Hyderabad, Oct. 25: Hyderabad-based travel venture NR TravelBuddyz is creating a niche in religious tourism by offering curated spiritual, cultural and heritage journeys for small groups. Founded in 2024 by Neha Rajgarhia, 46, and Radhika Jalan, 51, the venture has organised around 27 journeys, taking more than 1,000 participants to destinations including the Kumbh Mela, Ayodhya, Varanasi and Kolkata.
The founders aim to make spiritual travel more personalised by combining religious experiences with local culture, food, art and community traditions. Their approach also caters to senior citizens, couples and younger travellers seeking organised group experiences.
“We identified a gap for well-curated group journeys that allow people to experience India’s spiritual destinations comfortably and meaningfully,” the founders said. They added that their aim is to manage the planning and arrangements while helping travellers connect with each destination.
NR TravelBuddyz Combines Spiritual Journeys With Cultural Experiences
NR TravelBuddyz offers journeys to major religious destinations and cultural celebrations. Its portfolio includes the Kumbh Mela, Ayodhya, Varanasi and Kolkata’s Durga Puja festivities.
Rather than focusing only on places of worship, the venture incorporates experiences that reflect each destination’s identity. In Varanasi, travellers can explore the city’s spiritual atmosphere and cultural traditions. In Kolkata, they can visit elaborately decorated Durga Puja pandals, experience Bengali music and dance, and enjoy local cuisine.
The founders said they had undertaken more than 20 journeys to Varanasi alone. This association has earned them the nickname ‘Banaras Girls’.
The venture’s latest initiative, AMAARMONI – Shubho Puja 2026: Celebrating the Spirit of Bengal, took 30 participants from Hyderabad and other cities to Kolkata from October 12 to 14.
The three-day programme introduced participants to Bengal’s Durga Puja traditions through pandal visits, traditional welcomes accompanied by dhol beats, music and dance performances, and the Sindoor Khela ritual. The itinerary also included a traditional Bengali sit-down lunch and opportunities to explore stalls selling sarees, fashion, handicrafts and local products.
Kolkata’s Durga Puja was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021. The festival highlights the connection between religious traditions, artistic expression, community participation and tourism.
For NR TravelBuddyz, the experience demonstrated how cultural festivals can become the centrepiece of thoughtfully designed travel programmes.
The founders said they tailor journeys to the interests and requirements of each group. They also focus on manageable travel durations and organised arrangements to make trips easier for people who prefer not to plan independently.
They said positive feedback from elderly participants has been particularly encouraging, especially appreciation for the care taken in organising the journeys.
As travellers increasingly seek connections with India’s heritage, traditions and local communities, NR TravelBuddyz is positioning itself within the experiential tourism market. The founders hope to help people discover the country’s spiritual and cultural diversity through journeys that are organised, meaningful and memorable.
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