When Bengaluru-based Ricky Monappa decided to tread the entrepreneurial path, he was rather clear about his intent – to offer eco-friendly travel experiences and tours and promote his love for his hometown Coorg.
But that’s certainly not where it ends – the 32-year-old intrepid traveler is now persistent that his recent initiative, Tropical Rush – a forest marathon, an annual affair finds ground in namma ooru.
“During my engineering days, tourism in Coorg was taking its baby steps. There was no proper information for travelers. As a passionate traveler, I felt the urge to do my bit in spreading knowledge and the value of the place. Hence, Coorg Express started. And, what better place that Bengaluru which boasts of receptive and travel-frenzy town?”, shares the alumnus of BMS College of Engineering.
Despite hailing from a family that gave conventional wisdom more weight-age; Ricky had his sights set on starting up since the start. “My parents wanted me to be an engineer, which I did, But even while I initially took up a desk job, starting with my own venture was always on my mind and the cards. My earliest memories of travelling were only with parents. Later on, I began exploring a couple of places with my friends for fun. However, all through, I realised not every travel agency could do a neat job of planning and executing insightful tours. So, I thought of taking up the challenge of bringing about a difference to the travel scene in this city and state, which I wanted to see.”
On days when he just needs his downtime, its playing a game of hockey and socialising for this enterprising individual. “I love meeting new people and getting different perspectives. It is something which I love doing whenever I can.”
Two years since he conjured up the venture, and Ricky believes he’s still learning the tricks of the trade. “I wish to make the concept of camping, and sustainable tourism actually a reality. While I will always stick to offering wholesome travel experiences through this venture; the underlying idea is to also encourage environment-based programmes. Tropical rush forest marathon is one such initiative where I wish to have as many trees planted and pledge for more in future. I’m hoping this an annual affair gets the nod from Bengalureans.”
