Black Swan Journeys

Black Swan Journeys We help you customise travel experiences in India, and abroad, with a deep understanding of the dest

We invite you to embark on a voyage, to be introduced to our concept of experiential travel, of getting to know about Black Swan Journeys, and what we do. Black Swan, the idea - Black Swan Journeys started over 12 years ago as an idea to change the definition of travel. We at Black Swan Journeys love to explore and experience the true character of a place, instead of just visiting it. CUSTOMISED E

XPERIENCES


We are the gourmet chefs of the travel business; we specialize and pride ourselves in customized journeys. To escape the clutches of a standardised itinerary, we encourage all our fellow travellers to recommend, nay demand, personalisation. We have a set of locations that have exciting possibilities of travel and learning to offer. Anyone, or any group, interested in travelling to these locations can let us take the lead, or feel free to ask for any specification in terms of a focus on art, literature, culture, music, et al – we believe in the democratisation of all travel whims. We help you customise travel experiences across India, and abroad, with a deep understanding of the local character of the places.

The dancing Gods of the Malabar - a curated journey through an ancient folk ritual combining theatre, mime and worship. ...
06/12/2025

The dancing Gods of the Malabar - a curated journey through an ancient folk ritual combining theatre, mime and worship.

Come take a sensory plunge into Theyyam: the ritual where men become the gods the village reveres. The performers’ painted faces, towering headdresses and braided garments are more than costumes — they are a language of lineage and power, each Theyyam a different spirit with its own story. Some Theyyams summon fire, some shower rice as blessing — all are bound to generations of devotion and strict ritual preparation by the performers and their communities.

Between rituals we unfold Malabar: stay in a lovingly restored heritage homestay, hear stories on ancient ramparts, indulge in Mappila home-cooked meals, glide through mangroves, and visit bell-metal smiths and their families who keep the craft alive. This intimate journey is led by local custodians who facilitate a conversation with the place.

Spend three days with us in Malabar where vibrant traditions and captivating narrative intertwine. Dates: 6th - 8th February 2026.

Limited seats! To reserve your seats call or message us on +91 9822132092 or email us at [email protected]

In Kolkata, we went on a heritage guided walk through Kolkata’s colonial past with an engaging professor and expert stor...
08/11/2025

In Kolkata, we went on a heritage guided walk through Kolkata’s colonial past with an engaging professor and expert storyteller. He guided us through Dalhousie Square, the administrative heart of British India, including the historic Writers’ Building and St. John’s Church, sharing tales of both tragedy and glory. The walk through Kolkata’s by-lanes was an architectural feast of Indo-Saracenic styles, Neoclassical facades and Art Deco buildings. Kolkata’s crumbling balconies, trees growing out of buildings and iron railings speak of a city grown old with time.

The evening ended on a delicious note with a Bengali dinner and drinks at an art collector’s beautiful home. We dressed in our finery to step into a heritage building and travel up in an artistic, old wooden lift that led us to a long green, arched wooden corridor to a home that looked out onto the iconic Kolkata skyline.

Black Swan Journeys curated an exclusive Durga Pujo experience for a small band of like-minded travellers this year.At B...
07/11/2025

Black Swan Journeys curated an exclusive Durga Pujo experience for a small band of like-minded travellers this year.

At Belgadia Palace in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, the group celebrated Durga Pujo with the royal family. The palace gardens were beautifully decorated for Goddess Durga, and the ornate mandap with Durga slaying the demon Mahishasura was surrounded by flowers, diyas and rangoli.

On Navami, at the aarti, we participated in the dhunuchi naach, dancing rhythmically together while carrying traditional Bengali earthen incense burners filled with burning coconut husk and aromatic resin (dhuno). The fragrant smoke, sound of the thundering dhak or drums, chanting and clapping created a shared, sacred euphoria as we danced before the goddess.

On Dashami, we smeared sindoor or red vermilion on Goddess Durga’s forehead and feet, bidding her a heartfelt farewell. We then delighted in the Sindoor Khela or play, where, to celebratory music and laughter, we smeared sindoor on each other’s foreheads and cheeks as a symbol of prosperity.

We then travelled to Kolkata to experience the sacred Durga Visharjan on a beautiful cruise, aglow with festive lights. We enjoyed dinner and conversation, passing Kolkata’s landmarks, such as the glittering Howrah station and the iconic bridge. We paused in awe as the cruise went under the engineering marvel and cultural icon, the colossal Howrah Bridge, shimmering in the glorious moonlight. With pujo songs playing in the background, we stopped before the ghats to witness the immersion ceremony of Goddess Durga in the Hooghly. Devotees bid farewell to the Goddess with chants of Asche Bochor Abar Hobe or She will return next year!

