In his own words

I am Karni Singh, born and raised in Pink City of Jaipur, Rajasthan. My name comes from Karni Mata, the revered goddess of Rajasthan whose temple, located in the town of Deshnoke about 31 km south of Bikaner on the way to Jodhpur, is widely known around the world as the Rat Temple.

Over the years, while creating journeys across India for overseas travelers, many of my clients began referring to me as “India Karni” — a name that I gradually earned through my work, my travels, and my deep connection with India tourism.

Born on 18 August 1972, I completed my education in Jaipur and graduated from the University of Rajasthan in 1993.

Growing up in Jaipur, I was always fascinated by foreign travelers and their curiosity about India — its culture, architecture, traditions, colors, and people. This interest naturally led me towards hospitality and travel.

In 1995, I completed my studies in Hotel Management in Jaipur under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. I then began my career with the prestigious Taj Group of Hotels and also worked at the iconic Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur.

In 1998, I moved into travel and tourism. My experience in hospitality helped me better understand international travelers, their expectations, and the kind of authentic experiences they seek while exploring India. In 2005, I founded Popular India Vacations with a vision to offer something different from conventional travel companies. I wanted every journey to feel personal, thoughtfully planned, and deeply connected to the real India. Rather than simply arranging tours, my goal was to create meaningful experiences rooted in our culture, traditions, and everyday life.

One value has always guided me—"Atithi Devo Bhava," an ancient Indian belief that means "The Guest is God." This philosophy became the foundation of our company. Every guest was welcomed as family, not as a customer. I personally hosted travelers at my home for traditional homemade meals, remained available around the clock whenever they needed assistance, and ensured every journey reflected the warmth, care, and hospitality that India is known for.

Even today, those same values continue to define every journey we create.

India Karni

Founder & Director, Popular india vacations pvt. ltd.