Encounters Asia designs exclusive, customized itineraries and offers all travelers top-notch service, hand-picked stays, smooth logistics, exceptional guides, and granular expertise. For Encounters Asia, the value of each trip is measured by inspiring experiences. From larger-than-life festivals and curated events to bespoke camping and experiential expeditions, along with private transformational journeys, travelers can count on Encounters Asia to bring India to life.
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Meet The Owner: Amit Sankhala
Born into a "wild family," Amit was exposed to amazing wilderness experiences from a young age. Amit's grandfather was the founding director of Project Tiger, India’s first tiger conservation program. Their father carried this conservation legacy further by founding some of the very first eco-tourism lodges and initiatives in the country. Hence, the Sankhala family history is integrated with wildlife tourism and conservation, spanning back 40 years in India. Amit's father passed away when they were 20, and they have since run the business for 20 years, giving them the opportunity to focus on their creative side and organize epic trips not just in wildlife but also authentic experiential India, encompassing both cultural and spiritual aspects.
Their passion lies in exploring and organizing—from specialized walks in Rajasthan’s cities to exploring Varanasi at midnight, setting up camps in the middle of nowhere for authentic interactions, spending time with a spiritual guru, or facilitating transformational experiences at festivals that many may have never heard of. Encounters Asia are more interested in where their clients have been with them. In the last 20 years, the staff have traveled to over 60 countries, experiencing the same things that they would organize for clients in South Asia.
Sustainability
Sustainability and responsible tourism are key aspects of how Encounters Asia runs its business at every level. With generations spent in the wild, environmental protection is a top priority, and the family has been one of the pioneers of eco-friendly tourism in India.
Encounters Asia prioritizes sustainability and responsible tourism, supporting initiatives like Tomorrow’s Air and the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund. Led by Managing Director Amit Sankhala, they advocate for wildlife protection and support organizations like the Snow Leopard Conservancy. Collaborations with filmmakers highlight conservation efforts, while community development projects and eco-friendly initiatives minimize environmental impact. They promote cultural events, support local communities, and hire locally, sharing knowledge and implementing sustainable tourism practices.
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan
TrustScore 4.8 | 191 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 191 reviews on
19 hours ago
I think it was very helpful that Franny and I spoke on the phone. I think she had a better idea of what we were looking for, and she planned a great itinerary for us!
Elizabeth
1 day ago
I've just started the process, but Tilly has been very helpful and has a great personality that puts a traveler at ease. I think the paperwork has just begun so I can't give an overall rating of the whole experience. So far, so good.
Christine Allen
3 days ago
Claire made sure she knew what my expectations and priorities were and offered options based on that. She also suggested a visit to a city i did not know about. She was pleasant friendly informative and helpful
Al Kirkley
1 week ago
Cheska is a great asset for your company she is very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with
Susan Johnson
1 week ago
Adventure Life set us up with great guides and locations, seamless transportation, and good advice. Will work with them again. Thanks