We, too, will return here next year and look forward to hosting you at Durga Pujo 2026!

This January, the quiet riverside town of Tiruvaiyaru in Tamil Nadu will come alive with the sound of music.Maestros, di...
25/10/2025

This January, the quiet riverside town of Tiruvaiyaru in Tamil Nadu will come alive with the sound of music.

Maestros, disciples and lovers of Carnatic music will make their annual pilgrimage to the samadhi of the revered Telugu poet-composer, Saint Tyagaraja, for the Tyagaraja Aradhana. Hundreds of artistes participate in this aradhana at the banks of the river Kaveri in a beautiful confluence of artistic expression. The Pancharatna Kritis chorus is a living tradition that has echoed in devotion for 175 years. As we wander through Tiruvaiyaru, the air fragrant with coffee and incense, witness rehearsals unfold in agraharams and courtyards ringing with impromptu kutcheris, which has its roots in the royal courts of Thanjavur.

This journey is anchored by scholar-musician Dr Rama Kausalya, whose deep connection with Tiruvaiyaru and the festival lends rare insight. Through insightful walks and lecture-demonstration at her home, she will demonstrate how Saint Tyagaraja’s creative spirit continues to shape the region’s devotional and artistic landscape. We will also meet the veena makers of Thanjavur in their workshop. These highly skilled craftsmen handcraft the Saraswati veena, a key part of Carnatic music, from jackfruit wood, chosen for its ability to amplify resonance.

While this journey is a celebration of Carnatic music through an immersive experience of the living tradition of the Tyagaraja Aradhana, it also takes you on walks through the heritage towns and temples of the Kaveri Delta, and invites you to savour the region’s delightful culinary traditions.

Join us on this journey that offers a deep dive into the devotional, social and musical history of Thiruvaiyaru. Dates: 5th-8th January 2026, call us to reserve your seats on +91 9822132092 or email us at [email protected].

Royal Astami and Navmi Celebrations: Belgadia Palace (Mayurbhanj, Odisha)In the quaint heritage town of Baripada, we rec...
02/10/2025

Royal Astami and Navmi Celebrations: Belgadia Palace (Mayurbhanj, Odisha)

In the quaint heritage town of Baripada, we received a grand traditional welcome at Belgadia Palace. In the palace gardens, the mango, orange, and neem trees, the lotus lake and crocodile well each came with their own stories and history. The beautiful palace in the Victorian architectural style with elements of Georgian decor, high cellings, paintings, books, artwork, tiger and bison mounts took us back in time. Each meal was specially curated and served in a different setting from the high tea served on the lawns to the festive Odia Mahaprasad and dinner with the royal family. The meals were delicately spiced with local flavours and included innovations by the chef.

The elaborate Durga Pujo with the royal family with sacred chanting, beating of the Dhaks (drum), shankh (conch), dhunuchi (earthenware incense burner), pushpanjali,
sandhya arati and sindoor khela had a special urja.

We delighted in a performance of Mayurbhanja Chhau, a dynamic mask-free dance from Odisha that originates from tribal traditions and martial arts. We were also regaled by an elaborate Odissi dance-drama performance on the palace grounds.

We watched sabai grass weavers and dokra artisans at work, their hands weaving together tradition with artistry. We visited a textile cluster to witness the weaving traditions of the Mayurbhanj Santali sarees.

On a heritage walk we visited the beautiful Mayurbhanj Palace and the local Maa Kichakeswari, Lord Jagannath and Haribaldev temples.

We are off on our Palaces & Pujo journey!On Day 1, our travellers went on a guided heritage walk through the ancient tem...
01/10/2025

We are off on our Palaces & Pujo journey!

On Day 1, our travellers went on a guided heritage walk through the ancient temples of Bhubaneswar: *Parsurameswar Temple* (built around 650 CE) and the divine *Mukteswar Temple* (built between 875-904 CE), both dedicated to Lord Shiva with intricate carving and beautiful temple architecture.

They met skilled artists who introduced them to the technique of Pattachitra, a traditional Odia art form.

We enjoyed a traditional Odia thali for lunch and a delicious dinner, savouring the region’s culinary heritage.

The evening was dedicated to pandal hopping and delighting in the city’s festive spirit.

Many moods of Malabar - Kasargod & ThalasseryOur search for untold stories and unexplored lands led us on a trail along ...
04/06/2025

Many moods of Malabar - Kasargod & Thalassery

Our search for untold stories and unexplored lands led us on a trail along the Malabar region in North Kerala. The region’s cultural history, dating back to the 3rd century BCE, is a beautiful amalgamation of architecture, dance, food and nature. It is a land where vibrant traditions and captivating narratives intertwine.

