Doorways Travel (2025)

07/03/2025

Discover the Majestic Dambulla Caves 🏯✨

Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, the Dambulla rock-cut Cave Temple is a true gem of ancient history and architectural brilliance. With its intricate frescoes, towering Buddha statues, and serene atmosphere, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers an unforgettable experience. 🧘‍♀️🌄

As part of our exclusively curated tours to Sri Lanka, we invite you to explore this sacred site in style. Enjoy personalized service, luxury accommodations, and a journey through time that will leave you awe-struck. 🌿💫

[email protected] to book your trip and step into a world where history meets tranquility. 🛫🇱🇰

Photo credits:

27/02/2025

I still remember the first time I stood in the courtyard of the Kumari Ghar in Kathmandu’s Durbar Square. The air felt heavy with history. This is where the living goddess, or Kumari, resides—a young girl believed to embody the goddess Taleju. She is chosen through an ancient and incredibly detailed process from the Newar community. The selection is based on physical perfection and spiritual qualities, and once chosen, she leaves her family to take on this sacred role until she reaches puberty.

What struck me most was how quietly powerful her presence felt. She rarely speaks or interacts with visitors directly, but her blessing is believed to bring protection and good fortune. She sometimes appears at a window to silently bless those gathered below. It is a brief but extraordinary moment. The best chance to see her more fully is during the Indra Jatra festival, which takes place every September. During this festival, the Kumari is carried through the city in an ornate chariot.

When visiting the Kumari, it is essential to approach the experience with a sense of respect and openness. The courtyard of the Kumari Ghar is open to the public, and while you may not always see her, the space itself is worth a visit. If she does appear, photography is not allowed, and visitors are expected to remain silent. It is a small gesture of respect for a tradition that means so much to the local community.

And yes, meeting a former Kumari during your visit to Nepal is possible—an experience as profound as it is rare. These young girls, once revered as living goddesses, eventually return to the rhythms of everyday life, stepping out of divinity and into the ordinary. A thoughtful meeting, arranged through those who share close ties with their world, offers a deeply moving glimpse into this transition. Listening to their stories firsthand—of worship, seclusion, and rediscovering a life beyond the sacred—can be a soulful encounter, one that lingers long after the conversation ends.

For more information, reach out to us at [email protected] or call us to start planning your adventure.

24/02/2025

Colors of Tradition & Love

Donna Sp****la was excited as the henna artist painted beautiful patterns on her hands, sharing stories of love, prosperity, and joy. The scent of henna filled the air, carrying her to a world where ancient traditions blended with modern beauty.

As the henna colored her skin, Donna felt a deep connection to the land, its people, and their traditions. The cultural boundaries disappeared, and she was no longer just a traveler, but a part of a centuries-old ritual.

Henna, with its roots in Indian culture, symbolizes good fortune, happiness, and spiritual growth. The intricate designs on brides-to-be bring prosperity and joy to their married life.

Want to experience the magic of India's ancient traditions? Reach out at [email protected] or call us to start planning your adventure.

21/02/2025

How I view travel in 2025: The difference between Insta holidays and conscious travel!

POV: Travel not only opens our minds and hearts, but it also contributes to 8% of global carbon emissions.🌍

As per a surprising statistic—while 82% of travelers say they want to travel sustainably, only 22% actually do. That gap made me think something. How often do we book trips based on what looks good on Instagram (or social media) rather than what feels right for us, the planet and local communities?

The impact of fast travel is massive. With flights alone producing over 900 million tons of CO₂ annually, tourism also strains local resources—overcrowding fragile ecosystems, depleting water supplies, and generating millions of tons of waste from single-use plastics and over-tourism.

But I've met many travelers who truly care about how they explore. They find joy not just in seeing new places but in experiencing them more deeply and responsibly. And that gives us many hopes.

Here are four simple choices to do that:

🚆 Transportation: Choose at least 01 train or shared ground transport in your trip over flight journeys.

🚶‍♂️ Experiences: Engage in a few slow travel excursions—hiking, cycling, cultural immersions, and nature retreats.
🏡 01/02 Green stays: Pick at least one eco-stay—whether it's a farm retreat, a homestay, or a locally owned lodge.
♻️ Be mindful of waste: Carry a reusable bottle, skip single-use plastics, and shop responsibly with local artisans.

Sustainable travel isn't about giving up adventure—it's about experiencing the world in a way that leaves it better. 🌏✨

What's one simple change you've made while traveling? Drop it in the comments! 👇

18/02/2025

For the discerning traveler, India is more than just a destination - it's an immersive experience that awakens the senses.

