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We help you customise travel experiences in India, and abroad, with a deep understanding of the dest

XPERIENCES

We are the gourmet chefs of the travel business; we specialize and pride ourselves in customized journeys. To escape the clutches of a standardised itinerary, we encourage all our fellow travellers to recommend, nay demand, personalisation. We have a set of locations that have exciting possibilities of travel and learning to offer. Anyone, or any group, interested in travelling to these locations can let us take the lead, or feel free to ask for any specification in terms of a focus on art, literature, culture, music, et al – we believe in the democratisation of all travel whims. We help you customise travel experiences across India, and abroad, with a deep understanding of the local character of the places.

31/12/2024

When the chants melt away, the mind remains.
When the mind melts away, what’s left?
A void mingles with the void.
— Lal Ded (trans. Ranjit Hoskote)

The lure of Kashmir is not just its lush terraced fields, and forests of pine and oak but its arts, history, philosophy, poetry, medieval architecture, and cuisine.
In May we curated a study tour for aspiring design students mentored by and at

- We interacted with an expert on Lal Ded to learn about this 14th-century saint-poetess praised for her Vaaks or verses that were powerful, poignant & philosophical.
- An INTACH expert led us on a heritage walk in the old city.
- The students attended a papier mache workshop to learn about this artform that was brought to Kashmir in the 15th century. We then headed to a walnut woodcarving workshop.
- We then headed towards Ganderbal where we visited a Kani shawl weaving loom where the local village women had been busy for months weaving delicate pashmina yarn with hundreds of spools (or kani) that come together to form delightful patterns of flowers, leaves and birds on the finest of shawls. Here the students under the guidance of the artisans learned the intricacies of this technique.
- At Sonamarg, before sunrise we made our way to a bakers shop in the village to witness a unique sight where bread makers, also known in the local dialect as Kandur, are up and running a large oven to make their daily bread that is served for breakfast across the valley.

Thank you and for choosing us to design insightful and enriching study tours over the last 12 years.

We will be happy to curate a Kashmir itinerary around your interests on dates that suit you. DM us or call us on +91-9822132092 to start planning.

29/12/2024

We began 2024 right where we left off last year, in Kolkata. Making merry last Christmas, this January we travelled to celebrate the literary heritage of the city to visit the International Kolkata Book Fair - the largest in Asia!
- This visit also took us to Kumartuli’s old narrow lanes, just as Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, idols were being made ahead of the Saraswati puja.
- Accompanied by a historian, we traced back the significant influence of the British Raj in Kolkata - while the grand colonial buildings charmed us, the recounting of colonial history was equally enlightening. We travelled to ‘Little Europe‘ which constitutes the ex-Dutch (Chinsurah), Portuguese (Bandel), French (Chandannagar) & Danish (Serampore) colonies.
- All the appetite we built was satiated on a food tour through some of the iconic eateries in the city.We also got to wine & dine at an art collectors home which beautifully preserves a by-gone era!
- Our stay at Shantiniketan was a charming homestay run by warm and welcoming hosts. This home exudes an unmistakable sense of warmth serving us some of the most sumptuous meals one can find Shantiniketan. This year Amoli secured a spot In India’s Top 50 Restaurants - ranked 46th in Condé Nast Traveller x Zomato Top Restaurant Awards for 2024.
- Every nook in Shantiniketan narrates Rabindranath Tagore’s inspiring life story and works. A place nurtured by the likes of Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose and many after them, it truly transcends religious and cultural boundaries.
- We were enthralled by the mystical music of the Bauls at a private audience with the enigmatic

Travel to these multicultural, historic cities to bear witness to the human creative imagination through time. We will be happy to curate an itinerary around your interests on dates that suit you. Best time to visit is anytime between Novemver till March. DM us or call us on +91-9822132092 to start planning.