On a relaxing sunset houseboat cruise, get introduced to the serene beauty of the river Thejaswini. Marvel at unique temple architecture built as far back as the 9th century. Visit Bekal fort - one of the largest and best-preserved forts in the state.

Journey deep into the arecanut & coconut plantations where ​y​ou can also hike through the forest, learn about traditional water management systems, take a dip in the river running through the plantation and indulge in a traditional North Kerala vegetarian meal. Witnessing a Theyyam - the dancing Gods of Kerala - is one of the highlights of this immersive journey.

​Learn about the Arakkal Ali Rajas - Kerala’s only Muslim royal family, stroll along the longest drive-in beach in Asia, go on a guided kayaking session to an uninhabited island and unearth Thalaserry’s hidden treasures with a local storyteller. While here, gorge on one of the most popular dishes - the Thalassery Biryani, among other flavourful dishes.

Intrigued​? ​W​rite to us to know more about this 5 nights / 6 days curated journey weaved around the cultural tapestry of this region.​ To plan ahead and reap the benefits of an early bird discount, call or WhatsApp us on +91 9822132092 or write to [email protected].

We began 2025 in Lucknow with a deep dive into its kaleidoscope of culture and charm with a small group of travellers! D...
05/04/2025

We began 2025 in Lucknow with a deep dive into its kaleidoscope of culture and charm with a small group of travellers! Designed around the 16th edition of the Mahindra Sanatkada Festival, we soaked in the performing, culinary and literary arts of Awadh showcased at the festival along with meticulously planned bespoke experiences for our discerning travellers who joined us on this journey. Here are some glimpses of the exclusive experiences the group engaged in -

- An elaborate spread of traditional Awadhi winter specialties welcomed us as we began our four day sojourn.
- An intimate audience with Mr. Askari Naqvi who mesmerised us with his riveting voice and storytelling.
- We marveled at many of the city’s historic monuments with our expert who captivated us with his fascinating insights into the bygone era.
- An indulgent Kayasth home cooked lunch that beautifully reflects the cultural and gastronomic inclusiveness of the city
- We brought the fragrances of Kannauj to Lucknow at a private pop-up & an interaction with an itr producer.

While our next one to Lucknow might be some time away, there are many such immersive trips coming your way this year that explore the cultural fineness of some of our favourite destinations.

Palaces & Pujo: A Festive Sojourn through Odisha and West BengalThis Durga Pujo, we invite you to delight in the rich cu...
22/03/2025

Palaces & Pujo: A Festive Sojourn through Odisha and West Bengal

This Durga Pujo, we invite you to delight in the rich culture of Odisha and Kolkata on a one-of-a-kind festive sojourn. We will bypass the usual pandal hopping to participate in intimate Durga Pujo celebrations at palatial heritage stays. This journey from Bhubaneshwar to Kolkata has been carefully curated to showcase the region’s culture and traditions.  

Saptami & Ashtami: Celebrate Durga Pujo with the royal family at Dhenkanal Palace in Odisha, savoring a sit-down dinner of temple prasad which includes fish. Explore the Mahima Surya Mandir, the headquarters of the Mahima movement. Visit Nuapatna, the village renowned for its silk and cotton single-ikat textiles.

Navmi: In Odisha at the Belgadia Palace, partake in the celebrations where Maa Durga is worshipped in the form of Goddess Chamunda at the Maa Kichakeswari Temple. Savor a traditional Odia thali with the royal family and experience the warm hospitality of Odisha. 

Vijayadashami: Celebrate this auspicious day in Kolkata with a meal at a Rajbari. Witness the immersion of the Durga idols from the unique vantage point of a river cruise along the Hooghly.

Grand Finale: Explore the cultural melting pot of Kolkata with a historian, who will reveal to you this aspect of the city’s captivating history. As a fitting finale, enjoy a delicious Bengali dinner with drinks in a heritage building in the home of an art collector who will regale you with stories as you look out onto the Kolkata skyline.

We leave on September 29th and return with a bag full of stories on October 4th, 2025.

To experience the spirit of Durga Pujo in Odisha and Kolkata on this specially curated journey, call or WhatsApp us on +91 9822132092 or write to [email protected]. See you!

Aurangabad | Fortress, froth, food & folkloreBlack Swan Journeys and Great State Aleworks invite you to journey with us ...
17/02/2025

Aurangabad | Fortress, froth, food & folklore

Black Swan Journeys and Great State Aleworks invite you to journey with us through Aurangabad’s many histories seen through the eyes of an art historian and conservation architect, local chefs and brewers.

Great State Aleworks has curated 6 beers, including a 100% Jowar beer - a first-of-its-kind gluten-free beer, as well as two new beers, a seasonal ale and their latest beer from their Millet Beer Series.

