Cholan Tours - Your Trusted Destination Management Company (DMC) in India
Crafting Journeys, Creating Memories
At Cholan Tours, we go beyond itineraries – we curate experiences. As one of India's leading Destination Management Companies (DMCs), we specialise in designing, operating, and managing tailor-made travel programs that capture the true essence of India. With over two decades of expertise, our foundation rests on local knowledge, strong infrastructure, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Who We Are
Founded in 2000, Cholan Tours Pvt. Ltd. has grown into a trusted name in inbound tourism. Headquartered in Tamil Nadu, we are proud to be one of the few companies with a network of own offices across India, ensuring consistent service quality and on-ground operational control from arrival to departure.
What We Do
As a DMC, Cholan Tours offers comprehensive travel management solutions. Our deep destination expertise and seamless coordination make us a reliable partner for travel agents and tour operators worldwide.
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Customized Itineraries across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka
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Hotel Booking and Reservations with strong supplier partnerships
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Transport and Logistics with an in-house fleet of maintained vehicles
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Special Interest Tours (Wellness, Culture, Heritage, Wildlife, Spiritual)
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MICE Services for corporate events and meetings
Our Strengths
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Pan-India Presence: Over 12 offices across major tourist hubs, ensuring local expertise everywhere.
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Dedicated Team: 400+ experienced professionals committed to personalised service and operational excellence.
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Own Fleet: A modern, GPS-enabled fleet of vehicles guaranteeing safety, comfort, and punctuality.
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Sustainability Focus: 100% solar-powered, fully E-governed (paperless offices) and eco-conscious operational policies.
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Technology Integration: Proprietary software for real-time booking, tracking, and customer management.
Our Vision & Mission
To be a global leader in tourism, delivering exceptional travel experiences while promoting sustainable practices that celebrate culture, preserve nature and inspire meaningful connections.
Our Vision
Envisioning a future where sustainable practices and meaningful travel redefine the global tourism landscape.
Our Mission
To set the benchmark for excellence in tourism by delivering exceptional travel experiences while ensuring sustainability, cultural enrichment and customer satisfaction.
To Achieve This, We Focus On
Creating People-Centric Tourism
Enhancing traveller experiences with personalised service, ethical tourism and cultural immersion.
Championing Sustainability
Implementing eco-friendly travel solutions, preserving natural heritage and promoting responsible tourism.
Ensuring Operational Excellence
Upholding the highest standards of hospitality, transparency, and seamless travel management.
Prioritising Employee & Stakeholder Welfare
Fostering a healthy, inclusive, and growth-driven work environment while strengthening relationships with stakeholders, partners and industry leaders through ethical business practices.
Strengthening Market Regulation & Compliance
Adhering to industry standards, ethical policies and global tourism best practices to ensure integrity and long-term credibility.
Fostering Community Development & Corporate Responsibility
Engaging in responsible tourism initiatives that empower local communities, preserve cultural heritage and support sustainable economic growth.
Ensuring Financial Stability & Sustainable Growth
Driving profitability while balancing responsible expansion, investment and financial resilience to sustain excellence in tourism.
Core Values
To redefine global tourism by delivering exceptional travel experiences that inspire exploration and cultural appreciation. At Cholan Tours, we envision a future where sustainable practices and meaningful connections enrich every journey, celebrating the beauty of India and the world while fostering a deeper respect for our shared heritage and natural resources.
Integrity
We uphold the highest standards of honesty and ethics, ensuring trust in every interaction and decision. Integrity is the foundation of our relationships with clients, partners, and employees.
Passion
Our unwavering passion for travel fuels our commitment to creating unforgettable experiences. We bring enthusiasm and dedication to everything we do, inspiring those around us.
Excellence
We strive for excellence in every aspect of our work, delivering outstanding services and experiences. Our pursuit of perfection ensures quality and satisfaction for our clients.
Innovation
We embrace innovation to stay ahead in the dynamic world of tourism. By adapting to change and finding creative solutions, we consistently enhance our offerings.
