Sangeeth and Kavya, a young couple from Kerala, left behind their corporate jobs for a life on the road. Over 1.5 years, they travelled 45,000 km across India with their dog, Drogo—planting 10,000 saplings along the way.

“No PhD or master’s degree can teach you what the roads can. We have evolved and learnt to live minimalistic. It grounded us,” says Sangeeth. Their journey began in college, fuelled by a love for travel and adventure.

In Bengaluru, where they pursued their master’s degrees, they took weekend camping trips. “We’d hit the road for about a month each year and loved it,” Sangeeth recalls. These experiences strengthened their dream of a life on the road.

After working in Bengaluru for years, they quit their jobs and took the plunge. “Before you attempt a big trip, you must try smaller ones to understand the challenges,” advises Kavya. Their biggest adventure was about to begin.

They bought a Force Gurkha and converted it into a campervan. While professionals charge Rs 2-3 lakh for conversions, they did it themselves for just Rs 20,000—proving that overlanding doesn’t have to be expensive.

Fifteen days after their wedding, they set off. They travelled through remote villages, cooking their own food and living sustainably. “We haven’t eaten out in over two years,” says Kavya. Their daily expenses? Just  Rs 200-300.

As they travelled, they saw the effects of climate change firsthand. “The last three summers have been extremely hot. Each of us needs to take steps to fight climate change,” says Sangeeth. So they started planting saplings.

Seven months later, they had planted 10,000 saplings across India. Now, they have a loftier goal—one lakh trees in five years. “True happiness is not in the money you earn, but in the experiences you gather,” shares Kavya.

They have faced challenges—wild animals, safety concerns, loneliness—but their love for travel keeps them going. Through social media, they inspire thousands. “We’ve built a community that supports and encourages us,” they say.

“Travelling is the best learning experience. It teaches you something new every day and gives you freedom,” says Sangeeth.