Kalki Koechlin, travel journalist

*I can't get enough of this woman. I have to gape at everything she does. The very idea of her artlessly backpacking off to Kashmir... to shoot a little footage of those landmines at the Line of Control, I guess. Yeah, real "calm and serene."

*I just dunno. She consistently busts my weirdness quotient. You go, Kalki. It's probably safer than a day-trip from El Paso into Juarez.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/supplementary/backpacker’s-tryst-nature-071

I’m a backpacker. Instead of planning trips to popular travel destinations, I love discovering new places. I like trekking and adventure. And my favourite travel destinations are somewhere in the mountains. I love being in the lap of nature and would go to any place that offers a green habitat.

My last trip was up in the Nilgiri mountains in South India. I am in love with that place. Since I have grown up there and went to a boarding school in Ooty, I have a lot of memories of the place.

It feels nice to be there, especially the Bandipur Park. You can go on an elephant ride and witness a calm and serene setting. I am in awe of that view.

It’s so different from the hectic city life. I feel relaxed surrounded by the beautiful waterfalls, nature and greenery everywhere and most importantly, away from technological disturbances. Such places let you be yourself and soothe one’s senses.

But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy partying and night life. I’m fond of that as well. I really like the night life in London. I have spent a few years of my life in London for higher education. During my stay there, I went to many night clubs. I liked them because of the options they offer in terms of music. Here I fell in love with jazz. And one of the best places to listen to jazz are the jazz cafes in Camden Town. These clubs were one of the most sought after places for me and my friends.

I am a complete shopaholic. But rather than spending mindlessly on designer wear, I prefer street shops. I love the markets where I can bargain and have a variety to choose from.

For that matter Delhi’s street markets like Janpath or Sarojini Nagar are definitely worth a visit as they have affordable and trendy things....