Lonely planet to the world of Souly planet.

Could be an Open Letter to Lonely Planet. 🤪

I’ve been traveling full-time for nearly three years now, and on and off for five. Once you become attuned to the rhythm of constant movement, settling down—without a deeply compelling reason—becomes a difficult choice. One of my enduring fascinations, especially through my research at the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science, has been the community of traveling monks. I often found myself asking: if monks have renounced worldly pleasures, what compels them to travel? While some journey for missionary purposes, others simply wander—for the sake of the path itself. As I struggled to make peace with my time in Bangalore, the city I call home, I found myself returning to this question—wondering how we might design travel experiences that not only show us the outer world but help us understand the inner world more deeply and intentionally.

Travel’s Impact on the Brain, According to Neuroscience

Travel has a profound effect on the brain—it pulls us out of the future and brings us into the now. Our lives weren’t meant to be endless loops of problem-solving and performance; we are built to grow naturally, to evolve with curiosity, not just efficiency. But modern life rewards predictability—often at the cost of presence. Neuroscientifically, travel interrupts this pattern. It activates the hippocampus (linked to memory and learning) and the prefrontal cortex (responsible for focus and decision-making), while stimulating the dopaminergic system, which boosts curiosity and motivation. New environments provide sensory novelty, breaking anxious thought loops and promoting neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself. In short, movement through the world creates movement within the mind.

The Effects of Anxiety in Everyday Life

Many of us are familiar with anxiety—some live with a manageable dose, while others, like me, experience it in excess. I’ve always enjoyed connecting dots, predicting how the future might unfold. It stretches my imagination, deepens my understanding of the mind, and fuels creative thought. It’s exciting—until it isn’t.

The downside is a constant undercurrent of tension that subtly shapes how I think, feel, and act. Anxiety narrows attention, makes small problems feel overwhelming, and fills even simple tasks with urgency or fear. Physically, it can manifest as restlessness, fatigue, chest tightness, or disrupted sleep. Mentally, it clouds focus, erodes confidence, and makes presence difficult. Over time, anxiety doesn’t just affect mood—it impacts relationships, productivity, and our sense of self. It’s like running a race with a mind that won’t stop whispering worst-case scenarios.

A Brief History of Backpacking

Backpacking, as a global travel culture, has transformed countless lives. Whether through self-discovery, artistic curiosity, or the pursuit of freedom, it has birthed its own micro-economy—from hostels and co-living spaces to the digital nomad lifestyle. Its modern form began in the 1970s, driven by a countercultural wave and a desire among young Westerners to break from convention. The legendary “Hippie Trail” saw thousands travel overland from Europe to India and Southeast Asia in search of meaning, mysticism, and altered states of consciousness. In 1973, Lonely Planet revolutionized this movement with the release of Across Asia on the Cheap. More than a guidebook, it became a bible for independent travelers—making global exploration accessible, safe, and credible. Lonely Planet didn’t just map places—it gave people permission to get lost.

Now my dream for the future

I often imagine the world we’re stepping into—not just as a response to the old, but as a conscious creation of something new. While I hold visions across many domains, travel continues to fascinate me for its power to transform the inner world. I dream of a time when travel for self-realization matures—beyond retreats and spiritual tourism—into something deeper and more integrated. Here are some of ideas that are floating in my mind:

• Hoshram: A hybrid hospitality concept that blends the contemplative aesthetics of an ashram with the vibrant, communal culture of backpacking—designed for modern seekers.
• The Soul Guide: A travel guide inspired by Lonely Planet, but focused entirely on inner journeys—featuring spiritual hotspots, conscious travel tips, and curated paths for self-realization.
• Sacred OS: A digital platform that empowers traveling healers, shamans, monks, and modern mystics to create, host, and manage sacred circles anywhere in the world.

In the post-COVID world, with AI and automation rapidly reshaping how we live and work, the pursuit of self-realization is shifting from the fringe to the forefront. People are no longer traveling just to escape—they’re traveling to reconnect with meaning, purpose, and inner clarity. Any product that can make this journey more accessible, trustworthy, and efficient—while reducing the time it takes to find what truly resonates—will lead the way.

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