Hello! I’m Parth Raman — originally from Varanasi, India 🇮🇳 and currently living in Padova, Italy 🇮🇹
I love people and my alone time equally, and tend to fill my calendar with all kinds of nonsense like concerts & niche movies.
I have worked extensively in public policy, human rights & international relations. But by heart I am full time traveller!
I am also a best selling author.

Warum ich bei Couchsurfing bin

I’m on Couchsurfing because I’m on a mission to travel as much as I can and yes, being honest, saving some money along the way definitely helps. But more than that, I’m genuinely interested in understanding different cultures, meeting people with unique perspectives, and sharing stories that you only discover when you’re in someone’s home, not a hotel.

I love deep conversations, learning how people live in different parts of the world, and exchanging ideas about life, society, food… anything really. I also enjoy cooking, so sharing a meal is one of my favourite ways to connect.

Interessen

• reading
• food
• nature
• sustainability
• cultural exchange
• hichhiking
• emotional intelligence

Musik, Filme und Bücher

I read a lot, partly because I genuinely enjoy it, and partly because I’m a bestselling author myself, so books are a big part of my life. I’m drawn to stories and ideas that help me understand people, cultures, and politics better, whether it’s Sapiens, The Kite Runner, or Man’s Search for Meaning.

When it comes to music, I’m a Bollywood loyalist at heart, from soulful Arijit Singh tracks to timeless Kishore Kumar classics, but I’m also trying to develop a taste for Hollywood music and slowly exploring artists like Coldplay, The Weeknd, and Imagine Dragons.

Films are another passion, I love everything from niche movies to big thrillers, and honestly, nothing beats watching a horror or mystery movie with complete strangers. Movies, music, and books all play a role in shaping how I see the world, and they often become my favorite way to connect with new people.

Eine tolle Erfahrung, die ich gemacht habe

One amazing (and slightly crazy) thing I’ve done was hitchhiking through the Bamiyan region of Afghanistan to see the famous Buddhas’ cliffs, right before a sudden snowstorm trapped me and a group of local travelers in a remote mountain pass. What started as a simple ride in the back of a pickup truck turned into an unexpected overnight adventure. With no hotels around, a local family opened their home to us, and I spent the night drinking endless cups of chai, listening to traditional Afghan music on someone’s old radio, and sharing stories with people I had met only minutes earlier. The next morning, they guided me through the valley like I was a long-lost friend. It was wild, unpredictable, and absolutely unforgettable, the kind of travel moment that teaches you more about humanity than any book ever could.

Lehren, lernen, teilen

I love learning little things about people and their cultures, whether it’s how you cook something at home, a phrase in your language, or a funny habit everyone in your country seems to have. I’m happy to teach whatever I can too, from making proper Indian tea to sharing stories from my travels or even showing a few easy dishes I cook when I miss home. What I really enjoy most is the exchange itself: talking, laughing, cooking together, trading random facts, or just sharing moments that happen only when two strangers end up under the same roof.

Was ich mit Gastgebern teilen kann

I can share good (deep) conversations, support system, random travel stories, and a lot of laughter. If you enjoy food, I’m always happy to cook something simple but comforting from India, which I make way too often. I love bringing small things from my trips, so I usually have tiny souvenirs or snacks to share. Most of all, I bring a calm, positive vibe and genuine curiosity about your culture and your city. I clean up after myself, and I try to leave hosts with good memories, not just an empty room.

Länder, die ich besucht habe

Afghanistan, Austria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Viet Nam

Länder, in denen ich gelebt habe

India, Italy