26/12/2024

This October we curated a 11-day trip to Georgia for 15 travellers who came together to celebrate personal milestones in this wine country, for ‘In vino veritas’ (in wine, there is truth).
On their first night in Georgia, the group enjoyed an extravagant dinner spread, served with cheese and wine, accompanied by traditional folk music and dance. They travelled across Georgia, delighting in the stunning landscapes of the Caucasus Mountains, vineyards and idyllic villages.
They visited the beautiful Gregeti monastery which is 2,200m from sea level and lies at the feet of Mount Kazbegi. In the seaside city of Batumi, they sat and chatted on the shores of the Black Sea, drank wine and danced on a boat deck. They drank mineral water at Ekaterina Spring of Borjomi, known for its healing properties and walked through the local park dating back to 1850, located in a narrow-wooded valley.
They visited a kvevri (wine vessel) making family at their workshop and the family wine cellar to learn more about Gerogia’s 8000-year-old wine-making tradition. The family cooked a delicious dinner and barbeque, served with homemade wine.
At the enchanting underground Prometheus Cave, they marvelled at unique geological formations of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and other mineral formations.
Since, it isn’t possible to include all their adventures in one post, but we promise to share more of their experiences with you in the new year.

Ready to plan your journey to Georgia? We will be happy to curate an itinerary around your interests on dates that suit you. Best time to visit is anytime between May & June or September. DM us or call us on +91-9822132092 to start planning.

22/12/2024

This October we enjoyed collaborating with .aleworks to curate a journey through Aurangabad’s many histories. We travelled with an art historian and conservation architect and interacted with local chefs and brewers.

While photographs don’t do justice to the experience, we hope to share with you some glimpses of what we saw, ate and heard.
- We travelled with Dr. Pushkar Sohoni, a conservation architect with a doctorate in History of Art who traced the history of this region from the 2nd century BCE down to the 17th century CE regaling us with its engaging and lesser known tales.
- We indulged is delightful culinary adventures - a dinner of traditional dishes by legendary chef Zama Khan (featured on Nat Geo), such as the Pathani Bakra Mandhi (cooked underground), the Afghani Dumpukht and Sitafal Rabdi. On our street food trail we had our fill of local biryani and naan khaliya.
- Thank you and for graciously hosting us on your beautiful farm surrounded by over a thousand mango, guava, fig, and bamboo trees overlooking the hills. We looked forward to our evenings spent there with delicious dinners accompanied with Great State’s experimental craft beers which included Same Page, their millet beer brewed in collaboration with a Japanese brewery.
- At Lilasons Industries, the makers of the famed Khajuraho and Kangaro 10000 beers, we bore witness to the manufacturing process of an industrial brewery along with gaining an understanding of its functioning.

Thank you for conceptualising and bringing this trip to fruition. We look forward more adventures together.
Those of you who couldn’t join us, know that we are curating a similar journey early next year. Aurangabad awaits you. .andhare .deshpande PC:

20/12/2024

In June we curated a journey through Bali with experiences like coffee tasting, a cycling trail, a guided tour of Sasak Sade Village, a visit to the Komodo National Park and a Batik painting workshop. recounts his experience of travelling with us:

“We had an unforgettable holiday this summer in Bali, and I owe this incredible experience to none other than The Black Swan, my go-to travel company, founded by my dear friend Shishir. 💫 Shishir and his amazing team have truly outdone themselves, crafting yet another personalized adventure that perfectly aligns with our family’s love for culture and discovery.
From exploring the bustling streets of Ubud to savoring authentic street food in Nusa Dua every moment was filled with local flavors and vibrant energy. 🍜🛵 The Black Swan seamlessly connected us with the heart and soul of Lubaon Bajo and Seminyak introducing us to the warmest people, hidden artisan shops, and breathtaking landscapes with wild adventure that seemed straight out of a dream. 🌿🏞️
Their deep understanding of our preferences made every experience unique and special—from cooking classes with local chefs to cycling in rice fields through pristine roads. 👨‍🍳 We felt like we were traveling with old friends who knew all the secret spots, which made our trip more personal and enriching than we could have ever imagined.
Thank you, Shishir and The Black Swan team, for your dedication and passion. You’ve not only planned a trip but created memories we will treasure forever. Check them out if you’re planning a trip that promises to be more than just a vacation!” — Abhishek Gupta

Thank you for choosing to travel with us over the last 10 years.