As Kathryn, one of our dear travelers, nicely put it: "I consider them real friends with whom we've shared dancing to Bollywood tunes & uproarious laughter, awesome fireworks during rooftop dinners, endless shopping trips for fabrics, clothes & jewelry, and the list goes on."

Reach out at [email protected] or give us a call to start planning your dream trip.

05/02/2025

The Many Faces of India: A Nation in Smiles

The ethnic groups of India are as diverse as the extensive terrains of this vast subcontinent—Punjabis, Rajasthanis, Bengalis, Tamil, Nagas, and countless others make-up nearly 1.3 billion people, constituting India the world's most populous country. From the rich hues of traditional attire to the intricate patterns of handcrafted jewelry, their cultural expressions are as rich as their heritage.

Yet, beyond the colors and traditions, one thing make them special—an unmistakable, heartfelt smile. Whether it’s the warmth of a corncob seller on a bustling street in Bengaluru or the quiet grace of a homemaker in the high-altitude villages of Ladakh, their faces tell a universal story of joy and an unshakable spirit.

Here, through the lens of Doorways, we bring you a gallery of portraits—capturing the essence of India!

Reach out to us at [email protected] or call us to start planning your dream trip to India!

02/02/2025

🌴✨ Opening a New Door to Sri Lanka ✨🌴
AYUBOWAN!

LOCATED in the Indian Ocean, just South of India, Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) is a tropical paradise like no other. From the moment you land in Colombo, the island's vibrant energy sweeps you into its easy-going, laidback vibe.

VISIT centuries-old temples and stupas, forest reserves, highlands and seaside towns. This teardrop-shaped gem boasts 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
SAVOR the delicious local cuisine.
ADMIRE the marvelous architectural legacy of Geoffrey Bawa.
SOAK in the serene Buddhist culture and the magic of pristine beaches.
EXPLORE emerald-green tea plantations, lush spice gardens and colorful, old towns and markets.
STAY in stunning luxury boutique hotels, where excellent service and breathtaking design meet.
TRAVEL is a breeze with excellent roads and easy seaplane transfers between most destinations – perfect for exploring the island's natural and cultural wonders.
DISCOVER why Sri Lanka is a haven for history buffs, architecture and design lovers, nature enthusiasts, foodies, and adventure seekers alike.
FALL IN LOVE with its warm, welcoming people and the incredible biodiversity packed into this small island.
SRI LANKA offers an experience that blends history, culture, nature and luxury in perfect harmony.

Ready to experience Sri Lanka? Your adventure begins here. ✈️🌍
[email protected] to start planning your trip!

29/01/2025

Dear travelers,

Have you ever had the perfect travel question, only to realize it's been on everyone's mind?

Introducing "Good Question"! Ask us anything related to travel. The most frequently asked travel questions are answered here.

Every time we get a new good question, all we do is talk to fellow travelers and local experts before summarising the best answer for you.

Follow this page to read the good questions and answers for your travel queries.

Reach out to us at [email protected] or call us to start planning your dream trip!

26/01/2025

Are we losing sight of responsible travel?

Not with Doorways Travel! Together, we will challenge unsustainable practices, address carbon footprints, and reject travel that disrupts communities. And we do it right from where we start—our choices, our actions—not on the other side of the globe.

In 2025, we are committed to opening new green doors for more purposeful travel. We're unveiling impactful ways to conscious travel, fostering deeper connections and leaving lighter footprints.

Committed to support 2030 Sustainable Development Goals!

22/01/2025

As Ankie and Fran hopped onto the bustling Mumbai local, they were instantly swept into the city’s electrifying pulse. The atmosphere inside the train was alive, with the vendors weaving through the crowd, college students sharing jokes, and the hum of countless conversations blending with the rhythmic clatter of the train. Every compartment of the train seemed to have it's unique charm!

Every stop brought new faces, new stories, and a fresh surge of energy. Ankie and Fran felt the city’s unbreakable spirit in every jolt and sway of the train, discovering that amidst the chaos, there’s an undeniable charm that makes Mumbai unforgettable.

What’s your favorite way to dive into the local vibe of a city? Let us know in the comments!
Ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of India? Reach out to us at [email protected] or call us to start planning your adventure. We can't wait to open new doorways for you in 2025!

20/01/2025

Every experience shared by our travelers feels like a small victory—a reflection of the joy in crafting holidays that delve into the heart of each destination. Their stories and cherished memories inspire us to continue curating purpose-driven, experiential journeys that resonate deeply.

We are incredibly blessed to have them becoming a part of our Doorways family! 💫.
Got India on your bucket list too?
Reach out at [email protected] or give us a call to start planning your very own custom-crafted adventure in 2025.

