On June 8, 1984, in a modest rented office in Mumbai’s Matunga, Late Kesari Patil, at the age of 50, took the bold step of turning his lifelong passion into a professional calling, and what followed made history. Here’s a look at the Kesari legacy being carried forward by Himanshu Patil, Director of Kesari Tours and current President, OTOAI.
With only his wife Sunita Patil and a typist by his side, Kesari Patil launched Kesari Tours. Armed with handwritten postcards and unwavering determination, he led his first-ever group of 13 enthusiastic travellers to Rajasthan—planting the seed for what would soon become one of India’s most revered travel companies.
What began with a single tour and a heartfelt commitment has now blossomed into a formidable brand that serves over a million travellers annually. Kesari Tours has grown from strength to strength, driven by a simple philosophy: to deliver enriching and seamless travel experiences. Today, the company offers more than 500 thoughtfully curated itineraries—from domestic gems across India to far-flung adventures in the Arctic and even Antarctica.
With a workforce of over 900 dedicated professionals and 400+ expert tour managers, Kesari has transformed from a family-run startup into a globally recognized name in travel. Its footprint now extends through 21 offices across India, including major cities like Pune, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Indore. The accolades have followed naturally—Kesari Tours has proudly received multiple National Tourism Awards (2013–2015) and was inducted into the Gallery of Legends in 2016.
An expansive portfolio rooted in trust
At the heart of Kesari’s ongoing success is its ability to cater to the evolving needs of the modern traveller. From large-scale group tours to bespoke individual holidays, corporate MICE travel to student educational journeys, and exclusive women-only getaways to curated senior citizen packages—Kesari’s offerings span the globe and life stages.
Its value-added services include comprehensive travel assistance such as visa facilitation, air ticketing, travel insurance, foreign exchange, and round-the-clock emergency support through regional SOS helplines. These services ensure every traveller feels supported before, during, and after their journey.
Moreover, the company’s ISO-certified operations and “customer-first” ethos cement its reputation for reliability and excellence. Whether organising a honeymoon to Europe, a school excursion to Singapore, or a corporate incentive in South America, Kesari ensures each journey is managed with meticulous care and deep cultural insight.
A Vision that inspires the future of Travel
Under the able leadership of Himanshu Patil, Director of Kesari Tours and current President of the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), the company continues to evolve while staying rooted in its founding values.
The dynamic veteran shares, “As the Director of Kesari Tours and President of OTOAI, I see firsthand how travel is evolving. At Kesari Tours, we remain dedicated to innovation, safety, and creating emotionally enriching experiences. Today’s traveller seeks more than sightseeing—they want connection, culture, and purpose. With over 41 years of expertise, Kesari Tours is proud to lead with trust and transformation. The upcoming OTOAI Convention reflects our shared vision: building a stronger, more resilient travel community. Together, we will shape the future of Indian outbound tourism with integrity, insight, and impact.”
Today, Kesari Tours stands as a shining beacon of India’s outbound travel industry—where legacy meets innovation, and every itinerary is designed to spark joy, discovery, and lifelong memories.
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