Kerala women in their 70s travel the world saving pension money

Mathamangalam: An undying love for travelling is what nurtured the friendship between Sarojini and Padmavathi. The two friends have already visited more than thirteen places, including a foreign country. The women often save their pension money to fund their trips, and if that is insufficient, then their kids would contribute. The duo had last visited the historic city of Hyderabad. 

Friends, neighbours
Mathamangalam Kuppadakath Sarojini (72) and Mathamangalam Bazar Vengayil native Padmavati (72) have been childhood friends. However, the friends got separated when Sarojini got married and moved to another place. “We didn’t have telephones then. We met each other only when she visited during any weddings or Kaliyattam (temple festival),” says Padmavati with a smile. Sarojini’s husband, Kaithprath Narayanan, worked in the Indian military. So, she had visited and lived in many states with him. She moved back to Kerala in 1987 after her husband died. Meanwhile, Padmavati had been married into a family in the neighbourhood. Hence, the two friends reunited, igniting their love for travelling. 

Starting with temple darshan
Sarojini and Padmavati’s first few trips were to iconic temples such as Parassinikadavu, Sabarimala, Guruvayoor, Pazhani, Madurai, Rameshwaram, and Dhanushkodi. They then decided to visit the temples and pilgrimage centres in other states. When their children learned about their decision, they were thrilled and even offered them support. Sarojini and Padmavati then found travel groups that offered trips to various destinations. The duo visited many popular North Indian destinations, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Kashi, Badrinath, and Kedarnath. “Kashmir is the most beautiful among the places we’ve seen. We rode on a horse on our Kedarnath trip; it was an unforgettable experience,” recalls Padmavati. 

Malaysia is the only foreign country visited by Sarojini and Padmavati. “It was our first international trip. We saved our pension money for months to fund that trip. The trips and the preparations for them are so special. We wish to travel as long as we are healthy. You shouldn’t merely see places; you should be able to experience them. Each trip gifts us lots of amazing memories that make us incredibly happy,” notes Sarojini. 

Next trip to Kolkata
Meanwhile, Sarojini and Padmavati are all set for their next trip. They had initially planned to go to Bali. However, they have now decided to visit Kolkata as Padmavati has already been to Bali. Sarojini and Padmavati will be heading to Kolkata next month to explore its delightful streets and historically significant locations.