Ready to plan your journey to Indonesia? We will be happy to curate an itinerary around your interests on dates that suit you. Best time to visit is anytime between May to September! DM us or call us on +91-9822132092 to start planning.

18/12/2024

We have been busy this year. Busy curating journeys for our travellers with historians, chefs, and artisans, uncovering the essence of every destination. This is a recap of 2024!

Recently, we curated an immersive journey for a family focusing on experiences around history, nature and cuisine through south Vietnam. Here is what they had to say about their holiday:

“Vietnam is a great place to go with families or solo! Black Swan Journeys ensured we had a great time doing scooter tours through Ho Chi Minh City, seeing the local culture up close, and spending a relaxed time in its scenic villages and river fronts! Would highly recommend taking help from experts to plan and enjoy your trip to Vietnam!” - Ranjit Pawar

Thank you and for choosing us to explore one of our favourite destinations.

Ready to plan your journey to Vietnam? We will be happy to curate an itinerary around your interests on dates that suit you. Best time to visit is anytime between December till March end! DM us or call us on +91-9822132092 to start planning.

01/12/2024

Lucknow, the land of tehzeeb and tunday kebabs, shayari and shorbas offers its travellers a tapestry of history, culture and cuisine.

On our expert-guided walk at the Husainabad Heritage Zone, step into the stories of a bygone era as you marvel at magnificent architecture. Engage in conversation with an old aristocratic family and hear firsthand tales of their growing up in post-independence Lucknow, anecdotes of elegance, that offer insights into this city of charm. An intimate interaction with Askari Naqvi will blend storytelling, music, politics, and humor in a way that is raw, riveting, and richly layered. ‘Itr’ making involves rare natural essences - meet the artisans to understand the alchemy behind their exquisite fragrances. Awadhi cuisine offers the Nafaasat (refinement) and Nazaakat (delicateness) of the era of Nawabs. Partake of the provincial cuisine of Rampur at a home that offers robust flavours of Pathan and Awadhi heritage. Enjoy a Kayastha meal that is a loving offering of heirloom recipes.

This journey is curated around the 16th edition of the Mahindra Sanatkada Festival that brings together Awadh’s fine, performing, culinary and literary arts. It is a celebration of the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb of northern India and representative of the syncretic culture of the region. Along with lectures, a crafts and weaves bazaar, the festival offers Lucknowi Bawarchi Khane, a home-cooked food festival. These eclectic culinary experiences are reflective of the vibrant inclusivity of Lucknow’s food culture. The curated music concerts at the festival are a huge draw for music aficionados.

How can one not smile, at the thought of partaking of Lakhnawi tehzeeb, its refined etiquette, inclusive sensibility, and culinary delights?

Sign up now. Your Black Swan journey awaits! Call/WhatsApp us on 91 9822132092.

30/08/2024

Prepared over a bed of charcoal, cooked 6 feet under the ground, Mandi, a traditional mutton dish is a shining example of how the art of slow-cooking can create magic with just the use of minimal ingredients. Aurangabad’s Zama Khan has been proudly following the family’s age-old recipe that finds its roots in Middle Eastern culinary traditions. The word ‘mandi’ is derived from the Arabic word for dew, referring to the delectably moist meat prepared with the underground cooking method.

Since the dish is cooked in a pit lined with clay, a natural earthiness pervades the dish. The pot of saffron rice is placed at the bottom, while the skewered mutton is hung over the pot. The smokiness and the depth of flavours infused through the 6-hour-long process make the mutton moist giving it a tandoori-like char, while the juices dripping in the saffron rice intensify the flavours while also keeping the rice delicately fragrant.

This September, join us on Black Swan Journeys’ and Great State Aleworks’ Aurangabad trail to taste the authentic Zama Khan’s mandi and dumpukt served at the beautiful Kachi Kairi farm stay. Set against the backdrop of hills, amidst the abundance of thousands of mango, fig, guava and bamboo trees, these delicacies would be served with Great State’s experimental craft beers.

For more details Call/WhatsApp us on +91 9822132092 or write to [email protected] to unravel the different layers of this city!

