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MY KIND OF PLACE - VENU ARVIND

Then and now

Then, there was a backyard full of trees, cool breeze blowing through the day, a house full of people and life moved at its own sweet pace. Now members of the family are like strangers with each running in a different direction. Grey (concrete) has replaced green. And you said backyard? A spacious balcony is a luxury. Forget breeze, there's only fuel emission. Wondering why this comparison! Just to drive home the importance of travel or holiday to the busy souls. It gives you the time to get back to Nature and bond with family and friends. Your children would love to talk about all the fun they had on these family trips when they grow up.

That's Kashmir, created by the best set designer - God. Two years ago I visited this gorgeous valley with my family. Our first stop was Pahalgam, we then went to Katra and from there to the famous Vaishno Devi shrine. But the most unforgettable was the road travel from Katra to Jammu. Not one of those journeys when you want to dose off. Keep your eyes wide open to take in the stunning vistas - grazing sheep, snow-capped peaks, colourful flora...If only I could own a house.

Nuwara Eliya located in the hilly regions of Sri Lanka is another place I love for its fascinating landscape - lush green tea gardens, lakes (there are quite a few) and the Pidurutalagala mountain.

Last year I travelled across the U.S. with a group of television artistes. We had the time of our life. I enjoyed the various cities of this most happening country for a different reason - Las Vegas for celebration and entertainment, New York for its vibrancy and Houston for the warmth of the Indians there. Staying in the house of our NRI host, I realised that though far from their native land, our people there are more Indian than many of us here.

Is life's journey.

THE ACTOR SPOKE TO CHITRA SWAMINATHAN

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