At The Diffr Show, we had an inspiring conversation with Abir Patel, the founder of Ghumo India Community, a travel movement redefining how people explore India. Forget your typical Goa or Manali trip – Abir takes travelers to hidden gems like Gurez Valley, Bangaz Valley, and offbeat Chhattisgarh that most Indians haven’t heard of. If you’ve ever wondered how to travel sustainably, explore India on a budget, and experience true adventure, this blog is for you!
A UPSC dropout turned travel entrepreneur, Abir Patel took the road less traveled literally! He started the Ghumo India Community to change the way people experience India. Instead of commercialized itineraries, his focus is on offbeat, sustainable, and experiential travel.
You might think traveling requires a big budget, but Abir disagrees. According to him, India is a country where everything is possible for free if you know how to travel smartly. From hitchhiking with truck drivers to staying in Gurudwaras and eating at langars, Abir shares how anyone can explore India without spending a fortune.
Most travelers in India follow the same itinerary: Manali, Goa, Rishikesh, and Udaipur. But real travelers seek adventure beyond tourist traps. Abir realized that India has so many untouched locations where even locals haven’t set foot.
Abir strongly believes in eco-friendly tourism. Ghumo India Community ensures that travelers don’t contribute to pollution. They eliminate plastic use, opt for homestays, and support local vendors instead of big commercial chains.
With remote work on the rise, more people are opting for slow travel and digital nomad lifestyles. Abir shared that caravan trips are gaining traction, where travelers explore places like the coastal route from Mumbai to Kerala while living in a moving home!
According to Abir, foreign travelers love to explore hidden places, whereas most Indian travelers still stick to mainstream destinations. However, a new wave of adventure-seekers and backpackers is emerging in India, choosing experiences over luxury.
One of the most interesting parts of the podcast was how music influences travel. Abir believes that every place has a soundtrack. For instance, listening to Rajnigandha’s theme song while sitting on a Banaras ghat enhances the experience!
If you’ve been planning your next trip using MakeMyTrip or Goibibo, it’s time to rethink your travel plans. India is full of untouched beauty, cultural richness, and thrilling adventures beyond what commercial tourism offers.
With the Ghumo India Community, Abir Patel is building a travel revolution that is raw, real, and rooted in experience. So, if you want to ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary,Watch the full podcast on The Diffr Show to hear Abir Patel’s insane travel stories, revolutionary ideas, and expert travel hacks, which will inspire you to pack your bags right now!