Bravery to Business: The Story of Ashirwad Holidays
In 2009, Mr. Satish Chandra, a decorated personnel from the Indian Army, stood at a crossroads in life. After three decades of service to the nation, it was time for something new. But how does one walk away from a life defined by duty, discipline, and leadership? For Mr. Chandra, the answer was simple: he wasn’t walking away from those values; he was carrying them forward. And that’s when Ashirwad Holidays (Previously Ashirwad Tours & Travels) was born.
With just a single vehicle, Mr. Satish Chandra set out to transform Gorakhpur’s travel landscape. In a town where transportation was limited and the idea of personalized travel experiences was non-existent, Mr. Chandra saw an opportunity to serve people in a different way. Little did he know that this humble venture was just the beginning of a much larger journey—a journey that would eventually turn Ashirwad Holidays into one of the most trusted tour operators in the region.
A Bold Move from the Battlefield to Business
The early days weren’t easy. Mr. Chandra, accustomed to military precision and structure, now found himself navigating the uncharted waters of the travel industry. But just like any mission he had faced in his army days, he approached it with courage and determination.
Starting with only one vehicle, Ashirwad Holidays initially catered to local transportation needs in Gorakhpur, frequently shuttling pilgrims to and from Nepal. It wasn’t just about getting people from point A to point B; it was about reliability, trust, and service—values deeply ingrained in Mr. Chandra. Slowly, word began to spread, and soon, Ashirwad Holidays became the go-to travel agent in Gorakhpur.
But even as the business started gaining momentum, no one could have predicted the transformation that was on the horizon.
Enter the Corporate Visionary: Er. Ashutosh Sharma
In 2014, the story took an exciting turn when Er. Ashutosh Sharma, Mr. Chandra’s son, joined the family business. After working in the fast-paced corporate worlds of Bharat (Delhi), Muscat, and Nigeria, Ashutosh returned home with a fresh perspective and a bold vision.
From day one, Ashutosh saw the potential for growth. While most local operators clung to outdated practices—relying on second-hand vehicles and manual bookings—he had a plan to modernize. And it started with a bold investment: the purchase of the first brand-new force traveler in Gorakhpur. While others hesitated, believing the market wouldn’t support such a move, Ashutosh took the leap.
His gamble paid off. The new vehicle wasn’t just an upgrade—it was a statement. A statement that Ashirwad Holidays was not just another transport company; it was setting a new standard for comfort, quality, and reliability in the region.
Milestones of Bravery and Growth
As the company grew, so did its ambitions. But growth wasn’t without its challenges. One of the most significant tests came in 2015, when the Nepal earthquake devastated the region. For a company that relied heavily on Nepal-bound tourism, this could have been a setback. But instead of retreating, Ashirwad Holidays expanded its reach, opening up new routes in North-East India and Bhutan.
By 2018, Ashirwad Holidays introduced yet another game-changing innovation—the first luxury traveller customized by PKN (North India’s Best Traveller Modifier) in Gorakhpur. Previously only seen in cities like Delhi, Agra, Gaya and Varanasi, these luxury vehicles catered specifically to foreign tourists, offering unparalleled comfort and style. Once again, Ashutosh’s vision helped the company stand out in a crowded market, and soon, other operators followed suit.
The culmination of these efforts came in 2019, when Ashirwad Holidays officially became a Private Limited Company. But that wasn’t all—they also became the first travel company in Gorakhpur to be recognized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India & UP Tourism, and also gained membership in prestigious associations
like IATO, ABTO, ADTOI, TTAUP & T-TOWA. It was a moment of pride, not just for the company but for the entire town.
Innovating During Crisis: The COVID-19 Pivot
As if navigating a devastating earthquake wasn’t enough, the global pandemic in 2020 brought the entire travel industry to a standstill. Once again, Ashirwad Holidays faced an uncertain future. But rather than standing still, they adapted.
Understanding the need to stay connected with travelers, Ashirwad Holidays launched their very own YouTube channel. Here, they offered destination guides, travel tips, and even podcasts, helping people stay informed and engaged, even when travel was impossible. This innovative approach not only kept the brand alive but also positioned them as thought leaders in the travel space.
A Customer-Centric Approach: Always Guest First
What has remained constant throughout Ashirwad Holidays’ journey, however, is their unwavering commitment to customer service. Whether it’s arranging a Ramayana Tour, providing a luxury ride to Nepal, or curating a bespoke wildlife tour, the guest is always at the heart of every decision. The company’s philosophy of “Come As Guest, Depart As A Friend & Return as Family” – Guest First, Always has earned them the trust and loyalty of thousands of clients, many of whom return year after year.
Their dedication to tailored itineraries, 24/7 customer support, and luxury travel experiences continues to set them apart from the competition.
Trust and Credibility: Built Through Service
At the core of Ashirwad Holidays is a legacy of trust and reliability—values passed down from Mr. Satish Chandra’s military background. Over the years, the company has built a solid reputation not only through its luxury services but also through its uncompromising integrity. With government approvals and memberships in industry associations, Ashirwad Holidays is recognized as one of the most credible and trustworthy travel operators in Gorakhpur and beyond.
The Future of Ashirwad Holidays: A Journey Forward
The story of Ashirwad Holidays is far from over. As they look to the future, there are plans to expand into new markets, introduce more luxury travel options, and continue to push the boundaries of what a regional travel operator can achieve. The company’s growth has always been fueled by bravery—the bravery to take risks, to innovate, and to lead.
From a single vehicle to a fleet of luxury travelers, from humble beginnings to becoming a market leader in Gorakhpur, Ashirwad Holidays is proof that bravery, when combined with vision and integrity, can lead to extraordinary success.
And with each passing year, that success story continues to unfold.
“Ashirwad Holidays: Where Bravery Meets Business, and Every Journey Tells a Story.”