Two Humans, One Dog, and a Camper Making India Greener Every Day

In a world where luxury often trumps purpose, Sangeeth and Kavya from Palakkad, Kerala, have chosen an extraordinary path. Instead of settling into the comforts of newlywed life, they embarked on a journey that would redefine their lives and leave an indelible mark on the planet. Their mission? To plant one lakh trees across India in five years. Travelling in a self-modified 4×4 SUV with their loyal dog Drogo, this couple has already planted over 10,000 saplings, creating a green legacy that stretches across the remotest corners of the country.

A Love Story Rooted in Adventure

Sangeeth and Kavya’s story began in their hometown of Pattambi, where they met as high school sweethearts. Both pursued their master’s degrees in Bengaluru, where regular bike expeditions and weekend camping trips sparked a shared passion for travel. This passion grew stronger over time, inspiring them to consider a life on the road.

After working corporate jobs in Bengaluru for a few years, they began exploring sustainable travel through smaller trips. These experiences prepared them for their grand adventure, an all-India overlanding journey that started just 15 days after their wedding. Over the past two years, they have travelled more than 45,000 kilometres, documenting their journey on their Instagram page, @lifeonroads_, which now has over 300K followers. 

A Journey Fueled by Purpose

What sets Sangeeth and Kavya apart is their unwavering commitment to sustainability. The couple transformed their Force Gurkha SUV into a camper with an investment of just INR 20,000, creating a compact yet functional home on wheels. To keep their travels sustainable, they cook their own meals daily, spend no more than INR 200-300 per day, and avoid generating plastic waste. They also carry waste bags to clean up their camping sites and use locally sourced seed balls for their planting activities.

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A post shared by Sangeeth & Kavya | 4×4 Overlanding | Lifestyle (@lifeonroads__)

The saplings they plant include ten varieties of native trees, tailored to the local climate and soil, ensuring a 60% survival rate. In Kerala alone, they have planted 300 saplings in Palakkad, 220 in Munnar, and 70 in Ernakulam. Their efforts are meticulously tracked using the Tree Tag app, which uses GPS coordinates to monitor the growth of each sapling. Volunteers across India contribute updates, making this a collective mission driven by grassroots support.

Lessons from the Road

Life on the road has been the greatest teacher for Sangeeth and Kavya. Through their travels, they’ve learned to live minimally, embrace uncertainties, and appreciate the simple joys of life. From connecting with people in remote villages to overcoming challenges like wildlife encounters and harsh weather, each experience has shaped their perspective on life and the environment.

One memorable incident occurred in Madhya Pradesh when curious villagers mistook them for celebrities and gathered in large numbers to meet them. Another harrowing night in Munsiyari, Uttarakhand, saw a leopard venture dangerously close to their campsite, alerted by Drogo’s instincts. Despite such challenges, the couple continues to find happiness in their journey, citing their dog as a constant source of comfort and protection.

Building a Green Future

Sangeeth and Kavya’s mission, aptly named “Mission Mother Tree,” is a testament to their dedication to combating climate change. While planting one lakh trees may seem like a daunting task, they believe in the power of collective action. With the support of over 4,000 volunteers and the encouragement of their growing online community, they remain steadfast in their goal.

Their travels have taken them through Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and beyond. Wherever they go, they leave behind a trail of hope and greenery, inspiring others to embrace sustainability.

A Life of Purpose

For Sangeeth and Kavya, true happiness lies not in material wealth but in the richness of experiences and the impact they create. As they look ahead, their dream is to continue exploring India’s uncharted territories, planting trees, and spreading awareness about sustainable living. Their journey is a powerful reminder that even small steps can lead to monumental change.

If you spot a rugged 4×4 camper in the middle of nowhere, chances are it’s this remarkable couple, planting the seeds of tomorrow’s forests, one sapling at a time.