What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite?
Growing up in Chennai, a coastal city in South India, I’ve always known one thing very well: the heat. For almost nine months of the year, we live under a scorching sun. Even during the so-called winter, the humidity doesn’t let us breathe easily. May is especially brutal, with temperatures touching 100 to 103°F (around 38–40°C). Schools and colleges usually shut down for summer holidays during this time.
For a long time, I had never stepped outside Chennai. I didn’t know what it was like to feel cold weather, or to see snow. But after completing my education and stepping into the film industry, things changed. My work took me places—and that’s how my travel journey began.
First Steps Out: Hyderabad & Goa
My first trip was a short one to Hyderabad—just three days, but it was my first time away from home. Later, I got the chance to attend the International Film Festival in Goa with my friends. It was a five-day trip, and although Goa is also a coastal region, it felt different. At night, it was still warm, but something magical happened around 4 a.m. The moonlight reflecting on the ocean brought a sudden chill in the air. It was beautiful.
Climate-wise, it wasn’t very different from Chennai, but food-wise, Goa was a new experience. I enjoyed exploring their local cuisine and culture.
The Dream Journey: Himachal Pradesh
Then came the biggest adventure of my life—Himachal Pradesh. It was the farthest I had ever travelled. We landed in Kullu at 8 a.m., and by 10 a.m., we reached our hotel in Manali. That journey from Kullu to Manali changed everything for me.
As we drove through the mountains, I saw clouds so close I could almost touch them. Paragliders were flying all around, and I felt an urge to try it at least once in my life. I also saw river rafting for the first time—not on TV, but right in front of me. It was thrilling.
When we reached the hotel, the view took my breath away. The mountains were completely covered in snow. I had only seen such sights in movies. Now, I was seeing it with my own eyes. That “wow” moment will stay with me forever.
My Snow Story
We began our location hunt for the shoot, driving deeper into the mountains. At one point, we were completely surrounded by snow. We stopped the car, and for the first time in my life, I touched snow. I played with it like a child, feeling pure joy.
I stayed in Manali for over eight days. I’ve visited the place more than four times now—twice for film shoots and twice with friends. Every time I go, I fall in love with it all over again.
I often tell my friends, “Let’s go to Manali. I’ll arrange everything for you.” And I really mean it. I’ve made good friends there, including Yogaraj, a local who runs a travel business. During our shoots, he helped us with all arrangements and became a close friend over time.
Why Manali Stays in My Heart
For someone who grew up in Chennai’s heat, Manali felt like another world. The climate, the people, the food, the snow—all of it made me feel alive. It wasn’t just a trip. It was an experience that touched my soul.
If I ever get the chance, I would love to go back and stay there for as long as I can. Manali gave me memories I’ll never forget—and a reason to keep exploring.
Have you ever visited a place that changed your life? Tell me in the comments!
Until next time, keep exploring!