15/08/2024

“Exquisitely poised and supple, Chola bronze deities are some of the greatest works of art ever created in India.” ~ William Dalrymple

There always has been a duality in the royal patronage of art – the autonomy over worldly glory and at times amassing religious merit drove the quest to promote arts. Yet we need to thank dynasties like the Cholas that promoted the prevalent Indian bronze casting legacy which peaked during their reign across the Subcontinent between the 9th Century to the 13th Century.

The ancient craft which essentially only crafted bronze deity idols reached its zenith during the 10th Century CE, since the deities participating in events became central to Hindu worship. The sentiment of ‘viewing and being viewed by the deity’ led to the finest representations of Gods through this craft and the graceful dancing Shiva as Nataraja has enjoyed the most recognition.

Created using the ancient lost wax technique, the statutes are first modelled in wax and then coated with an alluvial soil mixture. The mould is bound in wires to hold the mould together when the molten wax escapes through strategic holes, this is followed with hot bronze being poured in. Once the mould is broken the details are chiselled in and the statute is polished with emery paper.

The legacy of the Chola bronzes is kept alive by the Sapthpathis from Swamimalai in Tamilnadu and even has received a Geographical Indicator tag (GI). Blackswan Journeys ‘Living Histories of The Tamil World’ allows you to celebrate these artisans who throughout history have remained anonymous, while the workshops let you craft your own exquisite souvenir to carry home.

10/02/2024

Ditch Europe this holiday season! Instead travel with us to Georgia for 'In vino veritas' (in wine, there is truth).

Be awed by Georgia’s architecture, by its 8000-year-old wine making traditions, its ancient monasteries and the rhythmic folk music of a ‘Supra’. The ultimate expression of Georgian hospitality is the ‘Supra feast’ – a unique cultural festivity that offers an extravagant spread of food, wine, and folk dance!
BSJ will guide you through the medieval castles, take you grape-picking on the steeply terraced vineyards to divulge the secrets that lie within each grape. You can enjoy the gastronomic offerings of Georgia, do a hands-on culinary class with an expert, and go grocery shopping with a local. We offer a slight distraction from all that good wine by taking you on an edifying tour to a Brandy factory. Wander through the lively streets of Old Tbilisi, discover tiny villages hidden in the Caucasus Mountain ranges and put your feet up on the shores of the Black Sea in Batumi.

For a peep into Georgia’s distinctive geography, gastronomy, wine, history, religion and culture, we will be happy to curate an itinerary around your interests on dates that suit you.

04/02/2024

We began 2024 right where we left off last year, in Kolkata - this time to celebrate the literary heritage of the city combining it with our trip to the International Kolkata Book Fair, the largest in Asia! This visit also took us to Kumartuli's old narrow lanes, just as Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, idols were being made ahead of the Saraswati puja. In Kolkata, the worship and celebration of Saraswati, over the more popular Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, illustrates the Bengali love for knowledge. Accompanied by a historian, we traced back the significant influence of the British Raj in Kolkata - while the grand colonial buildings charmed us, the recounting of colonial history was equally enlightening.

Our stay at Shantiniketan was a charming homestay run by warm and welcoming hosts, who also happen to have the Tagore lineage. Every nook in Shantiniketan narrates Rabindranath Tagore's inspiring life story and works which, one hopes, are respectfully preserved for future generations to witness. It was an apt place to be immersed in the mystical sounds of Baul music. Our drive out into the countryside opened a whole new world of exquisite terracotta temples, erstwhile indigo plantations and ruins of sprawling Rajbaris.

No trip to this region would be complete without indulging in its delectable array of culinary delights. Our food adventures included visits to some of the iconic eateries in Kolkata as well as lavish home-cooked meals, including one at the home of an art collector which is housed in a historic building overlooking the city's skyline.

Intrigued? This was just our first journey of the year. There's lots more to come which includes a revisit to these two historic multicultural destinations!

