Our steps may be slower, and we may pause to catch our breath, but our hearts still race with excitement at every new destination,” shares 86-year-old Valsala Menon, beaming with joy after returning from a month-long European adventure.

Alongside her sister, 84-year-old Ramani Menon, the spirited duo from Thrissur, Kerala, has defied all age-related norms and embraced life on the road : backpacks, passports, and passion in hand. While many associate their 80s with rest and retirement, Valsala and Ramani are just getting started. From the snow-capped peaks of Switzerland to the romantic streets of Paris, the sisters recently travelled across eight European countries, including Germany and Italy, adding yet another chapter to their growing travel diary.

Their journey began in their 70s, sparked by a deep personal transformation. After the loss of her husband, Ramani moved in with Valsala, who had herself been widowed at a young age. The two found solace in companionship, and soon, travel became their shared purpose. They first joined pilgrimage tours across India, visiting sacred places like Kashi, Badrinath, and Dwaraka.







That spark turned into a flame and soon, their passports began to fill with stamps from Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and beyond. Late bloomers, but fearless explorers, the sisters defy stereotypes every step of the way. Valsala, a retired officer from the Accountant General's Office, remained active in local spiritual and community groups in Wadakancherry.

Ramani, the wife of the late Advocate Gangadhara Menon, rekindled her own aspirations of exploration after moving in with her sister. Their travel philosophy?

Simple living, high thinking, and a heart full of curiosity. They follow a vegetarian lifestyle, adapt to local diets with ease, and carry a deep gratitude for every experience, no complaints, just joy.

Their positive mindset and disciplined routine have kept them remarkably healthy and energized, says their niece, Bindhu. Their adventures, though grand, are rooted in something profoundly beautiful: sisterhood, resilience, and the refusal to let age define their destiny. They’ve journeyed across borders, made friends from distant lands, and created memories that defy time. As for what’s next? They don’t have a destination in mind—but they’re certain of one thing: They’re not done exploring yet.

Source / Image Credit : SheThePeople