ABOUT US
/ˈsɑːðənɑː/
noun: sadhana
"A disciplined and dedicated practice or learning, especially in religion or music.
"years of sadhana blessed him with technical mastery"
The story of Sadhana Travels is one of grit, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to service.
Founded in 1994 by Ashutosh Sharma at the age of 19, right after his first-year college exam.
The company soon received IATA accreditation, and at that time was the youngest IATA agency in India.
The company was named after his mother, Sadhana, who passed away the previous year.
Sadhana Travels is a niche travel agency set up by Ashutosh Sharma.
It has consistently delivered on its unique selling proposition: handling last-minute, door-to-door logistics and travel for journalists and NGOs.
We specialize in supporting those traveling to cover or report breaking news, often in challenging situations like wars, tragedies and natural disasters, in places that are being evacuated or are under security lockdown.
Over the years, our reputation has been built on our commitment to offer 24x7 services for urgent travel, often reading and preempting the news cycle around the world.
Sadhana Travels has become the go-to agency in India for foreign journalists. We covered various crises like the Bhuj earthquake, Tsunami, wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, SriLanka, Libya among others and most recently, Ukraine and Palestine.
Along with this, we also handle travel for corporates and NGOs, and started our Inbound Tour division for custom tours within India for both groups and FITs.
Our Clients
Sadhna Travels has become the go-to agency in India for foreign journalists. We covered various crises like the Bhuj earthquake, Tsunami, wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, SriLanka, Libya among others and most recently, Ukraine and Palestine.
Along with this, we also handle travel for corporates and NGOs, and started our Inbound Tour division for custom tours within India for both groups and FITs.
What People Say About Us
“There are few people in the world you can truly trust, and Ashu is one of them. That time, when I wanted to drive across a remote part of North India—a very complicated and last-minute request—Ashu and his team made it happen with a driver, car, and accommodation, all perfectly arranged.”
Benjamin Wagner,
Former Producer,
TIME Magazine
“Ashutosh has been an essential partner for over a decade. His staff has always come through for me, whether I needed a plane ticket in an emergency or had a very unusual and complex tour request. They always find a way to make it work.”
John Bates,
Photographer,
Associated Press
“The time I needed to interview a subject in a tiny village outside Kolkata with just two days' notice, Sadhana Travels had me on the right train, with a driver waiting, and a place to stay. Without them, it would have been impossible.”
Ellen Barry,
Pulitzer Prize-winning
Reporter,The New York Times
“When you’re covering conflict, you need to know your logistics are flawless. I rely on Sadhana Travels for that peace of mind. They are meticulous and utterly dependable.”
Lynsey Addario, Pulitzer Prize-winning Photojournalist & Author, It’s What I Do
“Thank god for Ashutosh and his team. In the past 21 years, I’ve never once
been disappointed. In fact, just the opposite—more often amazed at how
efficiently they get things done. Even those things that are virtually
impossible. Like tickets at an hour’s notice for a flight that’s overbooked.”
Michael Sullivan,
Southeast Asia correspondent NPR,
“Passionate about arts, culture and education the importance of bridging
peoples and experiences around the world, I have used Sadhana Tours on
numerous curated art, architecture and people-focused tours and have
been very pleased. With great attention to detail, the company created
tours far from the madding crowd!. I would highly recommend them.”
Mike Bruhn,
Culture & Museum
Exhibition Consultant
"Every guide that was
secured for us was so knowledgeable and our accommodations were
amazing. We really enjoyed seeing India privately as opposed to a large
tour group, and we are hopeful that we will be able to return. If and when
we do, Sadhana will be asked to assist us again!"
Al &Hannah Straub,
Wisconsin, USA
I have used Sadhana's services for 6 years for travels throughout India. No
matter my destination, Sadhana has consistently provided a qualified and
professional driver without issue. What I appreciate most is Sadhana's
communication and reliability-- they are like clockwork sending my
itineraries, and my driver name/number the day before a scheduled trip.
They handle my last minute changes and requests, which I really
appreciate."
Katie McClure, Founder,
MIRTH
(US based fashion designer)
"Sadhana Travels handled my travel arrangements over five years that I
spent as a correspondent reporting all over India. They helped with logistics
in some of the most challenging places in the country, found me hotels in
the most forgotten corners, and also planned fantastic adventures for my
family. They were a pleasure to deal with."
Stephanie Nolen,
Foreign Correspondent,
Canada
"For years, the Sadhana team has worked tirelessly to help us get to where
we need to be. That has meant more than a few travel miracles for us, that
they have performed with the sort of ease and precision that can come only
from integrity and experience. We are deeply grateful to have Sadhana not
only as our navigators, but our friends."
