Hey there! I’m Swaraj, a photographer, and adventure enthusiast from Mangalore, India. I specialize in wedding candid, wildlife, documentary, and fine art photography. While weddings and commercial shoots pay the bills, my true passion lies in capturing the raw beauty of nature and untold stories through my lens.

Beyond photography, I’m an avid traveler, trekker, and rock climber. I love cycling, exploring new cultures, and meeting like-minded adventurers. If there's a mountain to climb or a road to ride, I’m in!

I believe in sharing stories through photography and meaningful conversations. Whether we’re discussing art, travel, or life over a cup of chai, I’m always up for deep talks and new experiences.

Looking forward to meeting incredible people along the way!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I believe that travel is not just about places but about people and experiences. Couchsurfing allows me to connect with locals, immerse myself in different cultures, and see the world through new perspectives. As a photographer, I love capturing unique stories, and meeting new people adds depth to my journey.

I also enjoy exchanging skills, learning from others, and sharing my experiences in photography, adventure sports, and travel. Whether it's a good conversation, a local meal, or an outdoor adventure, I believe in meaningful connections that make travel more enriching. Looking forward to meeting like-minded explorers and storytellers along the way!

Interests

I’m passionate about photography and storytelling. Whether it's capturing candid wedding moments, documenting real-life stories, or exploring fine art photography, I see the world through my lens. Wildlife photography is my true love—there’s nothing like the thrill of capturing nature in its rawest form.

Beyond photography, I’m always on the move. I love trekking, rock climbing, and cycling, constantly seeking new adventures in the outdoors. Climbing is not just a sport for me; it’s a way to challenge myself mentally and physically. The focus, endurance, and connection with nature that rock climbing demands are what keep me hooked. Whether it’s bouldering, sport climbing, or multi-pitch routes, I enjoy the thrill of pushing my limits on the rock.

Travel fuels my creativity, and I enjoy immersing myself in different cultures, meeting new people, and sharing stories over a good cup of chai.

Movies and documentaries inspire me, especially travel films and real-life stories. I have a deep appreciation for well-crafted cinematography and am a big fan of Christopher Nolan’s work.

I also have a background in aviation and logistics, which adds to my curiosity about the world and how things move. Whether it's an intense hike, a deep conversation, or an artistic project, I’m always up for something new and exciting.

Looking forward to meeting fellow explorers and creatives!

• wildlife
• photography
• documentaries
• dancing
• movies
• drawing
• travelling
• adventure
• trekking
• reading books
• bodyboarding
• cycling,
• nature conservation
• rockclimbing
• herping

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy a mix of music, from soothing acoustic tracks to deep Ben Böhmer sets, Boiler Room sessions, and techno beats. Whether it’s chill music for a relaxed vibe or electronic sounds for energy, I’m always up for discovering new artists and sounds.

When it comes to books, I enjoy reading thought-provoking and insightful works. Some of my favorites include Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, How to Control the Subconscious Mind, and Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. I love books that expand my understanding of life, human nature, and personal growth.

Movies are a big part of my inspiration. I watch all types of films, but I’m especially drawn to rel life stories, documentaries, and travel films. I appreciate movies with strong storytelling, deep narratives, and great cinematography. Christopher Nolan’s films are some of my favorites, but I’m always open to discovering new masterpieces.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Snow biking from Tawang to Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh and cycling from Mangalore to Mysore in two days.

Teach, Learn, Share

I love sharing my knowledge of photography and videography, from mastering camera basics to advanced composition, lighting, and storytelling. If you're interested in adventure, I can also teach rock climbing techniques, rope belaying, and trekking tips. As an avid cyclist and traveler, I enjoy exchanging insights on bikepacking, endurance riding, and route planning. Coming from Mangalore, I can introduce you to Indian culture, local traditions, and even teach you a few phrases in regional languages.

At the same time, I'm always eager to learn. I’m constantly exploring new photography styles, refining my climbing techniques, and deepening my understanding of different cultures and languages. I would love to learn a musical instrument if someone is willing to teach me.

I enjoy sharing travel stories, offering insights about my hometown, and having deep conversations. Whether it's discussing art, adventure, or life, I believe the best experiences come from meaningful exchanges with people from all walks of life.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can offer my host a comfortable and welcoming space with everything needed for a great stay. We have a well-equipped kitchen, a cozy floor bed, and a private bedroom for extra privacy, along with a clean bathroom with all essentials. There’s also WiFi and a desktop for work, a speaker to enjoy music, and even a guitar to play for those who love music.

For those who like to stay active, we have dumbbells and a bend bar for workouts. A washing machine, fridge, and ironing facilities are available for convenience. If you enjoy reading, there’s a collection of books to dive into.

Beyond just a place to stay, I love sharing experiences. Whether it’s exploring local spots, heading to the beach, trekking through scenic trails, rock climbing, or even going on herping and wildlife-watching adventures, there’s always something exciting to do. Looking forward to great conversations, shared experiences, and new friendships!

Countries I’ve Lived In

India