Varun Namdev is a self-taught photographer, learning and practicing the art of photography since 2005. He was born in a small town called Raghogarh in Madhya Pradesh, India. Having done his Production and Industrial engineering from NIT, Bhopal, Varun decided to travel across India with his backpack to collect travel stories.
He has covered Kanyakumari to Kashmir and Kucth to Kohima through public transport. Since his college days, he has been actively volunteering with several NGOs and Non Profit Organisations. As of now, Varun is settled in Bhopal where he works in Product & Commericials, professional photography & documentary making along with trying his hands in wedding shoots.
A traveller with a maverick streak
1. How would you describe yourself in 3 words.
- Persistent
- Explorer
- Active-listener
2. What made you fall in love with travelling?
Nature, New people and places who whole heartedly accept you made me fall for traveling.
3. Which is your favourite destination in India and why?
There are many but I like Kerala because I can enjoy Mountain peaks for hiking (my favourite go to adventure) and coastal beaches which are not far. It’s a complete package of all kind of landscapes, bio diversity, culture and locals are very humble.
4. What’s the longest single journey you’ve taken so far?
Bhopal to Trivandrum by train that too in a general class compartment.
5. According to you, do you think one has to be rich to travel the world?
Rich! I don’t know. But if it comes to global traveling money matters. I have explored India and Bhutan in very tight budget because it’s doable. But haven’t been to other countries because Visa, flights and other expenses matters a lot.
6. Given a choice, would you leave your job for travel?
I already did. I have switched my career twice for traveling.
7. Did travelling make you a better person?
Yes everytime. It makes me more happier, grounded and wise. Every journey adds value to my life.
8. What are the 5 essentials that you always carry on your travels?
4 pairs of undergarments and shocks (Hygiene matters), set of reusable cutlery to avoid plastic, rain cover and zip lock bags to protect stuff, Swiss knife and first aid kit.
9. How do you travel sustainably?
Being a responsible traveler I try not to leave my carbon footprints and keep everything healthy. Secondly I never spend money unnecessarily and saves as much as I can.
10. Are you a planned or impromptu traveller?
50% planned 50% impromptu.
11. One quote that expresses your wanderlust?
‘Kuch na milega toh Tajurba milega’
12. Name a person who inspired you to travel.
I guess there is no such person.
13. What is the one thing that scares you while travelling?
Being a photographer my camera bag is always a concern. Getting theft or forgetting it somewhere gives me nightmares.
14. Your advise to people who wants to start travelling.
No advice as such but I think life is short and traveling experiences makes it rich and big so decide wisely. It’s never too late to start traveling and exploring.
15. Who are your two most favourite travel bloggers/writers?
I am not person-oriented, so there is no one. I rather follow the articles which are genuine and informative. Doesn’t matter if they are done by a professional writer or a beginner.
Don’t forget to show some love to our Interview Series:
Related: