In a state globally renowned for its golden beaches and spirited nightlife, Soul Travelling is quietly transforming the way people experience Goa. Founded by Kedar Borker, an engineer-turned-cultural entrepreneur, the venture is rewriting the narrative of Goan tourism—moving away from clichés and drawing people into the heart of the state’s living, breathing heritage.
At its core, Soul Travelling isn’t just a company. It’s a movement to rediscover the Goa that exists beyond the brochures.
From Engineering to Empathy: Kedar’s Journey
Kedar Borker’s foray into entrepreneurship wasn’t the result of a sudden epiphany but a slow, deliberate awakening. Trained in engineering and management, he soon realized that his true calling wasn’t confined to spreadsheets or technical systems, but rather in stories—people’s stories, rooted in place and culture. This deep curiosity laid the foundation for Soul Travelling.
“I’ve always been fascinated by how people perceive their surroundings, what stories shape their lives,” Kedar shares. “That’s what pushed me to create something rooted in community, not commerce.”
The Soul Travelling Ethos: Real, Rooted, Respectful
Founded with the intent to showcase Goa beyond its tourist traps, Soul Travelling curates immersive, hyperlocal experiences that introduce travellers to the region’s lesser-known cultural, culinary, and historical facets. From heritage walks and food trails to intimate performances and village festivals, each experience is designed to foster connection—with the land and its people.
The company’s values—authenticity, community, sustainability, and storytelling—aren’t just buzzwords. They guide every collaboration, from working with local artisans and elders to designing experiences that leave a light footprint and a lasting impact.
“We want our guests to walk away not just with photos, but with perspective,” says Kedar.
Overcoming Assumptions, Building Trust
Convincing people that Goa had more to offer than its beaches was one of Soul Travelling’s earliest hurdles. Most travellers came with fixed expectations; locals, too, were skeptical about sharing traditions with outsiders. But the team persisted—one curated experience at a time.
By involving communities directly, they not only gained trust but also provided locals with economic opportunities and a renewed sense of pride in their heritage. Navigating remote villages, unpredictable logistics, and building a structure for something so organically human was never easy—but it was deeply rewarding.
Leading with Purpose and Passion
As co-founder, Kedar believes in leadership that nurtures creativity and fosters ownership. Rather than command from the top, he remains deeply involved—listening, co-creating, and empowering.
“Our team knows why we do what we do. That shared vision is our glue,” he explains. Weekly reflections, open communication, and a culture of feedback keep everyone aligned, and most importantly, inspired.
Innovating from the Ground Up
For Soul Travelling, innovation means listening more closely—not necessarily being louder. Over the years, they’ve introduced unique offerings like treasure hunts through historic quarters, theatre-infused heritage walks, and tech-integrated storytelling tools. These are not gimmicks, but evolutions born from observing guest behavior, local nuances, and cultural sensitivity.
“Staying relevant doesn’t mean becoming trendy. It means evolving without losing your roots,” Kedar states.
The Power of Community and Connection
The company’s growth has largely been driven by relationships—built not just with travellers, but also with village elders, local cooks, and Goan families who open their homes to share stories. Soul Travelling thrives on this web of trust.
“My biggest advice to new entrepreneurs? Be human. Don’t treat networking as a strategy—treat it as community-building,” says Kedar.
Scaling Without Losing Soul
As the company grows, Soul Travelling has prioritized systems that preserve quality—from backend frameworks to content standards and team training. They scale horizontally by expanding into new regions and themes, without compromising their grassroots integrity.
Every new experience is first piloted, reviewed, and iterated before it’s rolled out—keeping both guest satisfaction and cultural responsibility at the center.
Beyond Business: Balance, Art, and Personal Joy
Kedar’s work-life balance, like that of most entrepreneurs, is a constant negotiation. But he finds refuge in art—especially music. A performer at heart, he uses music as a meditative escape, a way to recharge his creative energies.
He also manages a café called The Imlee Jar with his wife, which offers a different yet complementary outlet—a slower, more grounded space for connection and conversation.
Looking Ahead: A Cultural Compass for India
Soul Travelling isn’t just aiming for scale—it’s aiming for significance. The plan is to expand across other culturally rich states in India while keeping Goa as its vibrant base. The mission is clear: to preserve, promote, and celebrate India’s intangible heritage through curated, conscious tourism.
“With every new place we enter, our goal remains the same—go deeper, not wider,” says Kedar.
A Legacy of Stories
In a time when travel often means ticking off boxes and chasing viral reels, Soul Travelling offers something rare: depth, dignity, and discovery. It is a brand that doesn’t just take you to places, but into their very soul.
And as Kedar Borker would say, “At the heart of it all, I’m just a storyteller.”
