Muscat – On a mission to explore the Arab world and African continent on a bicycle, 23-year-old Indian blogger Arunima IP started a two-year trip from Oman on December 14.

Before flying to Muscat from Mumbai, India, Arunima cycled 2,500km from Kerala to Mumbai in ten days. Since her arrival in Oman, she has cycled around the country, creating vlogs of her escapades in the sultanate.

With over 126,000 followers on YouTube and 104,000 on Instagram, Arunima, who goes by the name Backpacker Arunima on social media, and has been travelling solo for many years.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, she said, “I have been travelling since childhood. Most of my trips now are solo. This is my passion and since a few years my profession. I create content for social media platforms. My vlogs are on the places I visit and the daily stuff common people do.”

Until two years back, the native of Palakkad hitch-hiked across India. She then decided to cycle rather than walk.

In Oman, she has pedalled her way to several places, including Quriyat, Bimmah Sinkhole, Amerat Heights, Sal Steps and Muttrah Souq. “I will be in Oman for ten days. Among the places on my itinerary are Barka and Sohar. After Oman, I am off to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt. To some places, I need to send my cycle by flight or ferry.”

Arunima claimed the reason why she started this trip in Oman is because she’s been in love with the country ever since she first saw videos of its natural beauty.

On her trips, she meets her followers and subscribers who give her food, shelter and mostly importantly travel tips for their city. In Oman, she came across many followers who were thrilled to receive her and provide her accommodation in Bausher.

Arunima informs that while she has never faced any dangerous situation, she has encountered very bad weather on innumerable occasions. “After Egypt, I will be visiting South Africa, which is also a dream destination. There I expect to get up close and personal with some wild animals. But I will be careful.”

Her backpack has all the essentials, including a tent and a GoPro. She shoots her videos and edits these on her phone.