Dr. Pushkar Sohoni, a conservation architect with a doctorate in History of Art will weave the tapestry that is this region from the 2nd century BCE down to the 17th century CE through an exploration of the ancient rock-cut caves at Ajanta and Ellora, the formidable Daulatabad Fort and Bibi ka Maqbara known as the ‘Taj of the Deccan’. We will travel to Khuldabad (Valley of Saints), the 14th-century spiritual capital of Sufism in Deccan to visit key Sufi shrines and the tomb of Aurangazeb.

We’ve curated some delightful culinary experiences for all three dinners. We savour Naan Qalia - a signature dish of Aurangabad cooked to provide a hearty and flavourful meal. According to legend, it was created during the reign of Tughlaq, the Sultan of Delhi, in the 14th century. Unlike other regional variations, Aurangabad’s Qalia is distinctively prepared with a blend of over 50 spices. A dinner of traditional dishes by legendary Chef Zama Khan (featured on Nat Geo), such as the Pathani Bakra Mandhi (cooked underground), the Afghani Dumpukht and Sitafal Rabdi, awaits you. Another dinner will be lovingly prepared by a local chef using heirloom recipes and fresh, seasonal ingredients that offer a burst of regional flavours. Two of these delicious dinners will be accompanied by Great State’s experimental craft beers served on Kacchi Kairi’s beautiful farm surrounded by over a thousand mango, guava, fig, and bamboo trees and overlooking the hills.

We leave on March 14 and return with a bagful of stories on March 17, 2025. If you’d like to join us, call or Whatsapp us on +91 9822132092 or write to [email protected]. See you there!

This will be our fifteenth year together. Let us begin by saying how grateful we are to you for being a part of our jour...
28/01/2025

This will be our fifteenth year together. Let us begin by saying how grateful we are to you for being a part of our journey.

We have come a long way from signing a partnership deal at the then-new Bangalore Terminal 1 on Republic Day, minutes away from missing the flight to get home and resign our day jobs. It has not been an easy journey. It is travellers, friends, colleagues, sceptics, well-wishers, champions and everyone in-between who helped us get to today. We’ve taken on many forms and explored different ways of doing the one thing we have never stopped doing. That is to seek out stories and find travellers who are willing to experience them.

We thank our discerning travellers for placing their trust in us, for being passionate dreamers, and for going beyond familiar experiences of food and language. Some inquiries for far-off places and outlandish experiences inspired us to push our own boundaries, seek out diverse landscapes and delight in new flavours. Thank you for inviting us to be part of your travel stories!

We are also grateful for the expertise, passion, and dedication of our subject-matter experts, artists, chefs, musicians, homestay owners, boutique hoteliers, local guides, and drivers for embracing ideas and sharing perspectives.

As we reflect on time well spent, we will share glimpses of the many ways in which we envisioned travel over these years. Shape-shifters us, we continue to evolve, re-thinking the possible.

Here’s to many more incredible years of curating travel experiences that we hope transform your world by transforming the inner landscape of the mind.

When the chants melt away, the mind remains.When the mind melts away, what’s left?A void mingles with the void.​— Lal De...
31/12/2024

When the chants melt away, the mind remains.
When the mind melts away, what’s left?
A void mingles with the void.
​— Lal Ded (trans. Ranjit Hoskote)

The lure of Kashmir is not just its lush terraced fields, and forests of pine and oak but its ​arts, history, philosophy, poetry, medieval architecture, and cuisine.
In May we curated a study tour for aspiring design students mentored by and at

​- We interacted with an expert on Lal Ded to learn about this 14th-century saint-poetess praised for her Vaaks or verses that were powerful, poignant & philosophical.
​- An INTACH expert led us on a heritage walk in the old city.
​- The students attended a papier mache workshop to learn about this artform that was brought to Kashmir in the 15th century. We then headed to a walnut woodcarving workshop.
​- We then headed towards Ganderbal where we visited a Kani shawl weaving loom where the local village women had been busy for months weaving delicate pashmina yarn with hundreds of spools (or kani) that come together to form delightful patterns of flowers, leaves and birds on the finest of shawls. Here the students under the guidance of the artisans learned the intricacies of this technique.
​- At Sonamarg, before sunrise we made our way to a bakers shop in the village to witness a unique sight where bread makers, also known in the local dialect as Kandur, are up and running a large oven to make their daily bread that is served for breakfast across the valley.

Thank you and for choosing us to design insightful and enriching study tours over the last 12 years.

We will be happy to curate a Kashmir itinerary around your interests on dates that suit you. DM us or call us on +91-9822132092 to start planning.

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C-2, Sungrace Apartments, Anand Park, Aundh
Pune
411007

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Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm

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09146154074

Website

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