India: Colors of Courage: Women, Culture & Community

 Global Family Travels, based in Bellevue, WA, is passionate about creating community-based, family-friendly trips that are truly meaningful, encouraging travellers of all ages to become citizens of the world and stewards of the environment. (And, fun fact: Global Family Travels’ roots began in India in 2010, and our original name is Paravati Family Travel, after the Hindu Goddess who represents positive change!)  

Guided by our three travel pillars of “Learn, Serve & Immerse,” we partner with local and global non-profit partners to develop Expand-Your-Family Circle adventures that offer travellers the opportunity to connect with local people, cultures and the natural beauty of the destinations we visit. Whether it is a one-day community adventure in the Seattle area, a customized journey or a small group global adventure,  our journeys feature a unique mix of cultural and educational activities, as well as community engagement to help make a positive impact on the lives of people and natural habitats where we visit.   

Expect to Expand Your Family Circle when you embark on a Global Family Travels trip! Visit our website for more information: https://www.globalfamilytravels.com/   

Nanda’s life has been shaped by the richness of three continents—Asia, Africa, and North America—where she was raised before the age of 17. As the founder and CEO of Creative Journeys, a Travel and Event Management company established in 1990, she has always believed that travel is the best form of education, offering life-changing lessons that no classroom can match. Among her most cherished adventures are trekking Mount Kilimanjaro and hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Yet it is through community service that Nanda has found her most meaningful work.

In 2015, she launched Ahaana, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering South Asian communities through storytelling, cultural expression, and connection. Ahaana began as a platform for Yoni Ki Baat (YKB) and MenOlogues (MenO, 2017)—a transformative storytelling project centering South Asian voices around identity, trauma, healing, and resilience. Since then, YkB/MenO has grown into an annual production staged in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Silicon Valley and have created a powerful platform for reflection, healing, and dialogue within and beyond the South Asian diaspora.

As a seasoned advocate and ambassador, Alexandra has dedicated over 20 years to empowering marginalized groups around the world. With a diverse background working with esteemed institutions like the Gates Foundation and Love Matters India, she has come to understand the transformative power of education in creating economic opportunities and stability for girls and women.

Growing up in London surrounded by diverse cultures, languages, and foods, Alexandra's passion for India was ignited during her travels and work in Arpora, Goa. As the first Executive Director of The Kiran Anjali Project, Alexandra is committed to supporting education for underserved communities, particularly in areas where wealth is disproportionately dispersed.

Join Alexandra and be part of a movement to create a brighter future for girls and women in India. By supporting organizations like The Kiran Anjali Project, you can help unlock the potential of these students and give them the chance to succeed. Every small step can add up to make a big difference. Let's work together to empower a generation of leaders.

A cultural anthropologist at heart, Jennifer founded Global Family Travels (GFT) in 2010 with the mission to “Learn, Serve and Immerse,” using travel to build cultural bridges and cultivate global citizens. She has designed educational, community-based trips and Seattle-area experiences that connect travelers with local leaders and nonprofits, emphasizing cultural exchange, environmental stewardship, and often times aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Her worldview was shaped by formative years living in six countries, experiences that inspired a career devoted to cross-cultural understanding and regenerative tourism. Under her leadership, GFT has championed partnerships that benefit destination stewardship while transforming travelers—work recognized by regional organizations and mission-aligned networks.

Jennifer’s own most powerful travel memories came from family journeys abroad with her parents and two brothers. These shared adventures introduced them to diverse cultures and friendships, instilling values of openness and connection that continue to guide her work today.  Learn more  about Jennifer here.

The Kiran Anjali Project is a nonprofit with a mission to provide guidance and financial support to institutions providing education to disadvantaged children, especially girls, in India. The project was named in honor of the founder’s daughters in order to help other children in India. The Hindi meaning of Kiran is ray of light and Anjali means gift. The Kiran Anjali Project wants to shine the gift of a quality education on disadvantaged children in India. Learn more here:  https://kaproject.org/
KAP Partner Projects that we will visit on this trip include:

Baale Mane is a long-term home for over 50 girls and young women ages 7–21 in a village outside Bangalore. Many of the girls are orphans or have been survivors of child labor, living on the streets, or dangerous family situations. Baale Mane provides a safe and loving environment for the girls, enrolling them in local schools. Baale Mane emphasizes the all-round development of a child. The girls are instructed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and are given lessons on their emotional, physical, and sexual health.

Parikrma Humanity Foundation is a non-profit organization in Bengaluru (formerly known as Bangalore) with a mission to ensure that even the disadvantaged child from the slums can access the best possible opportunities anywhere in the world. Parikrma provides K-12 education offering scholarships for children to pursue university education in mainstream colleges. They inculcate interest in the world beyond the classroom – through art, sport, theatre, and dance. They run 4 schools and a Junior College for more than 2000 children from 99 slum communities and 5 shelter homes in Bengaluru. Parikrma’s 360-degree development model covers every aspect of a child’s life- providing English medium education, nutritious meals (3 per day), comprehensive healthcare, and family care to ensure a stable home environment.

