Atharva Ajay Wagh
(@thefoodienomad)
Solo Budget Backpacker | Cultural Explorer | Global Nomad
Hi, I’m Atharva — better known online as @thefoodienomad. I’m a solo budget backpacker traveling the world, one authentic experience at a time.
📚 Education
Born and raised in Pune, I pursued my legal education at the prestigious Government Law College, Mumbai.
🌍 My Journey into Travel
My love for travel began at the age of 15 when I was selected for a Rotary Youth Exchange program in Brazil. I spent 10 transformative months living with local families, exploring the country, and immersing myself deeply in Brazilian culture and lifestyle. That experience changed my outlook on life and sowed the seeds of a lifelong passion for exploration.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, back home in India, I found renewed inspiration through travel vlogs and TEDx talks. While studying law, I started exploring India’s rich cultural and geographical diversity. By the time I graduated, I had already backpacked through over 100 cities across India on a shoestring budget.
After completing my law degree, I embarked on my first international solo backpacking journey across Southeast Asia, covering five countries in 150 days. I’ve since spent 90 days traveling through Central Asia, explored the Gulf countries, and experienced the vibrant beauty of Sri Lanka.
✈ My Travel Philosophy
I believe travel is about more than ticking off tourist destinations. For me, it’s about living the culture — meeting locals and fellow travelers, trying unique regional cuisines, exploring offbeat places, and embracing diverse lifestyles. I aim to understand each country from the inside out — its people, its food, its struggles, and its soul.
I’m currently traveling around the globe, capturing stories, flavors, and the essence of each place I visit.
Let’s connect, explore, and share the world together!