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.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
1 hour ago
Answered our questions
Michael Schneck
1 day ago
Adventure Life seems to be an honest company and has been quite helpful in the planning process. Good about answering questions.
Chris Dralle
1 week ago
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
John K
1 week ago
Franny has been such an amazing help with all my trip planning. This is our 3rd trip to plan with her and she is always so willing to assist and find the best deals for my family and friends.
Suzanne Turbyfill
1 week ago
Our advisor at Adventure Life, Mary Curry, was knowledgable and quick to respond with answers to any questions we had. She made our booking efficiently and set up a time for us to make a secure payment through her directly. We’ve used Adventure Life repeatedly and would definitely recommend it.