Shalini Fellowship

Shalini Fellowship helps young women transcend the limits of their socio-economic background and realize their full potential, by providing the financial backing and the support they need to continue studying past class 10. This support allows these Shalinis to pursue vocational training or junior college and university. Each Shalini receives a mentor who helps to guide her through higher education and into her chosen career. The program includes life-skills workshops and other training to ensure the students succeed both in academics and in life. Shalini is a Sanskrit word meaning a ‘dignified, empowered woman’. By funding a Shalini Fellowship you will be helping a young woman reach her dreams of higher education and an independent life.

Ahaana is a nonprofit that began in San Diego in 2015 with the “Yoni Ki Baat” festival and has since grown into a global platform supporting women-at-risk, survivors of violence, and refugees. Working with partner NGOs in India and abroad, Ahaana nurtures initiatives that provide dignity and opportunity for vulnerable women, including widows in Vrindavan. Through storytelling, arts, and community engagement, the organization spreads compassion, amplifies survivor voices, and creates pathways for healing and empowerment.

Delhi, India’s capital, is a city of over 20 million people and serves as the political and cultural heart of the nation. With a history spanning more than 2,500 years, it has been the seat of several empires, most notably the Mughals. Old Delhi is known for landmarks such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and bustling Chandni Chowk market, while New Delhi was designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens and features India Gate, the Parliament House, and broad, tree-lined boulevards. Today, Delhi is also a hub for education, commerce, and diplomacy, reflecting India’s role as the world’s largest democracy. 

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is popularly known as the “Pink City” for the distinct color of its old city buildings. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur was one of the first planned cities of India, designed with wide avenues and organized markets. It forms part of the “Golden Triangle” tourist circuit along with Delhi and Agra. Notable landmarks include Amber Fort, City Palace, and the Hawa Mahal. Jaipur is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage City and is celebrated for its handicrafts, jewelry, textiles, and traditional arts, sustaining its reputation as a cultural and artistic hub. 

Bangalore, officially known as Bengaluru, is the capital of Karnataka and one of India’s fastest-growing cities. It is widely referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India” due to its thriving information technology sector and status as a hub for startups and innovation. Historically, Bangalore developed under the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire, Kempegowda, and later the Wodeyars of Mysore. The city is also known for its pleasant climate, green spaces such as Lalbagh Botanical Garden and Cubbon Park, and educational institutions including the Indian Institute of Science. Bangalore represents the modern face of India, blending its heritage with cutting-edge industries and global connectivity.

Carbon Removal: According to the State of Global Carbon Dioxide Removal Report by University of Oxford, natural methods of removing carbon from the atmosphere are not enough by themselves due to the amount of pollution currently in the atmosphere. Innovations in removing and permanently storing carbon emissions are needed to conserve nature and reverse the course toward further climate change. 

Tomorrow’s Air: Global Family Travels is passionate about encouraging tourism that is not only sustainable but regenerative. To help with our mission, we seek to partner with like-minded brands such as Tomorrow’s Air, which operates within the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA).   

Tomorrow’s Air is a collective of carbon removal innovators that work to permanently remove and store carbon from the atmosphere. Travel is a large contributor to global emissions, and we feel it is important to educate and empower travelers to support efforts that combat climate change! Clients can opt-in for a $25 donation to Tomorrow’s Air through the payment page. 
 

Welcome to India, a country steeped in tradition where spirituality and daily life are closely intertwined. Upon arrival at Delhi’s international airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel to rest after your long journey.

Overview

• Arrive New Delhi in late evening
• Meet and greet with local representative at airport
• Private transfer to hotel and check-in
• Rest and prepare for the journey ahead

Accommodations: Park Hotel 

Meals: None

Today centers on women’s empowerment in India’s capital. Begin with a visit to Breakthrough Trust, an NGO dedicated to making gender-based violence and discrimination against women and girls unacceptable, followed by grassroots engagement in Nizamuddin. 

Overview 

• Visit Breakthrough Trust and take part in interactive sessions on shifting harmful gender norms and learn how their programs empower 2.3 million adolescents across India (Packed lunch provided)

• Retrun to Delhi for an afternoon meeting with a women’s group in Nizamuddin for a grassroots perspective 

• Return to hotel for reflection and rest 

Accommodations: Park Hotel

Meals: B, L, D 

In the morning, we explore Bangalore’s cultural and historical sites. After lunch, we visit KAP’s Parikrma Project, a transformative education model, with the afternoon free before our farewell dinner. Late-night or early-morning departures follow.   

Overview 

• Breakfast at hotel 

• Explore Bangalore’s cultural gems, including Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bull Temple, Dodda Ganapathi Temple, Vidhan Sabha 

• Lunch in Banglaore restaurant 

• Visit Parikrma Project and meet students and teachers 

• Afternoon free for reflection or rest and prepare for trip home 

• Evening farewell dinner with group 

• Transfer to airport for late evening/early morning departures (or stay overnight at hotel for departure tomorrow) 

Accommodations: Taj Yeshwantpur

Meals: B, L, D