About aaRna
Who are we?
- aaRna Journeys helps clients bridge the cultural and language barriers by designing, coordinating, and operating small group journeys with our customers in mind
- Our knowledge of the local culture allows us to bring you the unique elements of the destination to make your journey more meaningful
- We have partnered with local experts to provide you the best, safest, and most comfortable experience in authentic locations
- Contrary to most theme based tours, we encourage our guests to indulge and participate in all of the unique local experiences
- Most importantly, we have experience navigating through intricacies of countries we promote as well as understanding the needs, interests, and safety concerns of a US tourist
What do we do?
- At aaRna journeys, we make India and Southeast Asia accessible. We bring you the best without sacrificing your safety and comfort, at a price lower than traditional privately guided tour providers.
- Whether you're looking for a custom or group, travel, we take care of all the planning, transportation, accommodation, and experience booking so you can enjoy
- We promote responsible tourism by working with local artisans, non profits and home based craftsmen to preserve cultural heritage.
- Our expertise allows us to authenticate, promote and support local experience providers to create truly 'off the beaten path' journeys where sightseeing and cultural experiences can be balanced
- We connect with our customers at personal level before making a booking to make sure our journeys are 'right fit' for them. Customer satisfaction is our utmost priority.
about me
My journey began in India, where I was born and raised, and continued on to USA, my home for over 30 years!
I have had a successful and fulfilling life with work, family, friends and some of the most memorable travel experiences! My love of travel has taken me around the globe and I know what it means to be a tourist in an unknown land. I can relate to the struggles of understanding the real meaning behind the sights and sounds of a new place. There are times we are physically present but do not feel connected emotionally and culturally. But what I have also learnt is that with right guidance and intimate experiences, we can plug the gap and make the travel experience more meaningful than just breezing through famous monuments and marking it off a checklist. In creating aaRna journeys, it is my humble attempt to bring authentic experience of India to my American friends. In many ways, aaRna journeys has long been in making. It is a true representation of my life, a seamless blending of the best of two nations and two cultures. A well-balanced pairing of Indian flavors with the American ways.
My involvement with various community organizations has helped me understand the challenges and excitements of bridging two cultures and has shaped my life. I have tirelessly worked to share India’s heritage with local community through my teachings of Indian Classical Dance for over 20 years in the U.S. My current projects includes serving on the board of Greenville Sister Cities International as a city liaison for Vadodara, India and Greenville SC, Sister City by partnering with local Indian organization to launch community outreach program that helps the impoverished. Serving on the board of Upstate International has given me a platform to bring cultural awareness in our community. My background in IT and project management serves me well in crafting amazing trips and resolving challenges.
