Who We Are
Why choose us
We are Indian Expeditions. We deliver the best holidays and tours of South India and Sri Lanka. What makes us stand apart from the rest is our team and our hotelier backgrounds. Not only do we run a travel company, we also own and operate a chain of fine dining restaurants which are extremely successful. We will be soon opening boutique resorts. We come with an intimate knowledge and experience in hospitality.
Our itineraries are designed by some of the worlds most acclaimed and awarded thinkers. Our holidays are not just tours, but are centered around learning about the places we visit and really experiencing them in the truest sense of the word. Unlike most other travel operators, we do not solicit the services of a Destination Management Company to run our tours. Every touring holiday is delivered by an in-house trip lead. We are locals of the region and this is sustainable travel in its truest sense - the money you spend actually reaches and stays with in South India and Sri Lanka.
We are not merely travel guides or travel planners - we are cultural custodians of South India and Sri Lanka; with academic backgrounds in history, anthropology, architecture and other relevant fields. We are extremely passionate about our region, our culture and traditions, and have a deep love for travel and showing of our nook of the woods. We strongly believe that travel must be truly sustainable and money must directly reach the locals of any region we visit. We believe that travel can drive positive change and conservation.
We deliver unparalleled adventures and once in a lifetime experiences for our guests.
Our team makes the difference
Our itineraries are designed by award winning thinkers to make you really experience the heart and soul of South India and Sri Lanka – through interactions with people, exploring the regions traditions, spiritual beliefs, festivals, architecture and landscapes. Our holidays come with a deep learning component, not just leisure. We aim to showcase and make you understand ethos of the region visited by engaging you in lively and fluent debates that cover history and the contemporary. Our Trips with us are guaranteed to set your memories ablaze long after you have left our shores, and will keep you coming back! We are locals of the region, and none can showcase it better than us. All our tours are delivered by expert cultural custodians, not just guides.
Our focus – Only South India and Sri Lanka.
Unlike almost any other travel company, we focus only on South India and Sri Lanka. This is where all of us are from, this where our ancestors are from. We know the land and her traditions like only a local can. We do not stretch ourselves thin. Instead, we deliver unforgettable travel experiences with attention to the minutest details and with loads of meaningful interactions with locals. We take you on visits to places no other tour operator takes you to – because unlike us locals, they don’t really know the gems and the hidden spots of the region!
Experiences not merely visits.
Our itineraries focus on experiences and not merely site visits. As travellers ourselves, we want you to really get up close and personal with the regions we visit, their culture, traditions, everyday people. Each of our trips are full of unscripted, spontaneous and unique ways to really experience the region. You’ll return home having been deeply immersed into our region in a way few travellers ever have a chance to.
Expert, local tour leaders.
We are not just tour guides but custodians of South India’s and Sri Lanka’s culture and traditions. We all come from academic backgrounds of history, art and architecture and other relevant fields with a deep passion for experiential travel. We are all extremely fluent in English – making true dialog and debate natural and rapid. And we are all local to the region with expert insider knowledge and local connections to make the most of unexpected opportunities. All our tour leaders have led a minimum of 100 multi-day trips, making us true travel professionals.
Small group adventures.
All our group departures have a maximum of 12 guests – big enough to enjoy a holiday adventure amidst like minded people, and small enough to have a really personalised experience. Groups are usually a mix of couples who are above 60 years of age, or small families or a group of friends – all united for a thirst for a true travel adventure and a sense of fun! You can ask us who your fellow travellers will be on any particular trip and we happy to connect all of you if you wish before the adventure starts.
Truly responsible and sustainable travel.
A core focus of ours, all our travel itineraries are really sustainable. Every thought and action is born out of this commitment to the environment and the local communities where we operate. The experiential character of our holidays pays homage to nature and engages closely with local people and their cultures – directly benefiting local communities. All the resorts and hotels we stay in are carefully chosen to reflect these ideals. We are a company based in South India – the profits we make remain within the region.
Customer Centric.
You – our customer are at the very center of all what we do. We prioritise exceptional customer service and experiences for our guests. Recognised repeatedly through numerous reviews and feedback from our clients, our unwavering commitment to providing the best possible holiday experience ensures that we consistently surpass expectations, and we are dedicated to helping you make unforgettable memories.
Our Story
Established in 2004, we are seasoned professionals in providing unparalleled travel adventures in South India and Sri Lanka. We are all extremely passionate about travel and our region. Led by Chandan S, our management team is dedicated to making sure you experience an unique style of experiential touring holiday. We have successful led and delivered 1000s of perfect holidays over the years and are top rated, with most of our guests coming back to travel with us.
Team
Our Trip leads
Deepa Jayaraman
Deepa is an Indian classical dance artist and certified Yoga instructor. She brings alive ancient sculptures and temple art forms with engaging conversations.
Jonathan McLeod
Johnathan loves riding motorcycles and spends most of his time on one. He leads our Motorcycle Tours.
Pradeep Sebastian
Pradeep focuses on wildlife education and outreach. He leads our wildlife programs and motorcycle tours.
Hermie Mathias
Hermie has interacted with 1000s of travellers and has led many, many tours across South India.
Seetharam VN
Seetharam is acknowledged as an expert in Indian architecture, sculpture, Indology and culture.
Chandan Seetharam
Chandan leads many of Indian Expeditions trips, and has garnered raving reviews from almost all the guests he has led.
Testimonials
The people who know best
A journey of a lifetime, what fun we all had as well as the amount of things we learnt! Indian Expeditions curated a cultural tour of Sri Lanka that was nothing short of extraordinary. The guides were not just knowledgeable but passionate about sharing the rich heritage of this beautiful country. And the hotels? Pure luxury! Thank you for an unforgettable experience.
Rating ★★★★★
Absolutely mesmerising! The tour of Sri Lanka with Indian Expeditions really exceeded all expectations. From the captivating historical sites of Sri Lanka to the warm hospitality of the hotels, every moment was a delight. Kudos to the exceptional team for their insightful commentary and for organising a flawless trip.
Rating ★★★★★
Perfect, perfect, perfect! Indian Expeditions 14 day cultural tour of Sri Lanka was an absolute dream come true. The team were not only experts in their field but also delightful companions, making every excursion a memorable one. And the accommodations? Pure indulgence! Thank you for a meticulously organised and unforgettable adventure.
Rating ★★★★★
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This Sri Lanka holiday features the best of Sri Lanka, including the country’s most interesting cultural destinations and the best beaches. Highlights include touring Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, exploring colonial sites, upcountry tea estates, visiting markets and staying in Sri Lanka’s most exclusive and luxurious resorts.
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