When a bunch of youngsters travelled from Vizag to Bhutan

Having travelled to many places, Sumanth Behara talks about his style of travel, the souvenirs he collects and the memories he cherishes. Here’s the travel story of a bunch of youngsters travelled from Vizag to Bhutan.

The mindset traveller

“I am a spontaneous traveller. So, I just book my tickets to a particular destination and do not plan anything else. It’s only when I reach, that I figure out where to go and what to do there. Looking for a different kind of experience, each of my journeys, has been enriching. Depending on my mind-set at a particular point in time, my trip is either a solo or a group trip. There are times when I go seeking solitude by getting away from the people I know, and choose to visit either the beaches or the hills. Then there are times, when I head out with my people to explore a new place.”

Travel souvenirs

“The people I meet is what I treasure the most about travelling. I therefore try to live like the locals, dress like them and eat local food too. Those impressions and stories are amazing, and this is not just during my national sojourns, but international ones as well. In fact, during my trip to Bhutan, I tried out their traditional knee-length gown with a belt, which is worn by men. They also wear socks up till their knees. This attire is worn by the Bhutan king as well.”

Sweet memories

“I have a special place in my heart for the welcoming people of Bhutan. My journey there took me through the beautiful places of Bagdogra and Jaigaon, which sits on the border. At the immensely beautiful cities of Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, I was impressed. With their culture and religion being very similar to ours, here nobody honks, and no one crosses the speed limit of 40kmph. In fact, vehicles have to stop if there’s someone waiting to cross at the zebra crossing. It’s like a matriarchal society, that’s so safe that I saw women walking at 3 in the night. I relished the local food of red rice and also the famed red bananas. From the fort of Punakha to a trek at Paro, every moment was delightful. And I recommend everyone to do the trek here and at other locations in Bhutan. That’s very beautiful, and do see the female and male river. Try their cuisines. And most importantly don’t go with expectations.”