Film-TV actress Sarayu Mohan and her hubby Sanal are travel enthusiasts and won’t lose an opportunity to go on a vacation. Whether it’s a quick outing or a long tour, the couple apparently loves travelling and experiencing new things. The actress last flew to Melbourne and here she shares the captivating experiences with Onmanorama:
Relished uthrada sadya at Saravana Bhavan in Melbourne
The couple, who celebrated Onam in Melbourne, apparently walked around its streets in search of good vegetarian food and landed in Saravana Bhavan! "I'm not very fond of non-vegetarian food. I go hunting for restaurants where I can have vegetarian delicacies during my journeys," says the actress.
When it comes to food, we’re just the opposites!
Melbourne is a place she wanted to visit for a long time, as it is known for trendy, wonderful fashion items, says Sarayu. "In Melbourne, we can enjoy a blend of a rich cultural heritage and the latest trends. Like any travel buff, it was also my dream to drive around one of the most stylish cities in the world. We spent three days in Melbourne touring most of the prime tourist centres. The Melbourne City Centre is dotted with heritage-listed buildings, many of them dating back to Victorian times. The historic churches and sumptuous art déco hotels are sure to lure one and all. Just strolling through the streets there itself is a wonderful experience," she remembers.
Apparently, something that worries her during her trips is food. "I have heard many reflecting that they had a gala time trying out the numerous local cuisines at the places they visit," says Sarayu, explaining, "I’m not a person who experiments much with food. But my spouse, Sanal, is just the opposite. He makes much effort to spot places where he can get the best local delicacies. Though both of us love travelling, we are poles apart when it comes to matters regarding food.”
The solo Puducherry trip and the unfulfilled dream to view northern lights in Finland
Sarayu is one who properly plans all her journeys, whether it is with her friends, with her husband Sanal, or travelling alone. She is apparently ready for any kind of travel sorties. It doesn’t matter whether it’s short trips or long journeys, she enjoys them to the fullest, the actress says.
“I perfectly enjoy travelling in harmony with nature as well as wandering through the busy city streets and also nightlife. I also do solo trips from time to time. That's how I went to Pondicherry recently. Pondicherry is a beautiful place that I have been to before, but no matter how many times you visit it, you don't get tired of it," says the actress, adding it's the most memorable journey that she had this year. "The vibe that Pondicherry gives is always refreshing. I love its beaches, cafes, and colonies full of whitewashed buildings. It's fun just to walk there," said Sarayu.
The streets of the French Quarter of Pondicherry, also known as the White Town, filled with yellow colonial houses, and their walls hosting Bougainvilleas, are the beauty that is very special to Pondicherry, she reflects. "There are certain places where how many times we go, we don't get tired. Pondicherry is such a place and my favourite one too," she says.
Wherever Sarayu goes, she says she would quickly get used to the atmosphere there. "When I was young, I never thought I would be able to travel much, and every trip I'm taking now is like a dream. That's why I love it so much and enjoy it so much. Although I undertake plenty of trips, Finland is a special place that I always wanted to see. That's a dream. I want to see the Northern Lights. Though I planned it, it didn't work out. I want to see the Christmas Village as well," shares the actress.
All that said, Sarayu feels no place is better than home. "I have felt many times that we really live in God's Own Country. Although I have visited many countries, it is in our state that one can enjoy geography and climate in perfect balance. When we go elsewhere, we face extreme weather. Here, within a small radius, one can see the beaches, the mountains, and the forests. Thus, our state is a small paradise with all kinds of natural beauty. But in other countries, public transport, approach to tourists and public toilets are all excellent," she explains.
Sarayu wishes Kerala offered the kind of treatment that others gave tourists, the way they respected others and never interfered in the affairs of others. "When I come back home from my trip, I feel sad about it. There is no doubt that Kerala will become a true tourist hub if our approach also is changed," she opines.
