Nomadic Shoes Interview Series: Kakoli De

Suman

4 years ago

Kakoli is a Library and Information Science Professional at the University of Calcutta. This bong lady has travel in her DNA. Born in Bangalore and brought up in Kolkata, her love for both South Indian and Bengali things is evident through her travelling style.

A dream vacation spot for kakoli should have two things – Seaside and beaches. Her favourite travel destination is Singapore. Apart from travelling Kakoli enjoys photography and you will always find a camera in her hand while she is travelling to far away lands.

This week we are interviewing a self confessed travel addict who believes that travelling is the most healthiest addiction. So, let us find out Kakoli’s favourite travel memories.

World Wide Traveller

1. How would you describe yourself in 3 words

Fun loving
Adventurous
Explorer

2. What made you fall in love with travelling?

I love to take photos of places and people, mountains, sea, cities, buildings, restaurants, food. Also love to explore new places and know about the people from those places and their culture.

This made me fall in love with travelling.

3. Which is your favourite destination in India and why?

My favourite destination in India is Delhi. This is because I often have to visit Delhi and Gurgaon. My sister resides in Gurgaon and whenever I visit her we chalk out a plan and visit a spot in Delhi. It may be a historical place, a monument, a museum or a market. A visit to Delhi atleast 4 times a year is a must for me. For me it is like “Dilli Dilwalon Ki”. My favourite photo is infront of India Gate.

4. What’s the longest single journey you’ve taken so far?

It was a tour of Gujrat. I was staying in IIM Ahmedabad campus with my sister when she was studying there in 2016. I had on my mind the famous Gujarat Tourism ‘Khushbu Gujrat Ki’ campaign by Amitabh Bachchan. So hired a car from Ahmedabad and set off for the Gujrat journey. Started with amazing Rann Festival in White Rann of Kutch and a luxurious Tent stay. Then an adventurous ride in Gir Forest and met some lions on the way. After that magnificent Somnath and Dwarka Temples to breathe in faith. Explored Bhuj, Junagadh and Jamnagar. Also visited Porbandar – Birthplace of Gandhiji and Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. A visit to Lothal – Harappan Civilisation Archaeological site and Adalaj – a stepwell was really memorable.

5. According to you, do you think one has to be rich to travel the world?

We really don’t have to be rich to travel but have to save enough for that. We can manage with a economic budget and not going for expensive stays. If we have the passion for travelling then we can definitely do it.

6. Given a choice, would you leave your job for travel?

I meet the travel expenses from my job earnings. So definitely I won’t leave my job.

Moreover I travel during the holidays I get or the leave I earn.

7. Did travelling make you a better person?

Yes travelling has definitely made me a better person. I have gained so much knowledge while travelling. I have learnt about the history of the place, about the people and their culture. Most important thing is that I have learnt Time Management and waking up early.

8. What are the 5 essentials that you always carry on your travels?

The 5 essentials that I always carry are –

My mobile phone for guiding me in GPS locations and definitely to keep in touch with my near and dear ones,
DSLR camera to capture whatever my eye signals,
Umbrella to hide my face from the Sun,
A small bottle of water to keep me hydrated
Some snacks packets which I can share with my companions.

9. How do you travel sustainably?

I always keep in mind not to harm natural and cultural environments. Dispose the trash in proper places. I take care not to cause any harm to the flora and fauna. Never pluck flowers. I maintain a safe distance from any animals I encounter. Do not waste water unnecessarily. I am also avoiding plastic bags for shopping now. Always follow the rules of the place and maintain discipline.

10. Are you a planned or impromptu traveller?

I am definitely a planned traveller. I select a place from my bucket list and start making plans after collecting proper reviews about that place. I search the internet for information about the place and consult people who have already visited the place. Most important is that which is the best and suitable time to visit a place. After all this research work then I go for booking and start packing my bags.

11. One quote that expresses your wanderlust?

My favourite quote expressing my wanderlust is –

“ And miles to go before I sleep, ”
Robert Frost

12. Name a person who inspired you to travel.

My father has always inspired me to travel. He himself travels a lot and has visited many countries. He always encourages me to travel.

13. What is the one thing that scares you while travelling?

I am scared of too much of walking during sight seeing. My legs start paining and so I try to take a transport if available. Otherwise I have to follow my co-travellers walking and enjoy the tour.

Had a really bad experience for Kedar Badri tour. The trip to Kedarnath Temple had to be covered mostly walking. From next day I was down with swollen ankles and severe leg pain but somehow managed to complete rest of the trip.

14. Your advice to people who wants to start travelling.

Do have a passion for travelling. Arm yourself with a camera and record every moment of your expression and experience which would become wonderful memories of your travel life.

Please take care of yourself while travelling and also the environment.

15. Who are your two most favourite travel bloggers/writers?

One of my favourite travel bloggers are the WOW Club, Women on Wanderlust. After reading their travel stories I joined them for the Ladakh Trip in 2017 and believe me it was an amazingly sweet experience for me travelling with women from all over India. Their trip was very well organized. I shall always remember the wonderful tent stay adventure and campfire by the beautiful blue Pangong Lake. We were all fascinated with bikes and so took photos with a bike.

Second one is the Globetrotting Girls India Group blog from where I get suggestions/tips to plan my next trip. Love to see the photos and read the travel experiences shared by the gorgeous girls in this group.