Creativity
Creativity powers our ability to design unique and memorable travel experiences. We think beyond boundaries, crafting journeys that leave lasting impressions.
Collaboration & Loyalty
We build strong relationships based on trust, teamwork, and shared goals, ensuring mutual growth and long-term success.
Sustainability & Stability
We are committed to responsible tourism, eco-friendly practices, and sustainable growth while ensuring long-term stability.
What Cholan Tours Offers
As a leading Destination Management Company operating across India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Cholan Tours presents an extensive range of thoughtfully designed tourism programmes. Whether catering to individuals, families, small groups, or large delegations, we specialise in customised travel solutions that reflect the diverse interests of the modern traveller. With in-depth regional knowledge and a passionate, experienced team, we create journeys that are seamless, meaningful, and unforgettable. Below is an overview of the key segments we offer:
Cultural Tourism
Experience the rich artistic and spiritual heritage of India, Nepal and Sri Lanka through festivals, local traditions, dance, music, and crafts.
Natural Tourism
Explore the Himalayan highlands, lush tea gardens, tropical coastlines, waterfalls, and backwaters that define the natural beauty of the region.
Spiritual Tourism
Embark on soulful journeys to sacred sites, ancient temples, monasteries, and spiritual retreats steeped in centuries of devotion and peace.
Wellness Tourism
Rejuvenate your mind and body with traditional Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, and holistic healing in serene natural surroundings.
Cruise Tourism
Enjoy tranquil houseboat experiences in Kerala, luxury cruises along the Ganges, or coastal sailing in Sri Lanka with curated land excursions.
MICE Tourism
Professional event planning and management for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions across top destinations.
Adventure Tourism
From Himalayan trekking and wildlife safaris to white-water rafting and underwater diving, thrilling adventures await all types of explorers.
Heritage Tourism
Discover the historical richness of forts, palaces, colonial architecture, and UNESCO-listed heritage sites across the subcontinent.
Eco-Tourism
Travel responsibly with programmes that promote conservation, biodiversity, and immersive experiences in protected natural areas.
Rural Tourism
Engage with authentic village life through agritourism, folk traditions, and community-based hospitality in rural regions.
Luxury Tourism
Indulge in curated luxury journeys featuring world-class stays, private tours, heritage trains, and bespoke experiences.
Gastronomic Tourism
Taste the essence of the region through food trails, cooking classes, culinary festivals, and local dining experiences.
Educational Tourism
Tailored learning journeys for students and institutions focusing on history, environment, architecture, and cultural immersion.
Sports Tourism
Travel to witness or participate in sporting events, tournaments, and adventure races hosted in scenic and iconic venues.
Medical Tourism
Access internationally accredited hospitals, skilled professionals, and post-treatment recovery in wellness-friendly environments.
Film Tourism
Full-service coordination for film shoots, including location scouting, permissions, and travel logistics in cinematic landscapes.
Shopping Tourism
Explore vibrant markets and premium retail destinations offering handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, and local treasures unique to each region.
Wildlife Tourism
Witness majestic wildlife in their natural habitats through expertly guided safaris, conservation parks, and biosphere reserves.
Festival Tourism
Celebrate the spirit of the region through immersive festival experiences, from religious processions and cultural fairs to traditional music and dance.
Destination Management
At Cholan Tours, destination management is handled by a team of highly experienced professionals who possess in-depth knowledge of every location we serve. From logistics to cultural nuances, our experts design and execute destination-focused programmes that are seamless, impactful, and memorable. Whether for individuals, groups, or corporate clients, we ensure that every aspect of the journey is handled with precision and local expertise.
Travel Consulting
Our travel consultants are passionate professionals who provide personalised guidance across all travel formats — be it budget-friendly getaways, luxury escapes, short holidays, or extended itineraries. By understanding your preferences and expectations, we craft tailored travel solutions that combine value, comfort, and rich experiences, ensuring every journey is truly rewarding.
Travel Risk Management
Cholan Tours places the safety and well-being of every traveller at the forefront of its services. From arrival to departure, our team actively monitors and supports each step of the journey. We also offer access to comprehensive travel insurance packages in collaboration with globally trusted partners, providing peace of mind throughout the travel experience.
