Founder’s Story – The Journey Behind KeralaTourPackages.com

Anish Kumar P.K., Founder and CEO of The Travel Planners, began his journey in the tourism industry in 1999, driven by a deep passion for travel, people, and meaningful experiences. After completing his Tourism Management course from the Kerala Institute of Travel and Tourism Studies (KITTS) – one of India’s premier tourism institutes – Anish took his first entrepreneurial leap by founding The Travel Planners.

What started as a one-man operation soon evolved into one of Kerala’s most respected destination management companies.

Early International Connections That Shaped the Brand

In the early days, Anish was approached by Mr Kim Storm from Sweden, who came to Kerala for a training program as part of his tourism studies. This meeting proved to be a turning point. Through Mr Storm, Anish was introduced to Ms Marianne and Eve of Ganesha Travel, a Swedish-based tour operator specialising in Kerala.

This association became highly successful, opening the doors for large numbers of Swedish travellers to experience Kerala through The Travel Planners. These early European partnerships laid the foundation for the company’s strong international focus.

A Pioneering Wellness Travel Concept

Another defining milestone came when Dr Jean-Marc Fischer, a renowned psychiatrist from Geneva, travelled to Kerala through The Travel Planners. Impressed by the destination and its healing traditions, Dr Fischer invited Anish to Switzerland to promote Kerala and South India tour programs to Swiss tour operators.

During his stay in Switzerland, an innovative idea was born—a structured stress management program in Kerala, combining:

• Authentic Ayurveda therapies

• Yoga and meditation

• Dr. Fischer’s psychosomatic treatment methods

The program received an overwhelming response, attracting multiple groups from Switzerland and repeating successfully for three consecutive years. This initiative positioned The Travel Planners as an early pioneer in wellness and healing travel, long before wellness tourism became a global trend.

KeralaTourPackages.com: A Digital First-Mover

In 1999, www.keralatourpackages.com  was launched—at a time when online travel information was still in its infancy. It quickly became one of the first comprehensive travel websites offering in-depth information on Kerala and South India.

Travellers from around the world—and especially from India’s growing IT sector—began planning and booking their Kerala holidays online. Kerala soon emerged as a top honeymoon destination, and thousands of couples booked their Kerala honeymoon tours through the website.

Recognition and National Awards

The company’s commitment to innovation and quality soon earned national recognition:

• Approved by India Tourism (Ministry of Tourism, Government of India)

• Approved by Kerala Tourism Department

• Kerala State Tourism Award 2006 for Best Innovative Tourism Product

Later, The Travel Planners was honoured as the “Best Tour Operator in India” by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The prestigious award was presented by Ms. Priyanka Chopra, then Miss Universe and leading Bollywood actress.

Expansion, Infrastructure & Trust

Over the years, The Travel Planners expanded steadily:

• Built a fleet of owned cars and luxury coaches

• Established offices in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi

• Entered the hospitality segment by owning The Villa Romantica, a boutique property near Kochi International Airport

Today, The Villa Romantica also serves as the Kochi office of The Travel Planners, where arriving guests are welcomed, briefed, and personally introduced to their journey before continuing their trip.

From itinerary design and airport assistance to travel in brand-new vehicles with English-speaking chauffeurs, operations are handled with precision and care—earning the company long-standing trust and excellent reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor.

A Global Footprint & Thought Leadership

The Travel Planners now operates with offices in the UK and Canada, serving travellers from the USA, France, Germany, Australia, and across Europe.

Beyond business growth, Anish Kumar P.K. is recognised as a thinker and innovator in tourism marketing, contributing ideas and strategies that have influenced both India Tourism and Kerala Tourism initiatives.

A Vision Rooted in Authentic Experiences

At its core, KeralaTourPackages.com reflects Anish Kumar P.K.’s original vision:

To create journeys that are authentic, thoughtfully designed, and deeply enriching—where travel is not rushed, but experienced.

From heritage and culture to wellness, nature, and spirituality, The Travel Planners continues to curate journeys that connect travellers to the true soul of India.