Avid traveler Mounika Pothineni used to backpack extensively during weekends to explore offbeat destinations. Feeling that conventional destinations like Nandi Hills, Ooty, and Kodai were overhyped and overcrowded, and wanting to make more unconventional places accessible to the public, she founded Gutsytribe in 2016 to encourage urban dwellers to experience the outdoors.

The offbeat experience discovery platform offers activities such as trekking, camping, adventure sports, backpacking trips, corporate outings, workshops, and biking tours.

“We are promoting rural tourism, local experiences that add social value, improve mental health, and drive away material needs to be happy,” says Mounika.

Gutsytribe uses the WhatsApp Business app to create groups during trips to share information on the itinerary and what to carry, answer queries, share photos, and drive links. Since they handle multiple trips, the labels feature helps them mark several queries under different labels, so following up becomes easy.

The business has seen an additional 50 percent growth since using the app

“It helps in promotions to our loyal customers and also in word of mouth publicity,” says Mounika, citing that the business has seen an additional 50 percent growth since using the app.

The founder feels that everyone should be able to see this great world, and she wants to take people for a trip of a lifetime, on a budget. Gutsytribe is all for travelers who aren't afraid to order off the local menu, jump into any chicken bus, or make new friends.

"With Gutsytribe, you can let the adrenaline spill out, and soak in the personalized experiences and packages optimized for you," says Mounika. "Run wild with us!”