17/01/2024

The culture from the land of Tehzeeb and Tunday kebabs, Shayari and Shorbas, Lucknow (erstwhile Oudh or Awadh) offers a fine blend of immaculate mannerisms and other-worldly cuisine. Both the mannerisms and the Awadhi cuisine reflect the Nafaasat (refinement) and Nazaakat (delicateness) of the era of Nawabs. A delightful blend of Central Asia, North India, and the Middle East embedded in the Awadhi cuisine offers luxurious flavours that perform through its choicest spice trove like cardamom and saffron. Often cooked over a slow fire (Dum- pukht technique), the food here appeals to all the senses since that was the standing order to the erstwhile royal khansamas – to dish out food that charms the eyes, nose, and palate.

The melt-in-your-mouth Tunday or Galouti kebabs were created thanks to an ageing Nawab who wanted to enjoy the succulent kebabs without having to chew them. The Idris biryani displays a perfect symphony of spices and the dum pukht technique with ‘yakhani’ (meat stock) that lends its wholesome flavour. Like the Galouti kebabs, the malai giluari, a sweet delicacy of folded milk layers and nuts was devised to cater to the weak teeth of maybe a certain Nawab.

The Khasta kachori, a delicious fried pastry, and aloo tikki are the more mass-friendly offerings of Lucknow that leave you wanting for more. While the traditional kebabs and biryanis are steeped in the longing for a slow life, the kachoris and chaat represent the fast pace of the changing face of Lucknow.

You can enjoy this thrilling gastronomic ride that steps back and forth through the rich culinary culture of Lucknow on the Street Food walk that Black Swan Journeys offers.

02/01/2024

A journey through the Hindi Heartland of India is that of cultural immersion and spirituality.

On Black Swan Journeys’ ‘Oudh Odyssey’, you can witness the confluence of cultures unfold in Allahabad. Take a deep dive into the rich history of Oudh with the curated museum tour and visit landmarks like the Kaushambi ruins. Embark on a spiritual ride as a heritage boat ferries you along the River Ganges - seamlessly threading the religious and cultural evolution the banks of the holy rivers of Ganga and Yamuna have witnessed.

Lucknow, the city of Tehzeeb and Taqaluf, beckons you with a promise of culinary excellence, art, heritage, and nostalgia. Savour a range of culinary delights from traditional Awadhi cuisine at an old Kothi in Kaiserbagh. Watch the karigars at work weaving their Chickenkari magic at a crafts atelier. Navigate the busy streets of the city to visit the diverse past through the architectural landmarks. Walk through the forested grounds of the ruins of the British Residency and learn of the fierce fighting during the 148-day siege. You can go gourmandising on the kebabs, biryanis, and sweet delights as you amble through the labyrinthine ‘gallis’ on our food tour.

Spend a spellbinding evening with a master musician and storyteller who interweaves the rich musical traditions of Sozkhwani with the storytelling art of Dastangoi.

Reconnect with your spiritual side at the religious pilgrimage in Ayodhya.

Thread your own stories to create a vibrant tapestry of your own on this Oudh Odyssey with Black Swan Journeys.

This winter, we invite you to witness this magic first-hand. Call/WhatsApp us on 9822132092 or write to [email protected] to book your experience.

01/01/2024

If the last year has taught us anything.

It’s cautious optimism. We went from uncertainty to celebrating our best year as a travel company since we began in 2010.

We travelled further into Bengal and Avadh to curate more black swan experiences this year. We still cannot get over Chettinaad and the Coromandel basin for what they offer the culturally inclined traveller. An erstwhile Maratha empire in the heartland of Tamil Nadu! The art of wine making and cuisine of Georgia and Vietnam's beautiful landscapes and culture delighted many a new traveller that visited their shores.

While we hold close the many joys of 2023, we look forward to meeting more art historians, artists, poets, folk musicians and chefs in 2024! Here's to new friendships as we travel through India and the world doing what we do best, curating experiences for like-minded travellers!

23/12/2023

The essence of a place is intrinsically woven in its culture, art, and heritage. And that is precisely what Black Swan Journeys’ Tamil Nadu cultural trail offers, it threads in intangible subtleties and provides a new canvas of this destination.

Our experts guide you through its rich heritage, and skilled artisans provide insights into their lives, craft, and techniques. The goldmine of the Thanjavur Maratha Empire is sometimes overlooked in our history books. Here under the patronage of Kings, kavyas, devotional commentaries and philosophical treaties were composed.

