama.
“A trip not only involves visiting a place but also learning more about it. I study the culture and history of each destination we travel to. I have been fortunate to gain knowledge about the varied lifestyles, food and languages. It has helped me learn more about life and I love travelling. Trips with my husband Sarath and our two children take place one or two times a year and they have given me most satisfaction,” says the celebrity.
When a trip is planned, Asha, Sarath and the two kids would have different demands. “While one person gives importance to food, another may prefer sightseeing and shopping. We finally settle on a place that fulfils everyone’s wishes,” says Asha.
This makes each family trip a thoroughly enjoyable affair, she adds.
She loves foreign trips
As Asha lives in Dubai, most of her journeys have been to foreign countries. “I’ve travelled to numerous destinations abroad, but loved Japan the most. It was in fact our kids who had suggested the trip to Japan. They have been watching cartoons since a young age and most of these programmes show the scenes in Japan. From then, our kids have been demanding a trip to Japan. Now, after we made the journey, they want to go there again to see more of the country. I too feel the same,” says Asha.
She reveals more about her Japan trip “A country with beautiful scenery, everyone works hard in Japan, irrespective of their age. Interacting with the local people, you realize that they are all good at heart. The temples in Japan are also very attractive. There is decorative art done on wood and stunning roofs made of metal and wood. The view from Tokyo Tower at night was also terrific.”
Asha was moved by the visit to the Naritasan Shinshoji, a historic temple. “The sights and experiences in Japan will satisfy your soul as well as give you deep insights about life,” says the actress, adding that she would love to make another trip to the amazing country.
China
Asha’s trip to China too was incomplete, she feels. “There is so much to see. The scenery, weather and historic sites all offer a very thrilling experience. I want to spend some more time at places where traditional Chinese architecture can be enjoyed and at Xitang Water Town. If we get another opportunity, a family trip to China and Japan is certain,” reveals Asha.
A 15-day cruise
Among the long list of travel experiences, Asha considers her cruise trip special. “The voyage in a ship in royal grandeur was indeed amazing. We enjoyed every moment of the 15-day cruise in the seas,” she explains.
“We took the Caribbean cruise and started from Barcelona in Spain. The tour was around the Mediterranean. There was dance and music which were arranged at the aqua theatre on the top deck. The illumination too was interesting,” Asha reveals.
“We went on the cruise after the board exams of our daughter. However, we missed the connection flight to Spain from Dubai and had to spend nine hours at the airport. We were thoroughly exhausted and all of us slept at the airport on my dupatta,” she adds.
“Nobody at the airport knew that I was a celebrity,” says Asha.
Close encounter with lions
Among the trips that gave a fright to Asha was the one to Africa. “We eagerly looked forward to the wild safari. But the engine of the jeep we were travelling suddenly stopped in the middle of the jungle. In the vehicle we four were alone with the driver. Two lions soon came nearby and examined our jeep. We stayed quiet and held our breaths. As the jeep had metal grills all around, the lions could not enter the vehicle. The lions did not realize that we were inside as everything was still in the jeep. Sometime later, they left. Luckily, the engine too came to life again and we were saved,” remembers Asha with a chill.
The resort in Munnar
Asha’s brother owns a resort in Munnar and every time she arrives in Kerala, the actress heads to the hill station. “Our family get-togethers and stay in the state are arranged at the resort. I love the mist-covered Munnar too,” she adds.
Asha tries to return home on all days while travelling for various programmes. “However, this is not possible when the programmes are in the US and Canada. So, I travel with family to these places,” she says.
“After the event, we go sightseeing,” adds the actress.
Asha’s family members enjoy visiting exotic places and hope to travel to several more interesting destinations in future.