Janis Mackey Frayer,
NBC News
"By far the best travel agency for trips to and around India!!! Super friendly staff. Always there for you in case of emergencies, which happen a lot in the life of a foreign correspondent in South Asia . And most important: they dont suggest you the average hotel, festival or sightseeing trip but something much better, something special that you would not have experienced otherwise"
Andrea Spalinger,
Swiss Journalist/ (former) foreign correspondent in Delhi
(for the swiss daily NZZ/Neue Zürcher Zeitung)
I have used Sadhana's services for 6 years for travels throughout India. No
matter my destination, Sadhana has consistently provided a qualified and
professional driver without issue. What I appreciate most is Sadhana's
communication and reliability-- they are like clockwork sending my
itineraries, and my driver name/number the day before a scheduled trip.
They handle my last minute changes and requests, which I really
appreciate."
Katie McClure, Founder,
MIRTH
(US based fashion designer)
Ellen Barry,
New York Times
Hyla &
Bejamin Wagner,
Our Dedicated Team
At Sadhana Travels, our strength lies in our people – passionate experts committed to delivering excellence.
Ashutosh Sharma
Managing Director
Ashutosh founded Sadhana Travels in 1994 at just 19. With over 30 years of specialized experience in air ticketing and travel customization, he brings unparalleled depth and industry insight to secure the best value for our clients. Ashutosh personally customizes travel packages, handles urgent requests for clients like journalists, and meticulously oversees every detail to ensure nothing is overlooked. He is also the co-founder of Amarrass Records, a D-I-Y record label, artist management, booking, and events production company.
Jyoti Chopra
Operations and Customer Service Manager
Since 1999, Jyoti has been the driving force behind Sadhana's air ticketing and client service operations. She manages everything from domestic and international flights to essential travel advice, visa facilitation, and special requests with precision and care. Jyoti is dedicated to ensuring all travel and ticketing requests for our corporate and leisure clients are fulfilled promptly and efficiently.
Rajendra Singh Negi
Manager - Inbound Tours
Hailing from the breathtaking mountains of Uttarakhand, Rajendra is your go-to expert for inbound travel and logistics. From ‘creating itineraries’ from scratch for our guests , he meticulously manages vendor relations, train bookings, and hotel reservations, ensuring a smooth and delightful experience for all our clients exploring India.
Sateinder Singh Rawat
Senior Accounts Executive
A key member of our logistics and customer service team and has been with us since Sadhana started 30 years ago. He brings invaluable operational insight and field support to ensure a seamless travel experience for every client.
Jaswinder Singh
Accounts Manager
With his deep understanding of GST compliance, travel-related taxation, and financial operations, Jaswinder plays a key role in managing invoicing, vendor payments, and financial reporting, ensuring financial clarity and efficiency.
Mahim Safi
Accountant
A vital member of our team since the very beginning, Mahim ans Ashutosh started Sadhana Travels ( he was 16 and Ashutosh was 19 years old). He brings extensive experience to assist both our operations and accounts teams, ensuring seamless financial management and operational support across all our services.
Sanjay
Ticketing and Visa Specialist
Sanjay is the bedrock of our ticketing and visa services. His diligent approach and unwavering eye for detail ensure pinpoint accuracy for even the most complex visa filings, guaranteeing that nothing is ever overlooked for our clients.
Custom Travel and Tour Services
YOUR JOURNEY, YOUR WAY.
At Sadhana Travel Services, we do not offer cookie-cutter packages. We believe in crafting experiences that are as unique as you are. Each journey is thoughtfully curated to reflect individual preferences, pace, and interests, ensuring a seamless and truly personal experience.
Our Services Include
Ticketing & Transfers
International & Domestic air ticketing, Car and Coach rental, and Limousine transfers.
Custom-Made Itineraries
Personalized travel plans to suit your interests. Explore Agra, Jaipur, and hidden gems in Rajasthan, or venture further afield to Kerala, Sikkim, and beyond.
Bespoke Music Tours
Unique, off-the-beaten-track Music Tours www.musictours.co.in to the desert or the mountains.
Accommodation
Hotel Bookings to suit all preferences and budgets.
Global Travel
Outbound travel arrangements to any part of the world.
Travel Facilitation
Visa and foreign exchange facilitation.
Custom Tours
Curated Experiences. Bespokely crafted for each our clients.
"We just returned home after an amazing trip — thank you for making it happen! Everything was truly wonderful. Your drivers were great and I really appreciated how well organized everything was!"
