Business Details
Ethical and Bespoke Travel Tours in Lifton, Devon
Insider Tours is a family-run ethical travel company specialising in bespoke, culturally immersive tours across India, Sri Lanka, Peru, and the Himalayas. Founded by Kumar Vasanthakumar, our approach prioritises local community engagement, responsible tourism, and authentic experiences. With over a decade of expertise, we collaborate with local guides and partners to create personalised itineraries that support sustainable development.Our commitment to ethical practices ensures 60-70% of client payments directly benefit host communities through locally owned accommodations, conservation projects, and cultural preservation initiatives. We pride ourselves on offering child-friendly holidays, farm-to-table dining experiences, and unique stays in small-scale, locally managed properties.
Services
South India Tours
North India Tours
North East India Tours
Peru Tours
Sri Lanka Tours
Himalayan Foot Hills Tours
Highlights and features
- We offer bespoke ethical tours supporting local communities
- Our local guides provide authentic cultural insights
- We prioritise small-scale, locally owned accommodations
- We have over a decade of experience in responsible tourism
- Our itineraries include unique farm-to-table dining experiences
What people say
Personalised service
Authentic experiences
Excellent local guides
Cultural immersion
Sustainable practices
Services
South India Tours
Our South India tours offer immersive cultural experiences through local homestays, spice plantation visits, and traditional cooking demonstrations. Guests explore Kerala's backwaters, tea plantations in Munnar, and historic temples while supporting community-based projects. The itineraries balance guided exploration with free time for personal discovery.
Sri Lanka Tours
Sri Lanka tours combine wildlife exploration with cultural immersion, featuring stays in eco-lodges, visits to ancient temples, and opportunities to engage with local communities. Our itineraries include national park safaris, birdwatching excursions, and authentic village experiences that support conservation efforts.
Peru Tours
Peru tours focus on Andean cultural exchange and adventure travel, featuring stays in locally-run ecolodges, guided treks through mountain landscapes, and visits to archaeological sites. Our itineraries incorporate homestays with indigenous communities and support local conservation initiatives.
Himalayan Tours
Himalayan tours offer unique mountain experiences through homestays in remote villages, guided treks along ancient trade routes, and cultural exchanges with local communities. Our itineraries support sustainable tourism initiatives while showcasing the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Ethical Travel
Our ethical travel framework ensures 60-70% of payments directly benefit local economies through community-owned accommodations and conservation projects. We implement strict guidelines for responsible tourism practices, including environmental protection and cultural preservation initiatives.
People
Kumar Vasanthakumar
Founder
Founder of Insider Tours with extensive agricultural background and community development experience. Born in Sri Lanka, he combines local knowledge with sustainable tourism practices to create authentic travel experiences that benefit host communities.
Kathy
Peru Tour Partner
Peru tour partner with economics and sociology background, operating her own tour company for eight years. Specialises in creating authentic Andean experiences while supporting local communities through sustainable tourism initiatives.
Rajiv
Sri Lanka Partner
Sri Lanka tour specialist with 13 years' experience in responsible tourism. Focuses on small group travel and cultural immersion, having successfully navigated industry challenges while maintaining commitment to ethical tourism practices.
Commander Thomas
India Partner
Former Indian Navy officer with conservation expertise, developing community-based ecotourism projects. Combines military organisational skills with deep knowledge of Kerala's natural heritage to create immersive wildlife experiences.
Lt. General Jimmy Singh
Himalaya Partner
Retired Indian Army general with extensive Himalayan expertise, establishing homestay programs and educational initiatives in remote communities. Brings strategic leadership experience to develop sustainable mountain tourism practices that benefit local populations.
Questions
What makes your tours ethical and responsible?
Our tours ensure 60-70% of payments directly benefit local communities through owned accommodations and conservation projects. We follow strict ethical guidelines prioritising cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.
How do you personalise tour itineraries?
We create custom itineraries based on your interests, incorporating local experiences like home-cooked meals, cultural exchanges, and conservation activities. Our local partners adapt plans to ensure authentic, meaningful travel experiences.
What accommodation options do you provide?
We use small-scale, locally-owned properties including homestays, ecolodges, and historic accommodations. Our selection prioritises authentic experiences while supporting community economic development through tourism.
How do you ensure traveller safety?
We employ experienced local guides and drivers, maintain regular communication with partners, and implement safety protocols for all activities. Our itineraries balance exploration with responsible risk management practices.
What payment protection do you offer?
We comply with UK Package Travel Regulations, holding client funds in a trust account managed by a chartered accountant. Payments are released only after tour completion, ensuring financial protection until your holiday concludes.
Can you accommodate special dietary requirements?
Our local hosts accommodate dietary needs using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. We communicate specific requirements in advance to ensure meals meet your dietary preferences while showcasing regional cuisine.
