In many Indian homes, a mother is expected to put her dreams on hold, to stay back, adjust, and prioritise everyone but herself. And when there are five children, society rarely imagines anything different.

But Naaji Noushi, a 35-year-old homemaker from Kannur, Kerala, is rewriting that script.

Armed with a Mahindra Thar and an unstoppable spirit, Naaji has driven solo across India and the world — from deserts and mountain passes to international borders and conflict zones. She doesn’t travel to escape motherhood. She travels because of it — to show her children, and women everywhere, that ambition doesn’t end with marriage or motherhood.

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From being married at 18 and a mother at 19 to now becoming the first Indian woman to drive solo to Iraq and Afghanistan, Naaji’s journey is about more than just miles. It’s about reclaiming space — for herself and for every woman told to sit still.

Drawing travel inspirations from Indian history

Naaji’s story is not one of privilege or grand planning. “I was raised in a typical Malabar Muslim family in Kannur, Kerala,” she says. She completed her Class 12 and got married at 18. At 19, she gave birth to her first child.

Yet, her fascination with history and Indian architecture kept her travel dreams alive. “My grandmother, Aamina, used to tell us a lot of stories about the British colonies and freedom struggles when I was a kid,” she recalls.

“Listening to these stories pushed me to discover more, and as an Indian, I wanted to explore my own country first,” Naaji reflects, which became the driving force behind her remarkable journey. “My parents, including my husband, have been ardent travellers in whatever capacity they could,” she adds.

Where it all started

In 2020, when her youngest daughter was just six months old, Naaji embarked on her first solo trip — a 10-day journey across Kerala.

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Naushad Mehmood (45), Naaji’s husband, was not surprised when she shared her plans. “I used to work in Kochi earlier, and Naaji used to drive from Kannur to Kochi,” adds Naushad.

By 2021, she had embarked on an ambitious all-India road trip. “I had told my husband in 2016 that the two of us would go for this trip, but because his work schedules never matched, I decided to do this solo,” adds Naaji, who has covered over 20 states in India.

These early expeditions were not merely sightseeing tours. Naaji documented her experiences through YouTube documentaries, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of India, such as Mathipura and Dharavi. 

In her third major journey, she spent 25 days in Lakshadweep, exploring its 10 islands and immersing herself in the local culture. “I don’t opt for any travel packages. I stayed with the locals,” she says, emphasising her commitment to authentic and budget-friendly experiences.

Her most audacious feat was her solo trek to Everest Base Camp in 2022. Without prior mountain training, she drove to Nepal and trekked the 65 kilometres to the base camp in five days — a feat that typically takes 12 to 15 days. 

“I did not prioritise my health or safety for this. I wanted to show my victory as proof that women can do anything,” she asserts. “My guide told me that I couldn’t finish the trek due to my weak body. We have acclimatisation and altitude issues there. Also, I am from the sea region, so it was difficult,” she says. 

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But it was worth every bit when, at that time, she became the first woman to cover the Everest base camp in 5 days. 

When Thar became her trusted companion

A passionate football fan, Naaji was determined to represent India in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. “I am an ardent fan of Lionel Messi and Argentina,” she says. While India didn’t qualify, she found her own way to make an impact — by travelling from Kerala to Qatar by road.

In choosing a vehicle for her journey, the Mahindra Thar was an obvious choice. “I chose a Mahindra Thar because it’s proudly Indian-made,” she shares. She transformed it into a mobile home with a small kitchen and essential amenities.

Her biggest challenge? Shipping her vehicle from Mumbai to Oman. “Several shipping companies told me it wouldn’t be possible,” she recalls. But her determination led her to the Oman Consulate, where the Consul General, impressed by her mission, helped her navigate bureaucratic hurdles.

After the Qatar journey, Naaji met Anand Mahindra in India and became a part of Mahindra’s women empowerment campaign for five months. During this time, she covered 40,000 kilometres and crossed seven borders in one trip, making her the first Indian woman to do so.

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Her travels took her to conflict-ridden areas, including Manipur and Mizoram, in January 2024. “I stayed with the Kukis, visited communities, and saw collapsed homes and architecture. I wanted to show the true face of India in my documentaries because I didn’t want to lie about my country,” she says.