Shyama Patel & Nick, United States
17 Mar — Arrival in Delhi
Airport pickup and private transfer to Sujan Singh Park, Khan Market neighbourhood. UA-82 at 2100 hrs.
18–19 Mar — Delhi at leisure
Two full days to explore Old Delhi, markets, monuments and cuisine at your own pace.
20 Mar — Neemrana & Jaipur
Drive to Neemrana Fort Palace for lunch and a property visit, then onward to Jaipur. Check-in at Taj Rambagh Palace.
21 Mar — Jaipur
Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Gem Palace. Evening cocktails and dinner.
22 Mar — Fly to Mumbai
6E 251 departs 1055, arrives 1240. Transfer and check-in at Taj Mahal Hotel.
23 Mar — Mumbai
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24 Mar — Fly to Goa
AI 2841 departs 1120, arrives 1240. Begin your coastal retreat.
Revisiting India and Reliving Their Honeymoon
DELHI · JAIPUR · MUMBAI · GOA
"We are back in Hamburg and still buzzing from our wonderful trip through Rajasthan. It was a truly beautiful journey, and we were thrilled by the friendliness and helpfulness of the Indian people. We had particularly nice and dedicated guides who showed us their country with great enthusiasm, and we had a super comfortable luxury bus and a great, very pleasant driver who drove us through Rajasthan.
Everything went perfectly, and we owe that primarily to you. You were always available with advice and assistance via WhatsApp and were incredibly competent, clear, uncomplicated, and helpful. It was great fun working with you! We would like to take this opportunity to thank you again.
We will come back!!!! 😊
Verena Strasoldo, Hamburg, Germany
19 Dec — Delhi: Old & New
Bangla Sahib, Agrasen ki Baoli, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Khan Market.
20 Dec — Old Delhi
Rickshaw through Jama Masjid and Fatehpuri Mosque. Red Fort and Qutub Minar.
21–22 Dec — Varanasi
Ganga aarti, sunrise boat ride, ghats walk, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sarnath.
24 Dec — Agra & Jaipur
Sunrise at Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, then drive to Jaipur.
25–26 Dec — Jaipur
Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal and local markets.
27–28 Dec — Shahpura Bagh
Countryside stay with village walks and leisure time.
29–30 Dec — Udaipur
City Palace, Lake Pichola boat ride, temples and scenic exploration.
31 Dec–1 Jan — Ranakpur & Jodhpur
Jain Temples, Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada.
Palaces, Forts, World's Oldest Continually Inhabited Cities, Buddhist & Hindu temples, Taj Mahal
DELHI · VARANASI · AGRA· JAIPUR · UDAIPUR · SHAHPURA
"Thank you, Rajendra. All has gone very well. The group have enjoyed all aspects of the tour — the varied itinerary, the accommodation, and the drivers. Here in Jodhpur, they are especially enjoying Pal Haveli. The rooms are excellent, and the view from the rooftop is exceptional. I look forward to spending some time with you on October 27, when I can thank you personally for your very valuable assistance."
Geoff (Ballarat Bushwalking Club),
Ballarat, Australia
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23 Sept — Arrival in Delhi
Airport transfers and hotel check-in.
24 Sept — Old Delhi walk
Heritage walk, Jama Masjid, Bangla Sahib and central Delhi landmarks.
25 Sept — Delhi monuments
Lodi Garden, Humayun’s Tomb, Nizamuddin Dargah, Qutub Minar.
26–29 Sept — Manali & trekking
Travel to Manali with guided hikes and Himalayan trekking experiences.
30 Sept–1 Oct — Mandi & Shimla
Heritage walk and exploration of Shimla.
2–3 Oct — Rishikesh
Ashrams, Ganga aarti and optional rafting or trekking.
4–5 Oct — Agra
Taj Mahal at sunrise and Agra Fort.
6–7 Oct — Bharatpur & Jaipur
Bird sanctuary visit and Jaipur exploration.
8–10 Oct — Udaipur
City Palace, boat ride and cultural experiences.
11–13 Oct — Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and farewell dinner.
Architecture Tours- Himalayan Treks and Hikes, Religious and Spiritual cities, Forts and palaces.
DELHI- CHANDIGARH · MANALI · SIMLA · RISHIKESH · HARIDWAR · AGRA · JAIPUR · UDAIPUR · JODHPUR
"Happy New Year to you and your team! The year started happily, but the end of 2024 was not so pleasant after all. The abrupt interruption of our trip, beautifully designed by you, was anything but planned. Many thanks for your assistance with our trip back to Germany, which went smoothly after a very pleasant but short night at Brunton Boat Yard. I did not expect that the refunds would almost cover the extra expenses. Thank you very much for the statement and your generous waiver!”
