Travel Shaper Lakshmi Sharath – Bengaluru – Lakshmisharath.com
We first met in Ladakh in 2017. While most of us had driven to Leh from Gurgaon to create a world record of holding the ‘Highest Blogger Meet’, she had flown in for a paucity of time. We had known about each other through our work for some years. So, this first meeting did not seem like a first meeting.
We not only clicked, but this meeting also gave shape to a weekly Twitter chat we hosted for the next few months. Ever since, our paths have crossed during many fam trips – Bikaner, Odisha, Prayagraj Kumbh Festival, to name a few. We have also followed each other’s work ever since. And we will also hope to meet more often now since I have moved to her home base – Bengaluru. Read about Lakshmi, the travel shaper, in her own words.
Who is Lakshmi Sharath?
I am a storyteller, traveller, blogger, and writer, and I have been travelling since my childhood. My mother always said that I had wheels beneath my feet even as a kid. Both my grandfathers who were travellers in their own right and had travelled both in India and overseas inspired me and would regale me with stories.
I am a media professional and quit my corporate career after 15 years. During my sabbatical, I explored rustic Karnataka and went to over 30 Hoysala temples. That piqued my curiosity. One thing led to the other. I started telling these stories through my blog and articles and even took people on trails. Eventually, I decided not to go back to my media career and started travelling, which became a way of life.
What grabs her in her travels?
Heritage and culture are my primary interests, but my belief is ‘people make places’. As a storyteller, I travel where the stories are. During my sabbatical, I went on a Europe trip and realized that we don’t appreciate our heritage as much as the Europeans do. I enjoy birdwatching and wildlife as well and have found fascinating stories to share.
Which are her favourite places?
It’s like asking a parent to pick your favourite child. All my travels are my favourites, but some experiences stay in your mind.
- Rustic Karnataka will always be a personal favourite, especially Malenadu – it has nature, heritage, culture, food – this destination has my heart.
- Tamil Nadu – My home state. There is so much culture and heritage here, but Tamil Nadu also has so many hidden secrets. Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Thanjavur, Madurai, Chettinadu, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari – some amazing destinations here. And I must add my favourite city, Chennai aka Madras which is a treasure trove of culture too.
- Kutch – If you love nature and culture, then Kutch is stunning. Textiles, arts and crafts, monuments, birds, people, stories, food, and of course the Rann.
- Rajasthan – I can never tire of going to Rajasthan. Every visit (I have made over six visits) there is something new and unusual to discover. I would love to go to Shekhawati once travel reopens.
- Ladakh – I fell in love with Ladakh (Who doesn’t!) during my trip over twelve years ago. And was breathless and spellbound by the barren stark landscape which is home to so many cultures and traditions.
Outside India, I would say Croatia, Japan, Germany (Bavaria-mainly), Vietnam, Denmark are some of my favourites
Lakshmi, her travels, people, and stories
My stories about why people make places for me are here. There are also more people’s stories in this section.
Places Lakshmi Sharath would like to visit someday
Right now, travel is on my bucket list. I want the pandemic to get over so as to travel worry-free. A visit to Borneo and seeing the Northern Lights – these two will be my eternal bucket list destinations.
Her recent trip, COVID-19 and her plans
I last visited Madurai in January 2020 before the pandemic and am still writing about my experiences, but here are some links – Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, Samanar Hills and Jain Caves, Heritage Resort Madurai.
There has been no travel in the last 18 months and hope we can start soon, but only when it’s safe. No plans yet. None at the moment. Just waiting for the all-clear signal.
Short, but sweet suggestion
Travel is personal, and every experience is a story, it’s your story. Go ahead, own it, and share it with the world.
