Nicole Dane
Founder
Heart of India Travel
https://heartofindiatravel.com/

What began as a one-time journey has become a life where I spend eight months a year in India, embraced by people who now feel like family. With 3 years of experience creating authentic and sustainable journeys through Heart of India Travel, I’ve seen how transformative travel can be for both visitors and local communities.

At Heart of India Travel, we believe tourism can support underrepresented communities, preserve heritage, and protect nature. We connect guests with villages where traditions, arts, and crafts thrive, helping stimulate local economies so people can find work without leaving for cities. We also collaborate with sustainable partners on conservation, from organizing safaris in protected areas to promoting electric transport in urban settings.

We support women’s empowerment and education projects for rural children, creating opportunities for the next generation. By blending comfort with sustainability and social responsibility, we deliver meaningful journeys that enrich guests and generate lasting impact. Every experience, hotel, and itinerary is personally tested to ensure authenticity and quality.

Building on this, I founded Bharatvaas Travels, a B2B platform working with agencies worldwide to design small group and tailor-made journeys across India. We focus on unique cultural encounters, sustainability (pursuing Travelife certification), and special-interest themes like wildlife, wellness, women-only travel, photography, festivals, heritage, and local crafts. We provide full guest support in English, French, and Dutch, offering both midrange and high-end options.

I welcome connections with travel professionals who share our vision for meaningful, carefully crafted journeys.

summary
In this episode, Jason Elkins interviews Nicole Dane, founder of Bharatvaas Travels and Heart of India Travel. They discuss Nicole's journey from Europe to India, her experiences in the travel industry, and the cultural differences she has encountered. Nicole shares her insights on the real India, emphasizing the beauty of its villages and the warmth of its people. The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on travel and mental health, as well as the importance of understanding local economies and cultures. Nicole encourages listeners to explore India beyond the typical tourist spots, highlighting the richness of experiences available in lesser-known areas.

takeaways

• Bharatvaas Travels simplifies travel for foreign companies in India.
• Nicole's journey to India began unexpectedly during a sabbatical.
• Traveling in India requires a mindset of surrendering control.
• The perception of India as dangerous is often outdated and inaccurate.
• Cultural differences shape how travelers perceive safety and hospitality.
• Local economies benefit from tourism in lesser-known areas.
• Understanding poverty in India requires a nuanced perspective.
• Traveling can lead to profound personal insights and connections.
• The importance of listening in both psychology and travel.
• Nicole aims to promote wellness travel in India post-COVID.

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