Guest Bio
Nicole Dane is the founder of Heart of India Travel and Bharatvaas Travels, two interconnected travel companies offering immersive and sustainable journeys across India. Through Heart of India Travel (B2C) and Bharatvaas Travels (B2B), Nicole has created experiences that are both transformative for travelers and beneficial for local communities. With over three years of hands-on experience and spending up to eight months each year in India, Nicole leads both agencies with a deep commitment to cultural preservation, community support, and responsible tourism.
Heart of India Travel provides authentic, small-group journeys that connect travelers with India’s vibrant traditions, crafts, and people. Tours are offered in English, French, and Dutch, with full guest support available in all three languages throughout each trip. Signature offerings include wellness-focused journeys with yoga experiences, women-only tours, and photography adventures that immerse guests in local life. Every hotel, itinerary, and experience is personally tested by Nicole to ensure quality and authenticity.
Nicole also leads Bharatvaas Travels, a B2B platform that collaborates with global travel agencies to design tailor-made and small-group itineraries. The offerings mirror those of Heart of India Travel, with a focus on sustainability (including a Travelife certification in progress), cultural depth, and special-interest themes such as wildlife, festivals, wellness, and heritage. Both companies emphasize low-impact travel and work with local artisans, guides, and conservation partners to ensure meaningful impact on the ground.
Starting next summer, Nicole will introduce seasonal travel specials during the green season in Rajasthan and Gujarat. These trips will highlight local crafts, arts, and homestay experiences at affordable rates, supporting community livelihoods while giving travelers the chance to experience India at its most lush and peaceful time of year.
Show Summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Nicole about her inspiring journey from Europe to India and how a single sabbatical turned into a lifelong mission to reshape travel through authenticity and connection. Nicole shares what it’s like to spend most of the year living in India, building two travel companies that focus on meaningful cultural immersion and social impact.
Nicole and Jason discuss how tourism can empower underrepresented communities, support local economies, and challenge outdated perceptions of safety and poverty in India. Nicole reflects on the personal transformations travel can inspire and encourages listeners to venture beyond the usual tourist circuits to discover the true richness of India’s people and landscapes. They also touch on post-COVID mental health, the role of deep listening in travel, and her evolving mission to promote wellness and sustainability through every itinerary.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Bharatvaas Travels simplifies travel logistics for international agencies operating in India
- ✓ Nicole’s journey to India began with an unexpected sabbatical and evolved into a lifelong calling
- ✓ Traveling in India teaches the value of surrendering control and embracing spontaneity
- ✓ Media portrayals of India as unsafe often miss the reality of local warmth and hospitality
- ✓ Cultural differences influence perceptions of safety, comfort, and communication
- ✓ Responsible tourism can directly support villages, preserving crafts and creating local jobs
- ✓ Wellness—including yoga and mindful travel—is central to Nicole’s tour experiences
- ✓ Women-only and photography tours are standout offerings for immersive travel
- ✓ Nicole advocates for understanding poverty in context and listening deeply when traveling
- ✓ New summer tours will feature farm stays, local arts, and green-season beauty in Rajasthan and Gujarat
What You’ll Find on Heart of India Travel
- ✓ Small-group journeys designed around cultural immersion and sustainability
- ✓ Full guest support in English, French, and Dutch throughout every trip
- ✓ Wellness-focused itineraries including yoga and mindful travel experiences
- ✓ Special-interest group tours: women-only, photography, wildlife, and crafts
- ✓ Seasonal offerings during the green season that support local artisans and homestays
- ✓ Responsible travel that empowers communities and protects cultural heritage
Learn more about Heart of India Travel and connect with Nicole at:
https://heartofindiatravel.com/
Learn more about Nicole’s DMC at https://bharatvaastravels.com/
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