Time stands still as you watch the waves crash on the craggy outcrop of rocks jutting out of the Bay of Bengal. Stuck in a time-warp - Tranquebar, this little piece of colonial history sits quietly on the Coromandel Coast. At Chettinad step into the exquisite traditional mansions of the Chettiar or Chetti, the old mercantile, and land-owning families.

This trip would be incomplete without indulging in the delectable Tanjavur-Maratha cuisine and interact with the members of the Royal Family as they share anecdotes of the past and present over traditional meals served in the Palace, which they call home.

Experiences from the way your food is made to the way their statues are cast - in the way of their forefathers! We present to you a slice of Tamil vibrance, past and present combined!

We invite you to witness this magic first hand. Call/WhatsApp us on 9822132092 or write to [email protected]

20/12/2023

London dazzles during the festive season and attracts a horde of visitors every year. It's not just the shimmering window displays of the high-end stores and the striking Christmas lights donning the streets that woo the people, but also London’s Christmas markets that are a big draw. The famous Borough Market is one of them.

With a heritage of more than 1000 years to boast, the market is busy all year round, but it’s more so during Christmas. With an eclectic mix of architecture ranging from Victorian to Art Deco, the market has evolved over the years. You are swamped with a deluge of micro-experiences that play on your mind as you walk through the weathered brick archways while also stealing a peek at the Shard that makes its presence felt in the backdrop.

The market offers not just world-class produce but also a wide variety of cuisine that charms its way into the hearts of tourists, locals, food connoisseurs, and food professionals alike. The Christmas cheer follows you as you make your way through the crowd, lured by the delightful aromas and pleasured by the sight of the smorgasbord of food options on display.

The Crème Brule doughnut at Bread Ahead invites you with the warmth you seek on chilly winter afternoons, and so does the winter-spiced mulled wine offered at several stalls. At the end of a long queue awaits the generously portioned Christmas sandwiches at The Black Pig paired with its delectable festive cranberry sauce. Then there are the Instafamous chocolate-covered strawberries for those curious about the hype. While the cheesemongers can indulge in ‘an Evening of Cheese’ at the market’s annual festive event.

Swing by if you’re in London or it’s never too early to plan for a trip next year.

06/12/2023

Travel may seem like an escape but can lead you to answers that transform you. At least that’s what our solo traveller, Apoorva had to say after her trip to Kashmir with us.

“The trip to Kashmir has made me much stronger than any of the previous trips. Even though each one of the places/people had taught me things that I can embrace and apply in my life.

I have learned and continue to learn so much from the people I happen to meet during my travels. Nature has taught me to be grounded, become stronger, and healthier both physically and mentally. Travel was the only getaway for me. Never knew that travelling alone could bring so much change in me that people now look up to me.”

23/11/2023

A travel curator with an incurable craving for cheat treats needed.

We are expanding and looking for someone who reflects our ideology & complements our sales & operations team. A self motivated person with a willingness to be flexible in a small team. Broadly the job will involve product development, designing immersive travel experiences, client servicing and supplier liasoning.

If you or anyone you know is looking for such an opportunity we'd love to hear from you. Please DM us your CV or email @ [email protected] to know more about the opening.

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Videos

Here’s a video journal of our travellers Prasanna R Salvi and Shweta Salvi from their Kashmir vacation “When you travel you visit more than just a place… you find extraordinary in the mundane, warmth in toughened hearts, peace in conflict, beauty in harsh landscapes… you notice more than what’s around, you notice ‘you’. Thanks Black Swan Journeys … Kashmir is ❤️” If you want us to curate a memorable vacation to this land that has lot to give and lot to show, write to us at [email protected]

