Piu Sarkar,

painter/actress

nFive months ago, my family and I had gone to the Neora Valleys in the Dooars. I’m always drawn to places that allow me to reconnect with nature. I can’t explain how rejuvenated I feel surrounded by greenery and forests. Also, while jungle getaways can be quite thrilling, they also offer a sense of peace and solitude. Naturally then, I thoroughly enjoy a vacation to the hills. In fact, the higher I go, the better I feel.

Before reaching the Neora Valleys, we’d already gone to Lava Lolegaon, Santalicola and Gorumara Forest, all in the same belt. I also went trekking to Reshop. Once we arrived in Neora Valleys, we put up in a nice lodge. And here I spent 20 days of pure bliss!

Many would wonder at how boredom doesn’t creep in when visiting a place that really has nothing to offer besides its natural beauty. But I wasn’t bored at all. Every day, I’d awake at five and go for a long walk, revelling in the fresh air and listening to the birds chirping. I also loved interacting with the locals there. These are simple people living simple lives and yet there was so much to talk about. It’s these small things that inspire me when it comes to my painting.