Tarzan and Jane have stiff competition from this family of four, that’s the story of Adventures of A2D2. They began their Instagram expedition in April 2019. They are the go-to blog that features boutique and experiential options for young families who wish to travel with their children in India.
A2D2 decoded, are the names Arush, Disha, Amer, and Dinaira. Arush and Disha are parents to the adventurous Amer and Dinaira. The awesome foursome together have a ravenous appetite for travel and new adventures. Arush Sogani, an explorer and a wildlife enthusiast only dons the garb of a businessman, his heart and soul being besieged by travel.
Disha Chopra, a former anchor and journalist with a news channel, has now stepped into the role of a Culture & Communication specialist. Amer, the duo’s 8-year old son is obsessed with trekking, golf, cricket, swimming, and the outdoors! Dinaira, a self-learning gymnast at 6 years of age, searches for rainbows and unicorns wherever they go!
From the jungles of Jim Corbett and Binsar to the peaks of Sitla and Mukteshwar to the crystal clear blues of the Andamans, they journal snippets of their adventures to inspire other families to experience the beauty of Incredible India – with its diversity, majesty and vast expanse! These mindful experiences for the family of four, they hope other young families take a cue and take in new travel experiences!
The adventures of A2D2 started in 2019 back after the family watched a heart-warming film “Captain Fantastic’ that’s based on a family that lives in the wild. Arush and Disha felt the need to reiterate the power of nature and of sustainable understanding. The blog documents blue skies, eating locally sourced wholesome food and watching animals roaming free in their territory. The Covid-19 Pandemic corroborated the value of health, healing and the attractive outdoors! The Adventures of A2D2 blog has an organic following with no commercial interests.
In my conversation with Disha Chopra, the leader of the pack and co-founder, Adventures of A2D2, I asked her questions pertaining to their experiences of wanderlust of A2D2 and their long term goals as a sustainable travel blog. Excerpts:
Q. What are you trying to state with the Adventures of A2D2 travel blog?
A. We hope that our experiences etch themselves as beautiful memories not only for our family but as inspiration to others to explore and preserve the natural bounty of our motherland, our beautiful India …. Along with having loads of fun along the way!
Q. What are the 3 most memorable places you’ve explored in India?
A. For a family that is smitten by Incredible India – our favourite and most memorable holidays include Pahalgam in Kashmir, Turtuk in Ladakh and Havelock island in the Andamans. The diversity of our country is just phenomenal!
Q. What are some child-friendly vacation spots you would recommend to travel to with children?
A. We think the notion of being child-friendly is in the minds of the parents – kids are most resilient and adaptable! However, some of the places our children have enjoyed the most include Landour, Andretta, Rishikesh and of course Goa!
Q. How can we intervene with regard to making vacation spots more suitable for travelling with children?
A. Children find happiness in the most basic and fundamental activities – plucking vegetables from an organic farm, hearing folktales about the area, learning basic cooking skills, having access to some local art and craft! The range of activities is endless!
The lack of cleanliness is the key factor that distinguishes our tourist spots from others outside the country. What we also feel is missing in most homestays and hotels across the country are small play areas for children made with sustainable materials- the kind that one especially finds in European countries. Even small spaces are used so effectively!
Adventures of A2D2 Instagram blog is recommended to anyone looking to explore novel places and other gems practising sustainability and offering experiences to all age travellers. Follow them on Instagram @adventuresofa2d2.
