Suparjya swain 
FEATURE: In a world driven by bucket lists and hashtags, few travel curators can claim to have transformed wanderlust into a finely honed craft. Fewer still do it with the grace, grit, and global reach of Rupali Nanda—the Odia trailblazer who has carved a niche in the luxury travel, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and destination wedding space. As the Managing Director of LyfVibes, a company she founded in 2021, Rupali is not just selling travel; she is crafting transformative experiences that span continents, cultures, and connections.
Born and brought up in Keonjhar, a quiet district in Odisha, Rupali’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. She began her academic path at Nirmala Convent School, completed her 12th from DD College, and pursued higher studies after marriage—an inspiring decision in itself. With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in hand, she eventually earned her MPhil in Biotechnology from North Orissa University.
But it was outside the classroom that her real education began. By the age of 20, she had already started backpacking solo across the globe—an Odia girl navigating the world with a rucksack and a relentless spirit. “I started traveling solo,” she recalls. “By 26, I had already explored 70 countries.”
In doing so, she not only shattered glass ceilings—she shattered borders, fears, and stereotypes. As a solo woman traveler navigating more than 90 countries, Rupali became a symbol of courage, resilience, and independence. Her journey is a powerful reminder to young women that you don’t need to wait for the world’s approval—you just need a backpack, a dream, and the will to move.
“If I, a girl from Keonjhar, can backpack across continents alone, so can you,” she often says. “Don’t wait to be given freedom—claim it.”
Founded in 2021, LyfVibes is more than a travel company—it is a movement powered by a deep belief in the transformative nature of travel. With pan-India operations and a dedicated team of 54 professionals, Rupali’s enterprise specializes in luxury tourism, large group movements (1000+ pax), MICE events, safari tourism, and destination promotions.
“Our goal is to empower connections and elevate journeys,” says Rupali. Headquartered at Utkal University in Bhubaneswar—where it is incubated by the Odisha government—LyfVibes also has a strong presence in Mumbai and works closely with tourism boards and corporate houses across the country. The company now curates experiences in 94 countries and counting.
Each itinerary is carefully crafted, backed by local knowledge, strategic partnerships, and a client-first philosophy. “We don’t just plan trips. We create memories, foster connections, and change perceptions,” she says. Whether it’s a corporate incentive trip to Iceland or a destination wedding in Tuscany, LyfVibes operates with the precision of a seasoned artist and the heart of a traveler.
But success didn’t come overnight. Rupali recalls the early challenges—breaking into networks, convincing people to trust a new player in a competitive industry, and getting appointments with tourism boards. “Unlike selling products, in tourism, we are selling a lifestyle. You have to inspire people to step out of their comfort zones. That’s not easy.”
Yet, her resilience paid off. Today, LyfVibes is a trusted name in the B2B and B2C travel industry, known for its attention to detail, cultural sensitivity, and capacity to handle large-scale projects.
For Rupali, the true reward lies in the impact her work creates. One of her most cherished memories is from a trip where a woman in her 60s danced so carefreely in a foreign country. “She told me she felt alive again. That’s the magic of travel,” Rupali smiles. “When first-time travelers come back asking, ‘Where next?’—that’s when I know we’ve done something right.”
Despite her global reach, Rupali remains deeply connected to her roots. She’s a vocal advocate for unlocking Odisha’s tourism potential, especially in the post-COVID era. “Odisha is still India’s best-kept secret. But it’s time to reveal that secret to the world.”
She believes the state needs a strategic push—through improved infrastructure, better roads, high-end accommodations, and collaborations with innovative tour operators. “Jharsuguda has an airport, but where’s the tourism? We need more than just promotion—we need experiences, Instagrammable spots, and connectivity to offbeat gems like Koraput,” she asserts.
Looking ahead, Rupali envisions taking LyfVibes to even greater heights. From listing the company publicly to becoming a key player in shaping India’s luxury travel narrative, her plans are as bold as they are grounded. “We’re also investing in educating our B2B partners and building strategic relationships with Indian tourism boards. We’re not just scaling; we’re evolving.”
To young aspirants eyeing a future in the travel industry, Rupali offers candid advice: “Travel first. Live the experience. Be bold, be curious, and be ready to talk to people. This isn’t an industry for introverts. If you have passion, people skills, and adaptability, you can go far.”
And to every young woman standing at the crossroads of doubt and desire, Rupali’s journey stands as a beacon of possibility. She’s living proof that courage is contagious—and that empowered women don’t just change industries, they change narratives.