Thanjavur tales

The goddess of art and learning, draped in white, bedecked with jewels, sits content by the riverside, playing the veena as her peacock looks on. It is said that one who is skilled in the art of the veena, attains salvation without effort. In the temple town of Tanjavur, in the merciless afternoon heat of the artisans’ workshop, through the careful drilling and gentle tapping, one will hear the strings of a veena being tuned. Two months of dedicated work, carving, polishing, fretting and tuning, transforms the wood of a mature jackfruit tree into this celestial instrument. In recording the intricate carving of its sandpapered bulb with a floral motif, one bears witness to the creation of one of the most ancient musical instruments of South India, with a recorded history going back to about 1500 BCE. Made only in Tanjavur, a handful of artisans carry forward the tradition of carving by hand and crafting to perfection, an instrument fit for a goddess - the Saraswati Veena. #experiencetanjavur #withblackswan

Jalmitra Black Swan Journeys

It was truly an honour for Black Swan Journeys to lend a few hands ( a pair of little ones too) to ‘Mahashramdaan’ - a great initiative by Paani Foundation. A well-researched and structured movement that pledges to fight the devastating droughts in Maharashtra. We were received with warmth and gratitude by the folks of Kolvihire village in Purandar district of Maharashtra. The grit and drive of people aka #jalmitra, who flocked in numbers to help, was truly inspiring. Initiatives like these restore our faith in humanity. #mahashramdan #maharashtraday #labourday #paanifoundation #jalmitra

This is what we aspire to do each time… This is what we call a ‘ Black Swan experience’. Prasanna R Salvi and Shweta Salvi travelled with us to Kerala during Christmas. This is what Shweta had to say about one of the experiences :- ‘She’s an architect’ and ‘she’s scared of lizards’. “The last two days of our week-long travel in Kerala were spent in an idyllic 150 year-old homestay on a quaint island near Alleppey. Now one would wonder, why speak about the last days of the trip first? Well, that’s probably because they remind me of how perfect the whole trip had been! Travel should be more than just seeing new places, I believe it should be more about experiencing a new experience - at least one - and we had many on this one! I am someone who’s gradually gotten comfortable with the idea of a homestay. You know those people who’d prefer being that wall hanging that’s there but forgotten? I generally like to be that – there but left to my devices to do my thing, without being fussed over. But this heritage homestay made me the most social and outgoing as possibly known to or of my kind. The short boat ride – a traditional vallam with avant-garde motor – had me as excited as my 7 yr-old and a sweeping glance at the well-kept ancestral heritage home had me smiling even wider. I was running my hands over the beautifully polished wood columns and touching the unique brass door fittings, and that’s probably why my son chose to enlighten the owner, ‘She’s an architect’ and ‘she’s scared of lizards’. I think that was rather considerate of him, to forewarn the owner. But Viju, one of the two brothers who jointly run their ancestral homestay, warmly smiled and was eager to know about my views on the house and totally welcoming of any new suggestions. We stayed in an erstwhile granary, all replete with a perched-up bed and an outdoor, open-to-sky, watch-all-things-that-fly and some-that-crawl-bathroom. And an outdoor d

Saigon‘s throbbing nightlife beckons with its eclectic music and of course the food! What better than to experience all this riding pillion on a vintage Vespa. #thebluedragontrail #experienceblackswan

#ExperienceBlackSwan

Let’s push some boundaries... let’s #experienceBlackSwan

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We invite you to embark on a voyage, to be introduced to our concept of experiential travel, of getting to know about Black Swan Journeys, and what we do. Black Swan, the idea - Black Swan Journeys started over 7 years ago as an idea to change the definition of travel. We at Black Swan Journeys love to explore and experience the true character of a place, instead of just visiting it. CUSTOMISED EXPERIENCES We are the gourmet chefs of the travel business; we specialize and pride ourselves in customized tours. To escape the clutches of an itinerary, we encourage all our fellow travellers to recommend, nay demand, personalisation. We have a set of locations that have exciting possibilities of travel and learning to offer. Anyone, or any group, interested in travelling to these locations can let us take the lead, or feel free to ask for any specification in terms of a focus on art, literature, culture, music, et al. Apart from what our own research has thrown up so far, any location that may interest any traveller, will be happily included in our list. Think mountains, beaches, valleys and jungles – we believe in the democratisation of all travel whims. We help you customise travel experiences across India, and abroad, with a deep understanding of the local character of the places.