But how does she fund herself?

As a homemaker, Naaji doesn’t have a conventional source of income. “When I went to book my Thar in 2022, I had Rs 5,000 in my bank account, sufficient to pay for the booking fees,” laughs Naaji.

But social media and brand collaborations have been of immense help in funding her travel. “Even when I only had 22,000 followers, brands were kind enough to ask me for collaborations,” she says. Companies pay her to display their logos on her Thar, leveraging its visibility.

Naaji believes that it is difficult to have a sufficient bank balance before starting a trip. “I look at my expenses daily. If I have enough for fuel, food and other expenses, I am good to go,”  adds Naaji, who hopes that tomorrow will be a better day.

‘If you can travel in India, you can travel anywhere’

Naaji’s approach to safety is rooted in her extensive travels across India, which she considers the ultimate training ground. “I have travelled the whole of India five times. This is a bigger experience for me to travel to other countries with ease. If you can travel in India, you can travel anywhere,” she shares. 

While acknowledging that ‘a lot of people assume that India is not safe for women travellers’ and that ‘in certain places, things become a little tricky,’ she emphasises the inherent goodness of people, particularly in rural areas. 

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“People are very innocent in the villages, and our country is rich with culture, languages, festivals, and other resources,” Naaji shares. This belief in humanity, coupled with practical preparations like carrying car parts and relying on local assistance when needed, as shown by her experience fixing her clutch in Iraq, allows her to navigate potential challenges. 

“As someone who loves Naaji, I get worried when she travels to certain places. But I know she is a strong, independent woman who can cruise through hardships,” shares Noushad, who is currently working in Abu Dhabi.

She also leverages her linguistic skills and positive attitude, prioritising connection over language barriers. “I believe that to communicate with people, we need love and care first, more than the medium,” she states, reinforcing her focus on building trust and rapport wherever she goes.

On a journey to challenge societal norms and inspire women 

Behind Naaji’s adventurous journey is a family who stands by her and supports her decisions – from her parents, her husband, and her five children. “My husband changed my life. It was he who taught me how to drive a car,” she acknowledges.

“To be honest, Naaji is a better driver than I. When we go on road trips, I happily take the passenger seat because I am confident in her driving skills,” Noushad adds.

“While I go travelling, my husband is the one who faces societal judgments every day. He has been kind to support and understand my wishes and travel journey,” shares Naaji.

Noushad firmly believes in personal freedom. “A lot of people ask me why I let my wife embark on solo travel. Who am I to grant her permission? It is her life, and she has complete freedom to choose what she wants to do,” shares Noushad, who also knows that he is not doing any favour for Naaji.

Her mother, Maimoona, takes care of her children, and her in-laws are equally supportive. “My mother and husband have been my pillar of support because they take care of the children,” shares Naaji.

“It is not difficult to take care of my children, and society should stop looking at it from a gendered lens,” Noushad adds. Her children, too, have embraced her adventurous spirit. 

“They are independent beings, so they can live without me; they are understanding as well,” she says. Learning to be independent and understanding their mother’s journey has been a life lesson that has shaped their children’s future.

Naaji’s journey is not just about personal achievement; it’s about challenging societal norms and inspiring other women. “I think all women should balance kids and their own needs. I don’t think it is fair to ask a woman to sacrifice her entire life,” she shares.

Many countries on the horizon

Naaji’s current and eighth expedition takes her through the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries and the Middle East, with plans to cover 25 countries by road. “I am currently in my tenth country, Iraq. My speciality is covering every country by land. This is the first Indian vehicle owned by a woman to reach Iraq and Afghanistan,” she states. 

Her journey is set to conclude in October 2025, but her spirit remains unstoppable. “If you have a big dream, the world will come together to make it happen,” she says.

Naaji’s message to aspiring solo travellers is simple: “If you want to make a difference, you need to consider yourself as an inspiration to build individuality,” emphasising the importance of self-belief and the power of dreams. 

“It is important for an individual to understand how and why they want to travel. That passion will take them places. Be your own inspiration,” she concludes, proving that motherhood and adventure can coexist beautifully.

Edited by Vidya Gowri Venkatesh; All images courtesy Naaji Noushad