How an IITian-CEO’s unplanned 3-day stay at a stranger's house became his best road trip story

Harsh Pokharna and Kanak Agrawal, IIT-Kanpur graduates known for sharing their unique travel experiences on social media, recently found themselves in an unusual situation during a road trip from Udaipur to Ahmedabad. With no place to stay for the night, they made a spontaneous decision that left them questioning whether it was sheer recklessness or a stroke of wisdom.

On January 10, as they drove from Udaipur to Ahmedabad, the duo realized they had no accommodation arranged. In a moment of spontaneity, they put up an Instagram story asking if anyone would be willing to host them for the night. To their surprise, a complete stranger responded, inviting them to stay over. Taking a leap of faith, they arrived at his home later that night—unaware that this experience would change their perspective on travel.

An unsettling start turns into a heartwarming experience

Harsh recalled how staying at a stranger’s house in an unfamiliar city initially felt awkward and unsettling. They decided to leave the next morning, but something completely unexpected awaited them. After returning from the gym, they found their hostess preparing Neer dosa and Kerala curry—a warm and thoughtful gesture that instantly made them feel at home. In return, they brewed coffee for everyone and engaged in deep conversations about philosophy with their gracious host. Though language was a barrier, emotions bridged the gap, making words almost unnecessary.



Kanak reflected on how they had set out to explore Gujarat but, in a twist of fate, ended up experiencing the rich culture of Kerala through their host, who was Malayali. That morning, they had an epiphany—travel isn’t just about visiting places; it’s about the people you meet along the way. What started as a brief stay turned into a three-day bonding experience filled with authentic home-cooked meals, city explorations, and a deep appreciation for an unexpected cultural exchange.

A new definition of home

Kanak believes that travel is more than just luxury hotels and Instagram-worthy snapshots of famous landmarks. True travel is about connections—it’s about realizing that home isn’t just a place, but the people who welcome you with open arms. Thanks to this journey, they didn’t just find a temporary stay in Ahmedabad; they gained a home there—and, in a way, a piece of Kerala too.

Internet reacts

Sharing their experience in a video on Instagram, Harsh captioned it with a thought-provoking question: “Ye karna bewakoofi thi ya samajhdari? Would you dare to try this?” Users expressed their admiration for the heartfelt story, emphasizing how true travel is about forming connections and finding a sense of home wherever one goes, distinguishing it from a typical vacation. Many praised the storytelling, calling it one of the best shared by the duo. Others found the experience heartwarming, appreciating the chance to meet incredible people along the journey. Several also highlighted how travel is ultimately about creating lasting memories and collecting meaningful stories.

Who are Harsh Pokharna and Kanak Agrawal?

Harsh Pokharna, an entrepreneur and angel investor, is the co-founder and CEO of OkCredit, a mobile app that helps small businesses manage payments. He graduated from IIT Kanpur. Meanwhile, Kanak Agrawal was formerly with McKinsey and also was the co-founder of Impact.