Agomoni
Specialist: Indian Subcontinent
Born in the northeastern state of Tripura, India, Agomoni was bitten by the travel bug very early in life. Her father was in the Indian armed forces which allowed her to move across the length & and breadth of the country and experience the local life in different regions while growing up.
She was inspired to work in the travel industry after a summer job assisting with logistics for a BBC crew filming wildlife in the national parks of central India. She started her career in the luxury travel industry in India and then moved to London. Over the years her focus has not only been on luxury travel but also on the conservation efforts, positive effects on society and personal experiences that travel offers.
Prior to joining TransIndus, Agomoni worked with Cox & Kings UK for 13 years and has travelled extensively in the India sub-continent region (India, Nepal, Bhutan & Sri Lanka). She is also well-travelled in Europe, parts of North America and Costa Rica
Travel high
My travel high has to be Bhutan. The landscape, monasteries, the people all together makes Bhutan mesmerising. Trekking up the Tiger's Nest was amazing but one of my most memorable experiences was meeting some school children on my way to Chimi Lhakhang, a Buddhist monastery in Punakha. I was walking through a paddy field when I came across a bunch of giggling girls. They were very chatty and invited me to join their game of football. What was different was that the ball was a bunch of leaves tied together and then tossed and kicked around. It was a humbling realisation of how lovely childhood is, and that it doesn’t take much to be happy. Their beaming little faces will stay with me forever.
Favourite hotel
My favourite hotel has to be the 18th century ‘Ahilya Fort’ located by the banks of the river Narmada in a small quaint town called Maheshwar. It's like a home away from home, where I could appreciate silence while the world around me is talking. The spacious rooms are aesthetically decorated and most have balconies. The morning starts with seeing austere holy men, women in colourful sarees, playful children all making their way to the river bank for morning prayers. Day time is perfect to take a stroll around the hotel to appreciate the local architecture and the beautiful weaves of the Maheshwari Sarees. The food at Ahilya Fort is authentic to the region and makes the afternoon siesta more easy to achieve. Just before sunset, the hotel can arrange a boat ride, don’t miss it! By the time you reach the middle of the river it is time for the evening temple prayers. It is just magical to be sat on a country boat with a warm cup of tea, a blanket and feel the breeze that brings with it the chanting, ringing of bells and incense fragrance from the river banks. Staying at Ahilya Fort is truly experiential.
Travel tip
To me, travelling is all about knowing my surroundings and finding myself. Before choosing a destination to try to decide what you want to achieve from the trip and why. Let that be the deciding factor for your choice of destination. Try to get out of your comfort zone. It’s only when you try, you find where the magic is hidden!