18/01/2025

Seva (selfless service) in Spirit!

As the morning sun rose, Nancy and Tom, along with their group, found themselves in a bustling Sikh Temple's kitchen. The rhythmic sounds of kneading dough and the gentle sizzle of frying lentils filled the air as they prepared for a lovely experience. It was their first time participating in the community kitchen, and yet, it felt like coming home.

They joined hands in hands with locals, rolling out rotis, stirring pots of dal, and serving meals with a smile. The act of seva—selfless service—transformed the simple task of cooking into something deeply meaningful.

As they shared this humble meal with hundreds of others, Nancy, Tom, and their group realized they weren’t just guests; they were family. In that sacred kitchen, barriers dissolved, and they glimpsed the heart of India—a place where diversity is celebrated, and unity is nurtured through acts of compassion.

Would you like to be part of this beautiful tradition on your next journey?
Reach out to us at [email protected] or call us. We’re eager to open new doorways for your 2025 adventure! 😍🙏🏻

16/01/2025

It’s chai time!

It was late afternoon, and the sun cast a golden hue over the city's painted walls. He sat on a wooden bench at a small tea stall tucked into a vibrant alleyway of a bazaar. The aroma of spices wafted through the air as the chaiwala poured steaming tea from a metal kettle into a cup. The warmth seeped into the hands as he took the cup, savoring the first sip. The tea, simple yet rich, mirrors the culture itself—layered with history, steeped in tradition, and infused with a vitality that is unmistakably Indian.

Around him, the vibrant life of the city hums. Vendors call out, their voices weaving a tapestry of sound against the backdrop of honking scooters and the clatter of rickshaws. The colors are vivid—bright sarees, marigold garlands, and the deep indigo of the buildings that makes these visits special.

It was Ken Morse, on his last visit to India. What local flavor do you crave for your next trip?
Got India on your bucket list? Reach out at [email protected] or give us a call to start planning your adventure. We can’t wait to open new doorways for you in 2025! 😍🙏🏽

13/01/2025

A Visual Odyssey Through Indian Faith ✨
Maha Kumbh 2025 unfolds today in the sacred city of Prayagraj, a confluence of faith, tradition, and the timeless quest for the divine nectar.

This awe-inspiring spiritual assembly, hailed as "The World's Largest Peaceful Gathering," will captivate hearts until 26th February.
Millions of devotees converge, immersing themselves in rituals, prayers, and the eternal search for spiritual awakening.

These frames offer a glimpse of this profound religious event. Which one speaks to your soul? Share your reflections with us🤎
Got India on your bucket list too?
Reach out at [email protected] or give us a call to start planning your very own custom-crafted adventure. We can’t wait to open new doorways for you in 2025! 😍🙏🏽

10/01/2025

It is always a true joy seeing people immersing with new experiences with Doorways Travel. Their kind words mean the world to us and a motivation to continue crafting unforgettable journeys. We are incredibly blessed to have them becoming a part of our Doorways family! 💫.
Got India on your bucket list too?
Reach out at [email protected] or give us a call to start planning your very own custom-crafted adventure. We can’t wait to open new doorways for you in 2025! 😍🙏🏽

06/01/2025

New Year, New Doors, and a Renewed Purpose

Traveling to a foreign land often opens doors to a deeper purpose. For us, this journey became Doorways Travel - a venture built on trust, connection, and creating meaningful experiences.

How it began
Our story starts with a shared dream of redefining travel—not just as a journey to destinations but as a passage to something more profound. The name Doorways reflects that philosophy: every door we open leads to discovery, connection, and growth. When we started, it was about helping travelers explore destinations authentically. Today, it has grown into something much larger.

A vision anchored in trust
Over the past year, more and more customers have placed their trust in our curated experiences. This fuels our commitment to crafting journeys that are pure, genuine, and deeply fulfilling. From meeting inspiring local artists to sharing the simplest, happiest moments with loved ones, we focus on designing memories that stay with you long after the trip ends.

New doors in 2025: Why they matter today
This year, we aim to double down on greener, more eco-conscious options. Our vision is no longer just about travel; it's about the lives we touch, the stories we weave, and giving back to the community.

Here's to opening new doors in 2025—for you, us, and the world.

Happy New Year!

Aparna & Sahaj

P.S: Stay tuned to this space, where we walk you through the journey of evolving our vision step-by-step..

24/10/2024

🌟 Exciting moments for the Doorways Travel team! We had the incredible privilege of meeting former Secretary of State once again at her book event in Chicago. Her insights and stories inspire us to keep exploring and pushing boundaries. Thank you for an unforgettable evening! 📚✨️

Doorways Travel