Eva & Georg von Hippel, Germany
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28 Nov — Delhi to Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur and check-in. Evening city exploration.
29–30 Nov — Jaipur & Jodhpur
Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, then drive to Jodhpur.
2–3 Dec — Udaipur
Drive via Ranakpur. City Palace and Lake Pichola experiences.
4–5 Dec — Guwahati & embarkation
Fly to Assam and board Brahmaputra river cruise.
6–7 Dec — River cruise
Sail past villages with cultural and heritage visits.
8–10 Dec — Kaziranga National Park
Elephant and jeep safaris.
10–12 Dec — Wild Mahseer
Leisure stay at a boutique riverside property.
13 Dec — Return to Delhi
Drive to Guwahati and fly to Delhi.
Wild Life Safari - Indian Rhino, Tiger, Palaces, River Cruise
DELHI· RAJASTHAN · ASSAM
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Birgit Sander, Germany
10 Oct — Leave Frankfurt
Take flight from Frankfurt at the evening.
11 Oct — Arrival & Delhi Visits
Arrive in Delhi. Evening visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Agrasen ki Baoli.
12 Oct - Old Delhi
Old Delhi on a Rickshaw ride to Chandni Chowk Market, also visit Jama Mosque, Humayun's Tomb and Akshardham
Temple.
13 Oct - Old & New Delhi
Visit the Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, Chhattarpur Temple and Delhi
Dilli Haat.
14 Oct - Agra Arrival
Driveto Agra. Evening visit the Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh to see Taj Mahal fromthe other side of the Yamuna River.
15 Oct - Taj Mahal & Leave For Jaipur
Taj Mahal at Sunrise. Drive to Fatehpur Sikri (visit second Mughal Capital Fort then drive another to Jaipur,
16 Oct - Jaipur
Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, drive past Jal Mahal and Hawa Mahal
and local Markets.
17 Dec — Jaipur to Jodhpur
CityPalace and Sun Dial. Post lunch drive to Jodhpur,
18 Oct - Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort, Jashwant Thada Museum, Umaid Bhawan Palace and Museum and Clock Tower.
20 Oct - Jodhpur to Udaipur
Kumbhalgarh Fort & Raas Devigarh
21 -22 Oct - Udaipur
City Palace, Bagore ki Haveli, Jagmandir Palace and take a
boat ride on the Pichola Lake
22 - 24 Oct - Delhi & The Ambassador
Stay with the ambassador.
25 Oct - Return to Frankfurt
Return Flight to Frankfurt
Palaces & Forts
DELHI · AGRA · RAJASTHAN
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Dr. Philipp Ackermann
27 Jan - Flight from Delhi to Madurai Arrival
Arrival in Maduari. Visit Amman Temple, Grand Koodal Alagar Temple, Meenakshi Temple.
28 Jan - Madurai to Chettinad
Visit Maduari Flower Market, drive to Chettinad. Bullock cart ride through the village.
29 Jan - Chettinad visit and drive to Trichy
Morning guided sightseeing of Chettinad. Visit the Athangudi tile factory, Chettinadu Palaces and the weaving center drive to Trichy.
30 Jan - Day Trip To Trichy
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple - the largest in the country. Rock Fort Temple.
31 Jan -Trichy -Tanjore
Brihadeeswara Temple, Tanjore Palace & Art Gallery with a large collection of Chola bronzes. Rest of the day is free at leisure.
01 Feb - Thanjavur - Pondicherry
Drive to Pondicherry. Enroute visit The Chidambaram and Gangaikondacholapuram temples.
02 Feb - In Pondicherry
Guided walk through the old town. View the The French quarter. Visit Auroville and the Matrimandir and its Gardens.
03 - 04 Feb - Pondicherry at Leisure
Explore and experience Pondicherry at your own leisure and pace.
05 Feb - Day trip to Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram day visit. Guided visit Arjuna's Penance,
Shore Temple, Five Ratha's and Krishna Butterball.
06 Feb - Transfer To Chennai
Head to Chennai airport for depature.
South India - Tamil Nadu: Temples, Weavers, Folk Art, Beaches & Local Cuisines
DELHI · MADURAI · CHETTINAD · TRICHY · TANJORE · PONDICHERRY · MAHABALIPURAM · CHENNAI
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Elisabeth Furtwangler
22 Dec - Arrival in Cochin
Flight Arrival in Cochin and evening at Hotel Eighth Bastion,
23 Dec - Cochin
Fort Cochin, around St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz
Cathedral, Fort Kochi Beach, and Chinese Fishing Nets.
