Globetrotter Ankitha Rajendaran Releases First Book Why Not
Bengaluru, 12th June 2025: Ankitha Rajendaran, traveller, storyteller, and founder of Journeys With Ankitha, has released her debut memoir Why Not?—a bold and deeply personal memoir born from visiting 108 countries, many of which are among the world’s most misunderstood and least explored. The book draws on her experiences in places like Syria, Gabon, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan, delivering an honest, eye-opening account that challenges fear-driven narratives and brings a fresh perspective on meaningful travel.
The title, Why Not?, was born from the countless moments Ankitha was asked—often with hesitation or judgment—“Why would you go there?” Her response became her guiding philosophy: Why not? More than just a travel memoir, the book is a witness to transformation through exploration. Structured into three powerful sections—Misunderstood & Extraordinary, Wild & Raw, and Least Visited & Soul Free – the book delves deeper than curated travel tales we’re used to. Combining honest storytelling with cultural insights, personal reflections, and practical tips for navigating complex destinations while holding a full-time job, Why Not? makes an irresistible case for choosing curiosity over caution. More than just stories, ‘Why Not?’ is a workbook for travellers who don’t fit the mold – those who seek meaning, not just milestones. At its core, the book reflects Ankitha’s belief that true exploration doesn’t require quitting your job or chasing picture-perfect moments—it only requires courage, intention, and the willingness to ask: Why not?
With this debut, Ankitha carves a space for mindful, offbeat travellers—particularly women and South Asians—who want to see the world on their own terms. Her voice is intimate, witty, and unafraid to embrace discomfort, showing readers that some of the most extraordinary journeys lie far from the spotlight—in the quiet power of saying yes to the unexpected.
“Holding this book reminds me why this journey began,” says Ms. Ankitha Rajendaran. “More than anything, I hope this book inspires at least one person and helps shift how people think. This book is for anyone who’s ever been told ‘you can’t’ – whether by society, fear, or circumstance. For me, travel wasn’t an escape but a way to fully embrace life. Every journey pushed me beyond comfort and expectations, and with each step, I kept asking myself: Why not? This book is an appeal to embrace uncertainty, build meaningful connections, and discover the extraordinary in the world’s most overlooked places”
In a travel world dominated by bucket lists and curated content, Why Not? offers a refreshingly honest turn. It’s not about postcard-perfect pictures or quitting your job to travel. It’s about curiosity, commitment, and courage—the kind that thrives in the tension between ambition and personal freedom. Ankitha’s story resonates especially with those navigating dual identities—professionals craving adventure but rooted in responsibility. As a woman of colour traveling independently across continents, she quietly but powerfully challenges stereotypes about safety, success, and possibility.
Fact Sheet:
Title: Why Not?
Author: Ankitha Rajendaran
Publisher: Indie Press
Pages: 297
Format: Paperback + E-book
Genre: Travel Memoir / Personal Development
Photographs: Curated travel visuals from 108 countries
Why Not? is available now in paperback and e-book formats on Amazon and Ankitha’s website.
