Hy Local Guides, 
Welcome to the latest edition of the Local Guides Couple Spotlight 
! This series celebrates the unique bond of couples who navigate the world together while making it a better place through Google Maps. After recently exploring the story of Keith Erna, I am thrilled to introduce you to another incredible duo from Pune : @DurgaK03 & @dpalash2205.
Durga, originally from Goa is a level 
Local Guide and a proud attendee of ConnectLIVE 2025 in Bengaluru - a milestone where she connected with over 50 local guides. Recognized as @AdamGT’s Movers & Shakers Champion 
of 2025, she is a dedicated storyteller who uses photography to inspire others. She has launched impactful community challenges like Monsoon Adventures 
, inspiring guides to document nature walks and hidden trails & participated in @Shalz’s GoodMorning Table Challenge 
, where she highlights healthy local breakfast spots like Pune’s Bangalore Canteen.
Palash, originally from Goa is a level 
Local Guide, is the storyteller behind the handlebars. Passionate about motovlogging and cinematic riding experiences. He captures the thrill of the open road, including magical, mist-covered rides to spots like Amboli Waterfalls. Together, they document their adventures on their YouTube channel, Miles with dp.
Let’s hear what Durga & Palash have to share about their couple’s journey!
- How has being a Local Guide transformed the way you explore together?
Answer : Being a Local Guide has completely transformed the way they explore, making their travels more mindful, intentional & meaningful. Durga leads the way on Google Maps - checking reviews and photos - while Palash plans the most efficient and scenic routes for their bike. During visits, they pay close attention to accessibility 
, cleanliness 
& service quality, ensuring they share honest reviews and answer common community questions.
- Do you have a favorite local “Chai Corner” that you discovered together through that community challenge?
Answer : Their all-time favorite is Abhinandan Kadak Special tea, a popular Pune chain and their go-to spot after a tiring day or a long ride. Through @TusharSuradkar’s Chai Pe Charcha challenge, they also discovered Cafe Garden and Painkiller Chaiwala. Durga has even added several of these local chai spots to Google Maps to give them the visibility they deserve.
- Durga, your Hidden Heritage Challenge
has inspired many to find traditional mansions and palaces. What is the most surprising memorable site you and your partner visited? 
@DurgaK03 & @dpalash2205 at Mysore Palace.
Answer : The first royal mansion they visited together was the magnificent Mysore Palace. The intricate architecture and sheer scale left them speechless. On the same trip, they explored Bangalore Palace & they now have the City Palace and Laxmi Vilas Palace high on their heritage exploration list.
- You both are very active in the community. How do you work together to ensure that the “Accessibility” features of the places you visit are accurately documented?
Answer : They have become deeply aware of how their contributions help elderly people, parents with strollers & individuals with mobility challenges. Whenever they visit a spot, they consciously check for drinking water 
, lift access 
, clean washrooms & a well-designed wheelchair ramps, ensuring this information is updated on Google Maps with detailed photos.
- While travelling by motorcycle, do you and your partner use Google Maps for navigation and what’s your favourite contribution while navigating?
Answer : They rely on Google Maps to monitor traffic updates and find alternative paths with the same ETA. Durga frequently reports real-time road conditions such as lane closures, objects on the road, low visibility, or crashes to keep fellow travelers safe. They also use the journey to spot and add favourite destinations that are not yet listed.
- What is the one “Big Mapping Goal” you’ve set for yourselves as a couple for 2026?
Answer : Their big mapping goal for 2026 is to help local businesses - especially small vendors and women-owned businesses - grow and gain discoverability through detailed reviews. They also aim to highlight food stalls and cafés that practice sustainability 
by using eco-friendly packaging and consciously avoiding plastic.
- When you are out on your bike for a "Monsoon Adventure”, who usually handles the navigation and spotting of new places and who handles the riding?
Answer : Palash takes charge of the riding, as he absolutely loves the thrill of navigating through winding ghats and scenic routes. Durga handles the navigation, discovering places & planning well in advance by checking reviews and shortlisting spots using the Maps list feature.
@DurgaK03 & @dpalash2205 illustrate that the true heart of the Local Guides program lies in the meaningful connections we build with our surroundings and each other. From documenting the intricate halls of historic palaces to championing the growth of eco-conscious local vendors, they navigate every mile as a team. Their story is a beautiful reminder that when we map with purpose and partnership, we create a more inclusive world for everyone to explore.
Stay tuned for our next spotlight & in the meantime, keep exploring and celebrate with the local guides who make your journey worthwhile.
#couple@localguides
and grateful to be part of this wonderful valentine day spotlight series
. I completely agree - 