24 Dec - Onwards to Thekkady
Thekkady, check in at Spice Village. Evening take a short trip to spice plantation.
25 Dec - Thekkady
Periyar National park using the Bamboo rafting and little treks on a sharing basis with the other tourists.
26 Dec - Alleppy
Drive to Alleppey to check in at the Lake Ripples Houseboat.
27 Dec - Kumarakom/Alleppy
Houseboat and then over to Mararikulam.
28 - 29 Dec - Mararai Beach Resort
Enjoy the beach and Ayurveda Spa.
30 Dec - Delhi & The Ambassador
Arrive in Delhi and recieved at the Ambassador’s Residence.
Backwaters, Beaches, Houseboats, Churches and Synagogues & Yoga
COCHIN · THEKKADY · ALLEPPY · KUMARAKOM · DELHI
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Philipp Ackermann
6 July - Delhi to Srinagar (Kashmir)
Arrival in Srinagar - Sukoon Houseboat - evening Sikara ride on the Dal Lake followed by high tea with local folk music.
7 July - Zabarwan in Srinagar
Nature walk in the Zabarwan ranges with a guide.
8 July - Srinagar-Kargil
Drive to Kargil and stay at Hotel The Kargil.
9 July - Kargil-Leh
Leh via Lamayuru. Arrive in Leh in the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, the seat of which was in the Leh Palace,
10 - July Spituk/ Phyang/ Tsemo (Local tour)
Spituk to visit the 16th-century Mahakal temple. monastery complex of Namgyal Tesmo.
11 July Leh/Hemis/Thikse/Shey
Hemis is the largest and richest monastery in Ladakh. Thikse, a 15th-century architectural gem consecrated by the Dalai Lama. Shey Palace and monastery,
12 July - Day Hike to Hemis National Park
Hemis National Park: Yurutuse in Markha Valley Trek, reach
Zinchen to return to Leh.
13 July - Departure
Return from Leh and Ladakh to Delhi.
Extensive Road-trip from Kashmir to Ladakh
DELHI · SRINAGAR · KARGIL · LEH
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Prasad Srinivasan
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7 Apr - Fly To Sringar
Arrival in Srinagar from Delhi. Stay at The Lalit Grand Palace.
8 Apr - Gulmarg
Gulmarg - splendour of nature and the snowy mountains. Gondola ride (cable car) from Gulmarg to Khalinmarg. Visit Alpather Lake.
9 Apr - Sonamarg
Take a trip to Sonamarg. Visit the Thajiwas Glaciers, Zojila Pass, Baltal Valley. Return to Srinagar.
10 Apr - Srinagar Sightseeing
Sightseeing in Srinagar. Sikara boat ride on the Dal lake, visit
Mughal Gardens and Hazratbal Shrine and overnight in Houseboat.
11 Apr - Pahalgam
To Pahalgam. On the way visit Saffron fields, Avantipur ruins and Anantnag sulphur spring, also visit Betaab Valley.
12 Apr - Flight Out of Sringar
Post breakfast, leisure at hotel, check out of the hotel by noon then to Srinagar airport for the flight out.
Extensive Tour of Kashmir
DELHI · SRINAGAR · GULMARG · SONMARG · ZOJILA
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Jakob Kristoferitsch and family
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28 Oct - Delhi To Agra
Check in at The Hotel Taj Convention. In the evening visit the Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh.
29 Oct — Taj Mahal & Agra
Taj Mahal at Sunrise, to Fatehpur Sikri to visit the Second Mughal
Capital Fort, Bharatpur, Check in at The Birder’s Inn.
30 Oct - Bird Sanctuary & To Ranthambore
Early morning, take a trip to the Bird Sanctuary and drive to Ranthambhore.
31 Oct - Ranthambore & Tiger
Safaris to the National Park in Ranthambore.
1 Nov - To Jaipur
Visit the Dera Rawatsar, evening visit City Palace and Sun Dial.
2 Nov - Jaipur
Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, drive past Jal Mahal and Hawa mahal,
evening visit the local market and overnight.
3 Nov - Jaipur to Jodhpur
Pal Haveli and Clock Tower.
4 Nov - Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort, Jashwant Thada Museum, Umaid Bhawan Palace and Museum.
5 Nov - Arrive in Delhi
Overnigh Train to Reach Delhi in the morning.