Sustainable Travel
With growing global awareness of environmental impact, sustainable travel has become a vital choice for conscious travellers. At Cholan Tours, we actively promote responsible tourism practices by offering travellers expert guidance on eco-friendly routes, low-impact experiences, and community-based travel. Our aim is to help guests explore the world while preserving its beauty and culture.
Fixed Departure & Group Tours
Cholan Tours offers a wide selection of Fixed Departure Group Tours designed for convenience, diversity, and enjoyment. These well-structured programmes cover multiple destinations and tourism activities, allowing groups to experience worry-free travel with clear planning, cohesive experiences, and expert guidance. Every tour is crafted to be engaging, safe, and truly memorable.
Why Choose Cholan Tours
Our Credentials We take pride in setting industry benchmarks, backed by numerous national recognitions. As the first South Indian company to win five National Tourism Awards, along with accolades from CII and FIEO, our achievements reflect our innovation, service excellence, and commitment to nation-building through responsible tourism.
- Over 20 years of proven expertise in inbound tourism
- Award-winning DMC recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
- Member of PATA, IATO, and other international tourism bodies
- Trusted by leading global tour operators and travel partners
- A balance of tradition, innovation, and care in every itinerary
Let's Build Experiences Together
Whether it's a solo exploration, a cultural circuit, or a corporate incentive, Cholan Tours ensures every detail reflects excellence. As your on-ground DMC partner, we promise not just smooth logistics, but stories travellers will remember forever.
Milestones in History
The journey began in 1998 when the company was launched under the name Window to the World with just three staff members. That same year, a branch office was established in Delhi and the first Ambassador car was purchased. However, following the global travel downturn after the 9/11 attacks, the company made the difficult decision to wind up its operations. By 2002, Window to the World was officially closed, paving the way for a stronger vision ahead.
On 14 February 2003, the founders launched South Tourism to focus on B2B operations across South India. By mid-year, branch offices in Bangalore and Cochin were opened. Three new cars were added to support the expanding services.
The momentum continued in 2004 with the opening of additional branches in Trivandrum and Chennai. Five more vehicles were added to the fleet, and the company joined the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), solidifying its professional standing in the industry.
On 15 March 2005, the company expanded nationwide through the launch of the brand Indian Panorama. That year also saw a branch office opened in Madurai and the addition of 20 vehicles to the Delhi fleet. South Tourism was officially approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
In 2006, the company joined the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) and expanded its fleet by 30 vehicles, marking continued growth and reach.
With the entry of Ms. Mythily Pandian in 2007, internal operations were streamlined and several new systems were introduced. The company also expanded its affiliations by joining prominent global tourism bodies including IATA, PATA, ASTA, AFTA, and TAAI.
2008 was a year of transformation. The fleet grew by 50 vehicles, including buses. Indian Panorama received official recognition from the Ministry of Tourism. An HR Manager was appointed, and a transition to paperless operations marked the company's commitment to eco-friendly practices.
In 2009, South Tourism and Indian Panorama were officially registered as trademarks. An additional 20 vehicles were added, further strengthening the fleet.
A landmark year, 2010 saw the formal registration of Cholan Tours Pvt Ltd. The brand won the National Tourism Award under the Indian Panorama label and added 50 more vehicles. The company also developed proprietary in-house travel software.
During this period, Cholan Tours received multiple National Tourism Awards and FIEO's Gold Award for Best Service Provider. The fleet grew to 150 vehicles, and the company opened new offices in Tanjore, Mumbai, Alleppey, and Periyar. Solar panel installations began, producing up to 28 KW of renewable energy. The company became ISO 9001:2015 certified and strengthened its position as a quality-driven DMC.
Cholan Tours was recognised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) as one of the Top 25 Innovative Organisations and won the CII Industrial Innovation Award. The fleet grew to 230 vehicles, and a new branch opened in Hyderabad. Staff strength rose to 430, reflecting the company's growing operations and human capital investment.
