Raipur opens its door to couch surfers

Couch surfing is the latest travel fad in the city, where travel freaks share their couch with strangers to make their travel experience more exciting, memorable and affordable. With over 2,000 individuals registered on the couch surfing page and 250 registrations on their official website, all of whom are accepting guests in Raipur, the phenomenon is on a high in the city.
Devashsish Seetha, a travel enthusiast who also manages a travel company in the city, said, “We were always taught, ‘don’t talk to strangers’, but the world has changed now. I had an experience with this the first time while I was traveling to Spain and my experience was fantastic and very helpful. Apart from just sharing their rooms with me my hosts also showed me the place around, took me to some local places which I would definitely not explore on my own.” Taking a step ahead Devashsish is now accepting guests at his own place in Raipur. Sahil Maggu, a fashion designer, who’s been a part of the couch surfing community for more than 10 years, added, “There is a very strong and popular couch surfing community in Raipur and we all are very active. I started with this when I was in Bengaluru and after coming to Raipur I continued with it. I have accepted guests from Germany, Russia and China; hosted them warmly and even taken them around the city. All these things add more local flavour to the whole travel experience.” Mevin Legenfeldt, from Germany, who was Sahil’s guest, said, “Sahil and his whole family were the best hosts I could imagine. They gave me an awesome start for my trip through India. We had so much fun together and I feel a deep connection with him now. Hope to see him again!”
Not only does it give foreigners a chance to mingle with the people, it is also a way to increase cultural exchanges and it is budget friendly and gives a chance to make new friends.
Sankalp Agrawal, a businessman who was introduced to couch surfing by Sahil, has written on his couch surfing profile, “After joining couch surfing, Simas, a guy from Luthania, was the first person I hosted and it was a great experience. Had a great time showing him around and he even suggested a few welcome changes at my factory. But the highlight was jamming to RHCP, Nirvana and GnR, with him on the Jews harp and me on the guitar. I regret not making any videos. Hope to see him again.” (sic.)
And Raipurites are good hosts themselves. Simas reply to Sankalp’s was, “Thanks to Sankalp, for great acclimatization in India! The food he arranged for me was wonderful, took good care of me, showed, shared, helped with logistics and even a sim card.” (sic.)
But as city youngsters warm up to invite and be guests to couch surfers, women need to be on a safe side. Talking about the same Devashsish added, “There are a lot references, feedbacks and ratings on the couch surfing website which one can edit. Before sharing a space with someone it is always recommended that we go through the person’s references and feedbacks thoroughly. It is safe this way.”