I'm Jay, and I've been on both sides of the travel experience - sleeping rough in railway stations when I first arrived in new cities, and now offering my home to fellow travellers in Coimbatore.

Those early days taught me something valuable: hospitality isn't about having the fanciest space, it's about genuine human connection. When you've spent nights on park benches or station platforms, you never forget how precious a safe place to rest can be.

These days I work in tech, but my real passion is meeting people from different walks of life. I love hearing travel stories, sharing perspectives on everything from local politics to philosophy, and introducing visitors to authentic South Indian culture. There's some thing magical about connecting with strangers over a cup of chai and discovering our shared humanity.

Coimbatore is a brilliant city - it's got the energy of urban life but still feels connected to Tamil Nadu's rich traditions. I'm here to help you experience the real Tamil Nadu, not just the tourist version. Whether you want to explore local markets, understand the political landscape, or just need someone to chat with after a long day of travel, I'm genuinely interested in making your stay meaningful.

My space is humble but offered with sincerity. If you're looking for authentic connection rather than just a bed, we'll get along perfectly.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I joined Couchsurfing because I believe in the power of human connection across cultures and borders. I understand how transformative it can be when someone opens their door to you.

When I first arrived in new cities with little money, I have struggled finding a place to sleep. I'm now in Coimbatore, I want to offer place when I can to someone who wants it / needs it. I also love meeting travellers who are genuinely curious about Tamil culture, who want to have real conversations about life, politics, or philosophy over tea rather than just tick boxes on a tourist checklist.

Couchsurfing isn't just about hosting for me - it's about building a global network of people who believe in generosity and openness. When I travel, I want to surf with others and see places through local eyes, not tourist brochures.

I may not have much in terms of material wealth, but I can offer genuine conversation, local insights, and a space where you'll feel welcomed rather than merely accommodated. If we can create even one meaningful connection, then this whole thing is worthwhile.

Interests

• culture
• politics
• economics
• philosophy
• fun
• sustainability
• bike riding
• farming
• socialism
• socialising
• linux
• sexuality
• communism
• bikepacking

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: My tastes swing wildly - from Wagner's epic Ring cycle to Eminem's raw honesty in "Relapse" to Bob Dylan's poetic storytelling in "The Freewheelin'." I love how music can transport you completely, whether it's through hours of opera or three minutes of Detroit hip-hop. Always keen to discover what moves other people.

Films: I'm drawn to directors who aren't afraid to challenge audiences. Lynch's "Mulholland Drive" still haunts me, whilst Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai" remains perfect storytelling. I'll happily debate whether "Citizen Kane" or "La Dolce Vita" better captures the human condition, then immediately switch to quoting Monty Python.
From Tamil cinema, I deeply admire K. Balachander's nuanced character studies and Karthik Subbaraj's genre-bending brilliance. Mani Ratnam's visual poetry, Bharathiraja's raw village narratives, and Vetrimaaran's unflinching social commentary all demonstrate that great storytelling transcends language barriers. Tamil cinema's ability to blend entertainment with meaningful social discourse is something I'd love to discuss with fellow film enthusiasts.
Cinema should make you think, feel, or laugh - ideally all three.

Books: I gravitate towards writers who examine power structures and human nature. Orwell's warnings in "1984," Sinclair's exposé in "The Jungle," and Chomsky's political insights have all shaped my worldview. Piketty's "Capital in the Twenty-First Century" brilliantly explains economic inequality, whilst Kropotkin's "The Conquest of Bread" offers fascinating alternatives to consider.

I love discovering what fellow travellers are reading, watching, or listening to. Some of my best conversations have started with someone spotting a book in my collection or us debating films late into the night. What's currently capturing your imagination?

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

After finishing my studies, I spent three months backpacking across Tamil Nadu with barely any money but an enormous curiosity about my own state. I slept on buses, beaches, and occasionally in temple courtyards - whatever it took to keep moving and exploring.

What started as a budget adventure became something much deeper. I discovered that Tamil Nadu isn't just one place - it's dozens of different worlds, each with its own rhythm, dialect, and way of seeing life. From the bustling streets of Chennai to quiet fishing villages along the coast, every conversation taught me something new about resilience, community, and what really matters.

The most profound moments weren't at famous temples or tourist spots, but in ordinary exchanges with strangers. A tea seller in Madurai who shared his philosophy on happiness. A farmer near Thanjavur who explained sustainable agriculture over a simple meal. Bus conductors, fishermen, students, grandmothers - each person I met challenged my assumptions and expanded my understanding of human nature.

I went into that journey thinking I knew Tamil Nadu because I was born here. I came out realising I'd barely scratched the surface. Those three months stripped away my preconceptions and showed me that the most valuable travel experiences happen when you're genuinely open to being changed by the people you meet.
It's why I still believe the best part of any journey is the unexpected human connections along the way.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach:
I can show you the real Coimbatore - the best local eateries, how to navigate the textile markets, and where to find authentic South Indian experiences beyond the tourist trail. I'm decent with Linux systems and can help with basic tech troubleshooting. I love discussing politics, philosophy, and economics from different perspectives, and I'm always up for sharing insights about Tamil culture and history.

Learn:
I'm actively learning multiple languages - French, Kannada, Malayalam, Spanish, and Telugu - so any practice or tips would be brilliant. I'm fascinated by different political systems, sustainable living practices, and how people from various cultures approach life's big questions. I'd love to hear your travel stories and learn about your hometown through your eyes.

Share:
Great conversations over properly brewed chai, my collection of books on philosophy and politics, and genuine insights into Tamil Nadu life. I can share what I know about navigating India as a traveller, local customs that might not be obvious to visitors, and honest perspectives on everything from Indian politics to the best regional films you've never heard of.

The best part of hosting is the exchange of ideas and worldviews. I'm genuinely curious about how you see the world, and I hope you'll be equally interested in my perspective on life here in Tamil Nadu.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can offer engaging conversation and genuine curiosity about your city and culture. I'm a respectful guest who values meaningful exchange over just free accommodation.

I'm handy with tech issues - if your laptop is acting up or you need help with basic IT problems, I'm happy to troubleshoot. I can share insights about Tamil Nadu, Indian politics, and what it's really like living here beyond the stereotypes.

I love cooking simple South Indian meals and I'm always keen to learn local recipes in return. I can teach you basic Tamil phrases, share stories from my travels across the state, and offer honest perspectives on everything from sustainable living to the films and books that have shaped my worldview.

I'm genuinely interested in learning about your hometown through local eyes, practising languages together, and having the kind of deep conversations that make travel worthwhile. I believe the best cultural exchange happens when both host and guest are equally curious about each other's lives.

I travel light but carry plenty of stories, questions, and appreciation for the kindness of strangers. I'll leave your space cleaner than I found it and hopefully we'll both have learned something new by the time I move on.

Countries I’ve Visited

India

Countries I’ve Lived In

India