It all started when I decided to throw in the towel on my $100k-a-year corporate job in Sydney back in 2005.
Fed up with the endless corporate games, greedy shareholders, and the mind-numbing “Groundhog Day” routine, I knew I needed a change. I wanted freedom, adventure, and something that would lift me out of my shallow world of money, overspending, and lonely nights eating Thai takeaway in front of the TV.
While researching online, I came across a job with a large Australian travel company looking for a Tour Leader willing to live and work in India. The role involved something I’d never done before — organising and escorting groups of travellers around the subcontinent.
Not for the faint-hearted, but it immediately called to my adventurous spirit. It was also a chance to relive my backpacking days in India and Nepal from 1989… this time with a pay cheque!
India, for me, has always conjured up images of hot desert nights on camel safaris, trekking the mighty Himalayas, riding elephants in the jungle, the pulse of bazaars, spiritual ashrams, and tropical backwaters. I can still picture the ash-covered, naked Sadhu holy men who give up material possessions and family life in pursuit of moksha — spiritual liberation. All those memories came flooding back, reawakening my passion and energy.
Back then, I was a worn-out party girl from Sydney, tired of Friday nights in noisy pubs, Saturday morning hangovers, and the inevitable Sunday blues. I knew deep down that India was a place you could never get bored. So, after months of nervous back-and-forth, I accepted the job, signed a two-year contract, packed up my flat, and took off.
I had no idea what I was in for, but I knew this was about to radically change my life and my future.
Travel has the power to transform people and break down cultural barriers. My learning curve was steep, and I was never going to be the same.
During my first eight months, I travelled to some of the most exotic and remote locations in Northern India and Nepal. My days were spent leading groups on the road, and my downtime was often in ashrams to recharge. But it was in Varanasi that fate began to take shape.
One afternoon, trying to escape the heat, I wandered into a charming, air-conditioned travel agency overlooking the Ganges. It was beautifully decorated with colourful cushions, mellow music, and the offer of free chai. I didn’t want to leave.
There, in the world’s oldest living city, I befriended a large local family and began to learn about their travel business. Over time, I found myself returning again and again to “Banaras” (the local name for Varanasi). Without realising it, my next career was beginning to take form — one that has sustained me for over 20 years.
In that first year, I learned so much about life, especially how Indian people embrace their circumstances with resilience and joy. I wanted to work alongside them, support their livelihoods, and give back to their communities while supporting myself.
After a brief return to Australia, I partnered with my Indian friends to open Tiwari Travel. From there, I began organising tours for Australians to experience the magic of the subcontinent.
Today, Tiwari Tours & Travel supports over 20 local Indians and their families in and around Varanasi — myself included.
We saw a gap in mainstream tourism for people wanting to explore spirituality, religion, yoga, and meditation while travelling. So, we began designing tours with these themes woven in, attracting like-minded travellers. Our yoga tours drew yoga teachers seeking further training in India – the true home of yoga.
That success led to our next venture: The Yoga Department — running yoga tours not only in India, but also in Sri Lanka and other destinations. By partnering with yoga teachers, we’ve created tours that are rewarding for both the teachers and their students, ensuring success for everyone.
Bio:
I’m based in Sydney for half the year and spend the other half travelling through India, Sri Lanka, and other parts of Asia. I’m always happy to share my knowledge or provide quotes for tours.