Society usually defines success as a high-paying job, a elaborate automobile, and a snug life. However for Sangeeth and Kavya, a younger couple from Kerala, this “good life” felt hole. They craved new experiences and a reference to nature.
Fueled by a shared love for journey, they ditched their company jobs and cozy lives to discover India of their 4×4 SUV. Over the previous two years, they’ve turn into seasoned overlanders, travelling over 45,000 kilometres and documenting their journey on their Instagram deal with, ‘lifeonroads_’, which boasts over 2.4 lakh followers.
For them, travelling has been the most important trainer.
“No PhD or grasp’s diploma can train you what the roads can. We have now developed and learnt to stay minimalistic. It grounded us. We meet individuals each day who’re residing on manner lower than all of us, and are the happiest,” says Sangeeth.
Being hit by the journey bug in school
Their story begins of their hometown of Pattambi, in Palakkad, Kerala, Sangeeth, a gross sales and advertising and marketing skilled with an MBA, and Kavya, a dairy technologist, met in highschool. Faculty ignited their ardour for journey, with common expeditions of Sangeeth’s motorbike. Weekend tenting journeys close to Bengaluru, the place each of them had moved to pursue their masters, additional solidified their love for the outside.
“Whereas we had been in school, we used to go on two to 3 expeditions yearly on my bike. We’d hit the street for a few month every year and cherished it,” Sangeeth tells The Higher India.
After school, they each labored in Bengaluru and started taking common weekend journeys.
Kavya recollects how they’d drive on Saturdays, discover a good spot, and arrange their tent for the evening. This was their introduction to tenting and overlanding, which intrigued them.
As they continued this routine, they found that this was the lacking piece of their lives. Pursuing their love for travelling over weekends and holidays for over 5 years gave them the boldness and braveness to contemplate longer journeys and a potential life on the street.
“Earlier than you try an enormous journey, it’s essential to attempt smaller ones to grasp the challenges you would possibly face. Take provides for 2 journeys and begin tenting. It’s possible you’ll panic at first, however over time, you’ll discover options. Additionally, you will realise whether or not you actually get pleasure from it,” Kavya advises.
Initially, after the COVID-19 pandemic, they labored out of their automobile for nearly two years. However travelling after 5 pm could be difficult; so that they determined to give up their full-time jobs and began freelancing, which allowed them flexibility.
5 years and a number of journeys later, they had been prepared for his or her greatest journey but — a one-year journey throughout the nation with their canine, Drogo.
Preparing for an overlanding
They bought a Drive Gurkha and transformed it into their little residence. Changing a automobile right into a campervan prices Rs 2-3 lakh if completed by knowledgeable, however they aimed for a cheap method, finishing the conversion themselves for simply Rs 20,000. Their mantra was primary consolation, achieved by way of easy steps:
Travelling sustainably with a canine
Fifteen days after their marriage, they launched into their most formidable journey throughout the nation. Beginning early each day, they drive about 400-500 kilometres earlier than discovering a great spot to arrange camp.
Their travels took them to distant villages and unexplored terrains throughout India, the place they immersed themselves in native tradition, linked with individuals from various backgrounds, and embraced the simplicity of life on the street. Geared up with a primary setup, together with a conveyable energy station, kitchen necessities, and a rest room tent, they ventured into the unknown, pushed by a thirst for journey and a ardour for sustainability.
“As soon as we discover a place, we ask locals if it’s okay to camp there. After their approval, we arrange our tent,” shares Sangeeth.
What units them aside is their dedication to sustainability. They don’t eat out, preferring to prepare dinner for themselves each day. Kavya shares that they haven’t eaten out in over two years! Their each day bills quantity to Rs 200-300.
Hailing from a small city, sustainability was a lifestyle in each their households.
“I believe the idea of sustainability and reuse is a part of each middle-class household. We had cows and chickens at residence. We actually have a biogas plant the place all of the cow dung is distributed. All of the moist waste for our paddy subject and vegetable backyard. There is no such thing as a waste despatched out,” Kavya smiles as she briefly recollects her childhood.
Acknowledging that it isn’t potential to be one hundred pc sustainable whereas travelling, they take small steps to minimise waste. They all the time carry a waste bag to gather all of the waste from their campsite and eliminate it on the nearest bin. Since they don’t eat out or get takeaway, they’re able to keep away from plastic packing containers and luggage.
The couple has additionally noticed the affect of local weather change throughout their travels, prompting a brand new mission. Seven months in the past, they determined to plant 10,000 saplings throughout India.
“The final three summers have been extraordinarily sizzling, making staying outside very troublesome. We needed to take some steps to treatment this. Every of us must take some steps to combat local weather change,” says Sangeeth.
They’ve efficiently planted these 10,000 saplings, and now they’ve a loftier ambition: to plant one lakh saplings over the subsequent 5 years.
How travelling modified their perspective
What units this couple aside is their method to journey. They go to distant areas, shunning the everyday ‘touristy’ locations. The thought is to discover the unexplored. This mindset shift has led to profound realisations in regards to the world.
When requested about their favorite location, the couple unanimously picks Madhya Pradesh for its pure magnificence and welcoming nature.
“Our dream has developed over time due to our experiences. Individuals have been extremely welcoming and loving, even in probably the most distant villages. It made us realise that no boundaries or borders ought to cease you,” Sangeeth shares.
The couple recounts an fascinating expertise in Madhya Pradesh once they had been tenting outdoors a village.
“Since we had our tent arrange and had been utilizing our digicam to shoot some footage, many curious villagers approached us and needed to know who we had been. They thought we had been celebrities. Your complete village gathered by the subsequent morning, keen to talk to us,” Sangeeth laughs.
In fact, travelling for prolonged durations and tenting outside comes with its personal set of challenges. For Kavya, this usually means waking up at 4 am to discover a good lavatory or coping with the fixed stares of males. Tenting within the open additionally invitations wildlife encounters; they’ve even had visits from leopards!
“We as soon as camped in Munsiyari, Uttarakhand, in an open, remoted space. Our canine Drogo sensed one thing approaching and began to panic. Our automobile has movement sensor lights that attracted a leopard. It got here very shut, and we couldn’t sleep that complete evening. Once we spoke to the villagers the subsequent day, they stated he’s a daily customer,” says Sangeeth.
In different situations, they’ve deserted camps in the course of the evening resulting from close by wild animals.
Regardless of all of the challenges, they persevere. Why?
“Travelling is the most effective studying expertise. It teaches you one thing new each day and provides you the liberty to decide on what you need. You additionally study to get pleasure from your personal firm if you find yourself outside,” says Sangeeth.
“Our happiness quotient is excessive once we journey,” Kavya provides.
Sharing their experiences on-line additionally offers them with help. “We’ve constructed a group that helps and encourages us. We do expertise psychological breakdowns typically; being alone on the street can result in self-doubt. However assembly individuals or seeing constructive feedback on social media provides us the increase to maintain going.”
Their canine Drogo can be an enormous pillar of help, offering consolation and alerts throughout risks.
Trying forward, they hope to discover extra components of the nation whereas persevering with their mission to plant saplings. “True happiness shouldn’t be within the cash you earn, however within the experiences you collect. We could also be incomes lower than others, however we’re excessive on life,” shares Kavya.
What do you wish to accumulate: cash, recollections, or each?
Edited by Arunava Banerjee, Pictures Courtesy Sangeeth
