Slow travel is not just a trend — it’s a mindset shift towards immersive, meaningful experiences. It moves beyond rushed itineraries, encouraging travellers to engage deeply with local communities, cultures, and landscapes.
Across India, these six individuals are championing slow travel, proving that journeys can be transformative, sustainable, and enriching.
1. Shreyas
As the founder of Map My Stories, 27-year-old Shreyas curates immersive travel experiences that prioritise cultural and environmental consciousness. He customises itineraries that take travellers deep into regions like Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, offering insights into royal heritage and local traditions.
Adding a layer of climate justice, he facilitates interactions with activists and scholars, making travel not just about exploration but also education.
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2. Maria Victor
Maria promotes sustainable living and cultural understanding in Goa by offering heritage walks and experiences that allow visitors to see the state beyond its beaches. Her tours are designed for meaningful exchanges — conversations over local drinks, visits to historic bakeries, and a focus on supporting local businesses.
She believes that travel should empower communities and encourage small sustainable efforts, such as reducing plastic use.
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3. Ansoo Gupta
Having explored 70 countries over 15 years, Ansoo Gupta views travel as a tool for learning rather than a luxury. Through her initiative, One Shoe Trust, she advocates for sustainable travel and conducts workshops like ‘Come Plan Go’, teaching people how to travel with less money, less baggage, and less environmental impact. She emphasises respecting local cultures and making responsible choices while on the road.
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4. Rahul Kumar
This filmmaker’s creative community hostel is not just a place to stay but a hub for cultural exchange. Unlike traditional hostels, bookings are selective — travellers must contribute creatively, be it through art, storytelling, or music. This ensures an enriching, slow-travel experience that fosters connections rather than fleeting stays.
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5. Tentgram
The founders of Tentgram — Mohammad Thaha Paloli, Jethin Krishna, and Fazil, create experiential trips focused on camping, stargazing, and offbeat hikes. Their itineraries move away from generic college trips, offering more intimate, nature-driven adventures in lesser-explored locations.
Their goal? To make travel about experiences, not just sightseeing. And taking the road less travelled worked for the better!
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6. Julie Kagti
Through ‘Curtain Call Adventures’, Julie Kagti takes travellers beyond tourist hotspots, promoting rural tourism in the Northeast. Her curated experiences include homestays, weaving workshops, language lessons, and cooking sessions with locals. She aims to empower indigenous communities while offering travellers an authentic slice of life in the region.
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As slow travel gains momentum in India, these pioneers are leading the way, proving that the best journeys are the ones that leave a lasting impact — on both the traveller and the places they visit.
Edited by Arunava Banerjee
