Meet the most fun woman to travel with
Vidya Deshpande
News junkie, writer, traveler, always ready for an adventure and marathon runner
For more than 25 years I worked in a newsroom: the adrenaline rush that you get with breaking news, the head rush of seeing your story going as the lead story in the newspaper to working behind the scenes in a TV newsroom. Travelling to meet people, interviewing celebrities was all in a day’s work. I am now a travel and food writer for newspapers and magazines like Lonely Planet. Economic Times, New Indian Express to name a few. I took to running at the age of 49 and more than 6 half marathons. Running has become an addiction and almost every weekend is spent participating in a running event.
Travel to me is al about soaking in all aspects of a place from its people & culture to its food and landscape. I have travelled extensively for work as a journalist meeting and interviewing a range of people from celebrities to the ordinary citizen.
So, when I decided to move from journalism, the natural transition was travel. I put all of my skills together to create a travel company that thrives on crafting special experiences. Soul Purpose was born out of that passion and energy to see more, do more and experience more.
I welcome each traveller on a voyage of discovery with Soul Purpose. Enjoy. Experience. Travel.
Articles and Posts by Vidya Deshpande
How 5 IIT graduates are changing the way slum kids play
By: Vidya DeshPande Get five architecture students from IIT together. Throw in some used tyres and what do you get? The most colourful play zones for underprivileged kids. That's exactly what Pooja Rai, Nancy, Nupur [...]
Aww, Snap! No Selfies Here: 10 places were selfies are banned!
Travelling to a unique place? Sure you won’t forget to take that selfie! Well, in many places you cant take that picture which will make your friends/ family turn a shade of pea green. More [...]
RJ Sarthak and Vidya Deshpande chit chat on Ishq 104.8 FM
Popular FM RJ Sarthak and Vidya Deshpande chit chat on Ishq 104.8 FM about the exciting upcoming Thailand Driving trip, filled with adventure, nature, and culture. starting June 10 to June 19. Your last chance [...]
Vidya Deshpande is a Co-Founder of a travel company- SoulPurpose. Read how she quit her job to follow her passion.
http://www.womenofcourage.in/2017/05/vidya-deshpande-soul-purpose/ Being born in a typical ‘Tam Bram’ household, it was expected that Vidya would be either a doctor or an engineer. So, there was no choice for her, but to do science in [...]
Testimonials – Women Love Us
“Yes, I have learnt something unique from this trip and that is “the art of stillness” in various activities — sitting at the bonfire under the star-studded sky, the long desert safari, coming across trees like the kejri (looking like a tree on fire), Neelgai sitting in harmony with the wilderness, black bucks flirting, flocks of crane basking in the sun. Thank you Soul Purpose for giving me this opportunity to make Nature my best friend.”
My experience on the Soul Purpose Urban Gypsy tour was fantastic from start to finish. Mimi and Vidya were excellent hosts, and I am so thankful that I found Soul Purpose.
The tour was well organized, and I felt safe travelling in a group of women, who are now my new friends
Thanks to Soul Purpose Travel, the adventure travel for women, I could realize my dream. I could attend the Hornbill Festival held at heritage village, Kisama, in December from 1 to 10. It showcased Nagaland in all its splendour.
This was an eight-day vacation like no other for my little girl Anushka and me. From start to finish – worry free, thoughtfully planned, the professionalism of the guide, enthusiasm of the porters, the class of the chef – were outstanding! This being my 4th trip with Soul Purpose is in itself a testimony to how wonderful it’s been to be with them….need I say more!!”