Making a new map

From the tiniest of shrines to exotic locations — this duo creates offbeat travel itineraries

Avani Patel (30) and Manjari Verma (32), Co-founders, Broken Compas
While one of them was researching in the waters of Arabian Sea for a project at the Lakshadweep islands, the other was penning punch lines at OM, Mumbai. When marine biologist Avani Patel and copywriter Manjari Verma got together in 2009, in August, they launched Broken Compass, a travel agency with a difference.
Broken Compass introduces people to new perspectives. “People heading to Spain and Italy, for instance, usually prefer to cover both in ten days. We would recommend one country,” explains Patel. Foodies can pick a customised trail and learn from a local cook. “In Agra, we won’t just take you to the Taj Mahal. Agra is also famous for its chats, so we’ll do a food trail. Even done to death places have offbeat things to be explored,” she adds.
Patel worked with the Bombay Natural History Society from 2004-06 before joining a travel company to gain experience. Verma, on the other hand, was an army child passionate about writing and travelling since childhood. After spending five years as a copy writer, she quit to travel and write, freelance. The duo got together when Verma’s client Patel contacted her to coin a name for the company. It helps that they have been globe-trotters. “I have travelled to Africa, US, UK, Iceland, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore,” says Patel, while Verma has explored Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, USA, South East Asia and Dubai.
Innovation is the name of the game. The Shrine Hop in Mumbai, for instance — from the Japanese temple to the Parsi Tower of Silence or the Tiphereth Israel Synagogue — was started to know more about the multi-cultural and cosmopolitan city. “My closest circle of friends has people from six different religions and I know nothing about their culture. While we were brainstorming, this thought led to the idea,” explains Verma.
Most of their research is online. A lot of information is gathered from blogs and personal travel accounts. But their primary sources are the vendors and guides they deal with at the destination. The duo is now brainstorming for more such off-beat day trails in cities. This compass may be broken, but it’ll teach you something new for sure.

Making a new map