I grew up in the bustling city of Bombay (now Mumbai) in a family of avid travellers, who seized the smallest opportunity to set off on holiday. By the age of ten, I’d been horse riding in Kashmir, palace hopping in Rajasthan, spent weekends in the family farm harvesting grapes and seen a fair bit of Southern India as well. On my first overseas trip, I was enamoured by the azure waters of Mauritius, the scenic mountain railway in Switzerland, the thundering Niagara waterfalls and the vibrant markets of Bangkok. All these early experiences instilled an interest and love for travel from an early age.
A year after graduating, I had my first job in travel, arranging tailor-made holidays for clients from around the world. And to get some practical experience, a few years later, I became a tour leader, leading groups of Indian travellers to Western Europe allowing me to expand on my experience of organising travel from behind the desk.
Over the years, I’ve lived in Europe and the American Southwest, settling in London, a city I’ve grown to love as home away from home. I have visited numerous European cities, explored Canada and the Pacific Northwest and more recently Egypt and Zanzibar as well as the Caribbean and Sri Lanka. Each journey and experience has been awe inspiring in its own way. Near or far, I have always found it fascinating to see how people live; to learn about their history, aspects of culture and tradition that shape lives be it urban or rural. One of my more recent trips has been through Bhutan - for a country of its size, it packs in a wonderful combination of pristine nature, hilltop monasteries, colourful festivals, a variety of walks and treks, spiritual experiences and amazing mountain views. The warm friendly people are ever eager for a chat over butter tea, or something stronger.
And I remain passionate as ever about all things India and take every opportunity to visit a new part of the country.
Holidays for me are like ‘bhelpuri’ a tantalising street snack from Mumbai; a medley of a little bit of everything: sweet and sour, spicy and bitter, crisp and soft, and always leaving you wanting for more. And this is a mantra that I use not only on personal trips but also in designing unforgettable holidays.
MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS FOR SEJAL
What is the most memorable travel experience you've arranged for a Wild Frontiers traveller?
My itineraries in Bhutan are laced with a lot of special experiences that include visits with ministers, academics, and clergy to understand aspects of Bhutanese life and culture like Gross National Happiness, mandala making, tsewang blessings, treks, and archery. One couple on a very special trip in the Himalaya also renewed their vows in a special temple, dressed in traditional Bhutanese attire.
Why travel to the Indian Subcontinent with you?
I have travelled through South Asia multiple times exploring new regions and accommodation and revisiting places that hold popular interest seeking out quiet spots, unmissable restaurants and cafes and meeting guides, all to create inspired and memorable holidays in the Indian subcontinent. It’s sometimes the simplest things like learning how to weave fresh flowers into temple garlands or having a discussion with a museum curator about the finer aspects of royal clothing or a master home cook in the art of tempering curries and chutneys. Authentic and immersive experiences are harder to find with digital overexposure, but finding just the right people to make your holiday special is increasingly down to personal contacts and connections.
What can travellers expect when working with you on their Wild Frontiers adventure?
I love engaging with travellers and take the time to get to know them well, so their wishes and dreams can be matched to what’s available in the destination both in terms of accommodation and experiences. I often choose the guides in each city, and they are briefed on clients’ requests and expectations, and mine! Not every trip is a luxury holiday in the material sense of the word. Choosing an area where they can relax and recharge their batteries in an idyllic setting, and finding just the right spot for honeymoons, celebrations and anniversaries is very important to me.
Do you look after the full trip package?
Yes of course. All tours are comprehensively designed and tailored to clients' needs and can include or not international flights, seat reservations, hotels and train bookings, all sightseeing with entrance fees and in some cases priority access as well as restaurant reservations and tickets to cultural performances, boat trips and literature festivals.
SEJAL'S TRIP SUGGESTIONS
Just back from a tailormade trip to Gujarat and we had the most amazing time ever. Wild Frontiers planned this trip perfectly to ensure that we experienced everything possible from temples to lions to tribes! If you want to go to India then go to Sejal at WF, she will do you proud!