Anika Sabharwal
I started Insider Getaways to help others experience the joy, wonder, and self-discovery I found on the road. Whether you want to unplug in the Canary Islands, hike in the Himalayas, or plan a private escape oriented to your soul—let’s create something unforgettable together.
The Burnout I Couldn't Ignore
Have you ever dreaded the MS Teams ringtone, listened to it with a sinking feeling in your stomach? That was me two years ago.
I had spent 17-plus years in the IT industry and was working as a vice president at one of the top UK banks. On paper, I had made it. But the happiness and fulfilment that were supposed to come with promotions and titles were nowhere to be found.
As I climbed the corporate ladder, the work environment became increasingly draining. We’re told from childhood to do our best—excel at school, land a great job, get promoted. But no one tells us that however hard you work or high you rise, you might still be left feeling hollow.
Newly married and adjusting to life in a joint-family set-up, I found myself completely overburdened when Covid hit and the work pressure just blew up. I was barely surviving. I feared mornings, lost my appetite, and watched my health decline. The only solace was my walks in nature, which helped me come to terms with the reality that no one will give me back these years of my life, years I am spending in stress and anxiety.
Then, one day, I decided to choose my life over everything else, by closing the door on my old life.
I chose practicality over emotion. I checked my accounts, tallied my investments, and took a deep breath before clicking that beautiful button: Submit Resignation.
From that moment, I made a promise to myself—to experience everything I had missed while working like a mad woman. There was no looking back.
A Journey Inward, A Journey Outward
Travel has always been my refuge. I love trekking, discovering local cuisines, immersing myself in culture, supporting eco-conscious initiatives, and engaging with craftspeople. Fearlessly, I would travel solo or plan group trips, in India and abroad, utilising every opportunity to explore something new.
With my time finally my own, I dove headfirst into a long-held dream: to learn how to make eco-friendly dwellings. I enrolled in a month-long course at Geeli Mitti in Uttarakhand. This experience set a vision in stone, literally—that I would one day build my own sustainable dream home surrounded by nature. Still, as much as I loved the idea, I realised building homes wasn’t the career for me. It would anchor me to one place—but I was just getting my freedom back.
So, I experimented. I taught myself to make terrariums—miniature forests in glass jars—and after two years, I started to see real success. Yet, something was missing. Was this what I wanted to do full-time? Would I be okay staying put in one place? Not quite.
I spent time alone in Mangalore, undergoing Ayurvedic treatments for anosmia (loss of smell). As I recovered, I explored Karnataka and Kerala in depth. And somewhere during those journeys—watching performances of Bhoota Kola (remember the movie Kantara?!) in remote villages, hiking through untouched forests, dining with locals—I discovered the truth.
The Moment of Clarity
Travel wasn’t just something I enjoyed. It was the thing that made me feel most alive.
I didn’t want to tick off tourist boxes. I wanted to find what was hidden, whether it was caving in Meghalaya; hiking in Banff, Canada; watching the enthralling Khajuraho Dance Festival; tracking snakes at a conservation centre; experiencing bioluminescence while indulging in midnight kayaking; or getting invited by locals to their homes and eating stinging nettle curry, sea buckthorn chutney, and other unknown delicacies. I sought out local artisans whose creations told stories no brand ever could. Supporting them directly gave me both joy and a connection to the places I visited.
I have visited 23 Indian states, five union territories and 17 countries, but still feel there’s more to see in each.
Why I Started Insider Getaways
Every time I shared these stories, friends—even strangers—asked me: Can you help me plan something like that?
That question planted the seed. And from it, Insider Getaways was born.
In today’s world, there are millions of destinations, influencers, and blog posts. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. Most people either give up on planning or end up booking a cookie-cutter tour. But travel should never be one-size-fits-all. Every traveller is different. Their interests, budget, energy, and purpose for travelling are unique.
Travel Beyond the Ordinary
Insider Getaways offers curated, deeply personal travel experiences for individuals, families, children, small groups, and corporate teams. Whether it’s a group trek or solo soul-searching quest, a kids’ summer skill camp or a high-end corporate escape, we tailor each itinerary with in-depth research, local collaborations, and a passion for immersive, meaningful travel.
We focus on the road less taken, and on the stories waiting to be lived, not just seen.
The Future of Travel is Personal
The world is moving toward experiential travel, where the journey doesn’t just entertain you but transforms you. At Insider Getaways, we’re not only planning trips. We’re curating life-changing experiences.
If you're ready to embrace travel that's personal, purposeful, and unforgettable, join me. Whether you're a solo explorer, a curious party, a family, or a company looking for a memorable retreat—let’s create a journey that leaves a mark.
Burnt out? Maybe it’s time to pack up, take off, and come back home to yourself.
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