Cholan Tours became a franchisee of Lufthansa City Centre and received the LCC Green Award in Montenegro for its solar energy initiatives. A mobile app for internal operations was introduced, client documentation was fully digitised, and the company earned TripAdvisor's Hall of Fame Award after five consecutive years of excellence.
The pandemic years tested the tourism industry, and Cholan Tours was no exception. In 2020, 160 vehicles were sold and staff was reduced to 60. Recovery began in 2021, and by 2022, the fleet returned to 100 vehicles with a staff of 120. The company won Best Inbound Tour Operator and Best Domestic Tour Operator Awards from Tamil Nadu Tourism.
In 2023, Cholan Tours won several prestigious accolades, including the World Travel Award as India's Leading DMC and the Economic Times Travel & Tourism Award for Inbound Operator of the Year. The Tamil Nadu State Tourism Awards honoured the company once again. The fleet increased to 140 vehicles, and staff strength reached 190. The Cholan Tours trademark was officially registered in November.
The company's fleet has now grown to 160 vehicles with a team of 300 professionals. In 2024, Cholan Tours became a member of FICCI and received the TripAdvisor Award for outstanding customer service.
Sustainability
At Cholan Tours, sustainability is not simply a practice but a core value that guides our decisions and operations. As a responsible Destination Management Company, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact through thoughtful initiatives and forward-thinking solutions. Our approach to sustainability reflects our belief that meaningful travel should benefit not only the traveller but also the planet and the communities we touch.
Our Culture
Commitment to Excellence
At Cholan Tours, excellence is our foundation. We strive to deliver the highest standards in every travel experience, ensuring precision, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Every journey is carefully curated with attention to detail, making excellence not just a goal but a way of doing business.
Hospitality at Its Best
Hospitality is at the heart of everything we do. We go beyond expectations to create welcoming, personalised experiences that make every traveller feel valued. Our dedication to warmth, care and outstanding service ensures that every journey with us is comfortable and memorable.
Outstanding Service
We are dedicated to providing seamless and efficient travel experiences. Every journey is thoughtfully designed to offer ease, convenience and attention to detail. Our commitment to service excellence ensures that every trip is well-planned, hassle-free, and unforgettable.
Loyalty to Customers
Building lasting relationships with our travellers is our priority. We value customer trust and continuously strive to exceed expectations. Our dedication to reliability and consistency keeps our customers returning, knowing they can always count on us for exceptional experiences.
Assurance of Quality
Quality is the cornerstone of every service we offer. From carefully selected accommodations to well-planned itineraries, we ensure that every aspect of our offerings meets the highest standards. Travellers can always expect excellence in every detail of their journey.
Nurturing Trust
Trust is built through transparency, integrity and consistency. We foster confidence by delivering reliable travel experiences, maintaining honest communication, and ensuring that every interaction reflects our commitment to ethical service. Our dedication to trust strengthens our relationships with customers and partners alike.
Transparency in Operations
Clear communication and integrity define our way of working. We believe in open, honest dealings with our customers, ensuring they have all the information they need to make informed decisions. Transparency builds confidence and we uphold it in every aspect of our operations.
Optimising Travel Experiences
We continuously refine and enhance our services to provide the best travel solutions. By embracing innovation, efficiency, and customer insights, we create well-structured, enjoyable and hassle-free journeys. Every experience is designed to maximise comfort, convenience and value.
Upholding Responsibility
We are committed to ethical tourism and responsible travel. Our approach prioritises sustainable practices, community engagement, and social responsibility. By upholding these values, we ensure that our impact on people, places and the environment is positive and meaningful.
Reliability in Service
Dependability is at the core of our service. We meticulously plan and execute each trip to ensure smooth, stress-free experiences. Travellers can trust us to provide consistent quality, exceptional customer care, and well-managed travel arrangements every time.
Spreading Happiness
Travel is about joy, discovery, and meaningful experiences. At Cholan Tours, we take pride in creating journeys that bring happiness to our travellers. Whether through cultural immersion, adventure, or relaxation, we ensure that every trip leaves lasting smiles and cherished memories.