Meet an extensive traveller, solo female biker, adventure seeker and a professional skydiver Commander Pooja Rajput, also an Indian Naval Officer who has been inspiring Indian females to go beyond their fears and seek the adventurous life. Her solo travelling experience will inspire us to take the plunge.
Tell us something about yourself
I am an Indian Naval Officer, a solo traveler passionate about riding, photography, and exploring, having a belief that life is not to be lived in one place, but it is a continuous process of knowing and discovering the world as our ancestors. I also have a keen interest in extreme adventure sports and I am a qualified basic solo skydiver, skier, and white water rafter. I consider my mind over my body and firm believer of the theory of “follow your heart”
How many countries and Indian states have you travelled?
I have travelled extensively in India and across US and Canada.
Any interesting travel moments
When you travel, interesting moments are always in abundance. One such interesting and inspiring moment was while traveling through Rajasthan.
After crossing the Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer and having my Gulliver’s travel moment with the giant windmills I headed to the border post Tanot. Though I have witnessed many International Indo-Pak Borders still everytime the feeling is the same. The ride from Jaisalmer to Tanot was straight out of the Netflix movie wherein both sides of the road greeted me with endless stretches of barren lands and camels grazing felt like riding in an Arab country. After having my rounds of camel selfies and soaking in the atmosphere, against my wishes I moved ahead as time clock was ticking. On reaching the BSF check post to my surprise I saw two immaculately turned out women constables standing firmly with their weapon held with utmost precision, my experience of Lara Croft from Tomb Raider was right in front of me. My heart took some beats in pride and honor and my mind realized I was seeing this in the state of Rajasthan where the male/female ratio is skewed due to female foeticide. I shook hands with the soldiers and spoke to them about their experience of being at the border. The conversation revealed that they joined this service for their love to serve the country in uniform. Said a hearty goodbye to them and headed back to Jaisalmer.
What are the most popular places to visit here?
Jaisalmer is a popular tourist destination and is famous for Sam sand dunes and the camp area there for leisure.
Tell us about your fears and anxieties when traversing solo. How you keep them at bay?
Keep your fears under your grip. Don’t let them play on your mind. A well-planned trip with adequate emergency situation handling makes you at ease. One needs to get out and explore and find out for own self and keep the anxieties at bay.
What’s your favourite travel quote?
“Follow Your Heart “ you are doing nothing new after all this is what our ancestors also did with a different mode of travel.
What’s the strangest thing you tried on your travels?
Tea from camel milk!!
What’re your best travel tips?
Prepare well, mark your route/standby route, pack light, carry self-defense tools, learn how to use them in case need be and connect with bikers along the way beforehand.
Where are you off to next?
My next trip though is not fixed yet it can be anything from covering India from Kashmir to Kanyakumari or riding countries.
