Neelima Vallangi: A ceaseless voyager

18 years of school life, a first class bachelor’s degree from top university, further studies at abroad if aspiring more, a job by late 20s, a grand salary at the end of every month, marriage, family and finally that’s how our pseudo ‘settled’ life ends. To all those who have suppressed their craving to travel and enjoy the  beauty of nature; and also to those who are confused about choosing travel over a well settled life are sure to be inspired after reading this.

“If travel is what you want to do, start right away. Like they say, those who want to do it, will find a way. If not, they’ll find an excuse. Once you set your mind to a goal, it is very easy to weed out the distractions and obstructions”, is Neelima’s message to aspiring travellers.

Neelima Vallangi, a graduate from IIT-Madras quit her job in Bangalore knowing what exactly would make her happy in life. A routine of spending life inside four walls was not what she desired. She loved photography, wilderness and most important of all- untold stories. “I was always fascinated with stories, unknown and unheard. And one of the best ways to uncover such stories is through travel, which is why I felt having a base isn’t helping my cause. When we tread unknown waters, the rewards are often greater than the risks. I love telling stories and to find a good story, you need to spend a great deal of time in a place to uncover its little quirky secrets. With this thought, I decided to travel slowly spending more time in each place.” This has been her inspiration to quit a handsome job and hug her passion forever.

Winning award in the Landscape Category 2011 by Better Photography, and to have proudly got many of her exemplary photographs in National Geography – Traveller, The Hindu, BBC Travel etc., Neelima loves to photograph “a lot!” She carries her DSLR along wherever she goes, to capture all the amazing moments and leaves it open for the world to envy and be inspired.

East to West and South to North, Neelima has explored many places in India, when catechised about which was her most favourite she said, “I love the mountains, so Himalayas is a natural choice. But I am also very fascinated by the nature and culture of north east. It is a completely hidden and lost world out there.” 
India apart, what other places would she love to travel? 
“I love any place that retains culture from their past and has incredible natural beauty. I’ve been to Mongolia but I’d love to explore more of Central Asia and Eastern Europe which is the exact opposite of Western Europe in terms of development and wilderness”.A tiring week full of work loads and a blissful weekend for a two day expedition did not gratify her travel impulse. The mind urged for a smooth long travel without any hurry and to return home when pacified or to just loose oneself watching the dreamy illuminated night sky.

This young traveller puts down all her adventures in her blog – ‘The Wandering Soul’s Wander Tales’, where she has built a platform for herself to interact with many travellers and those who aspire to become one. Speaking of travel, it is inevitable to have not noticed the changing perspective upon the concept of travel. Back then, travel had an objective, a purpose or a goal to accomplish.Today, it is a journey that brings you to peace and tranquillity. Travel is about risk and adventure, it has become a way of discerning and moulding oneself to a better being. “I don’t necessarily subscribe the thought of travelling to finding one self but if that is your true intention, travel helps greatly to realize your calling. When you are out on the road and free of past baggage, you are free to explore your own self and thrive in a new unfamiliar environment. And I think travel has always been a psychological need, in our modern lives, we have suppressed it but if the current trend is anything to go, that need to wander is coming back with a vengeance”, explained Neelima about her views on travel.

“The privilege I was born into doesn’t escape me for a single moment, where I am free to go after my dreams. Needless to say, it feels wonderful but it also fills me with gratitude. There is no room to complain and it has given me a positive outlook on life that brings a sense of contentment as well”, said Neelima encapsulating her travelling experience. If given a chance to change anything from her past she would have, “started travelling in my teens or even earlier if possible.” 
Nothing comes easy way, when asked about hurdles one could face which might stop them from travelling Neelima responded, “Unless someone needs me back at home or I am physically unable to do so anymore, there’s nothing that stops anyone from travelling. We’ve seen people travel all over the world bartering their skills in exchange for food and boarding. We’ve seen people travelling relying solely on generosity of strangers. We’ve seen people walk and cycle across continents. There’s no stopping really, if one wants to travel.”

On admiring her unique style of writing I inquired if she has thought about compiling all her adventures in India into a book, to which she answered, “Maybe, sometime in future. There’s enough content to fill out several books on India”. “I vacate my apartment at the end of this month and I’ll be going where the road takes me, writing and photographing. I’m sure it’s going to be one hell of an adventure”, Neelima Vallangi is all prepared for her future  adventures. 

Looking forward to meet more such aspirants, and awaiting to read many more travelogues and beautiful pictures by her I take the last sip of my coffee and press Ctrl+S !