Founders Of 'Chindi Safar' On Making Budget Travel Cool
Chindi Safar, as the name suggests, promises travel packages that are not too heavy on the pockets. Founded by Sonali Verma (CEO) and Shobita Negi (COO), it is one of the leading travel companies owned by women. As a travel company, it attracts many youngsters looking for a quick Himalayan getaway with newfound friends. Despite its popularity among the millennial and Gen Z crowd, the founders share how they strive to attract people from all age groups.
Tell us about Chindi Safar.
Chindi Safar is a backpacking community based out of Delhi. As a company, we have always ensured that our itineraries stand out. We have always believed that the true essence of backpacking is in enjoying the joy of travelling in the most raw manner possible.
What is the story behind the company's name?
Given that these days people prefer comfort over hustle, we believe that there is still a section of people who wish to hop on a journey with a bunch of strangers, wishing to weave new memories, make new friendships, move out of their comfort zone and have faith in backpacking adventures. We want to break the stereotype around "if it is expensive, it will deliver quality." Our vision is for people to explore, understand and cherish the rawness of our handpicked locations.
Apart from budget travel, what else is central to your vision?
During each trip, we prioritise sustainable travel by using eco-friendly modes of transportation. We are also strong about our "Vocal for Local" campaign, where we encourage our groups to support local livelihoods.
Before COVID-19, we would conduct a cleaning drive on the final day of our trip, collecting any litter encountered throughout our journey. Since last year, we have resumed this practice and have made it even more detailed by picking up litter and sorting it into recyclable and non-recyclable materials. We responsibly dispose of trash and, if necessary, bring it back to Delhi when we cannot find a suitable location to discard it. Our goal is to make sure that our travels positively impact the environment and the local communities we visit.
What are the places you usually visit and the kinds of travellers you cater to?
Some popular travel destinations in India are Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Ladakh, Kashmir, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Uttarakhand. These places attract both Indian and international tourists.
What are your plans for the future?
We want to expand the reach of our travel offerings to all age groups and create enjoyable itineraries. We also want to include lesser-known destinations. Lastly, we want to revolutionise the style of travelling by incorporating sustainable and responsible tourism across the globe.
