Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small
Adventure Travel with Vaibhav Kala - Aquaterra Adventures
06 Dec 2025
Vaibhav KalaFounderAquaterra Adventureshttps://adventuretravelmarketing.com/guest/vaibhav-kala/Vaibhav has guided experiences from Morocco to the Inca trail, from the Colorado to the Yangtze, from the Futaleufu to Aconcagua, Ahansel to the Zambezi and from Kilimanjaro to the Everest trail. His leadership and expertise in both mountain and river environments, safety, risk management, knowledge, and impeccable planning has been the mainstay of the globally acknowledged Aquaterra Adventures. Vaibhav has opened many Himalayan trips to adventure tourism and his outfit is the only Indian adventure company on the 2008 & 2009 list of the BEST ADVENTURE TRAVEL COMPANIES ON EARTH, rated by the National Geographic Society. Having guided for 33 years in the adventure tourism industry, with many firsts to his name, his contributions have helped bring many rural regions to international tourism while unlocking the latent potential of youth not only through employment, but by training and imparting the ethos of being proud of ones’ origins. His work with governments involves crafting policies and nuances for adventure tourism to make it safer, responsible and more sustainable. Today, Vaibhav showcases a sustainable adventure tourism model that brings together culture, community, environment, health and wellness coupled with adventure, excitement and thrill improving lives and livelihoods through fun, grit, pride and purpose.SummaryIn this episode, Jason Elkins welcomes back Vaibhav Kala, founder of Aquaterra Adventures, to discuss the evolution of adventure travel in India. Bipav shares his journey from a chemistry student to a leading figure in the adventure tourism industry, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability. The conversation explores the challenges of over-tourism, the need for sustainable practices, and the future of adventure travel, highlighting the untouched beauty of India's landscapes. Vaibhav also discusses the changing demographics of travelers and the impact of technology on the industry, advocating for a more responsible approach to adventure tourism.TakeawaysAquaterra Adventures focuses on 'limbs and lungs' travel, emphasizing human-powered activities.Vaibhav's journey into adventure travel began with guiding river trips at a young age.Childhood experiences in a military family fostered resilience and adaptability.The adventure travel industry in India has evolved significantly over the past 30 years.Over-tourism poses a significant threat to the sustainability of adventure travel.The importance of setting expectations for travelers has increased with changing demographics.India offers untouched areas that are still open for exploration and adventure.The future of adventure travel lies in small group experiences in remote locations.Discerning travelers are becoming more aware of safety and environmental impacts. Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.
No persons identified in this episode.
This episode hasn't been transcribed yet
Help us prioritize this episode for transcription by upvoting it.
Popular episodes get transcribed faster
Other recent transcribed episodes
Transcribed and ready to explore now
NPR News: 12-08-2025 2AM EST
08 Dec 2025
NPR News Now
NPR News: 12-07-2025 11PM EST
08 Dec 2025
NPR News Now
NPR News: 12-07-2025 10PM EST
08 Dec 2025
NPR News Now
Meidas Health: AAP President Strongly Pushes Back on Hepatitis B Vaccine Changes
08 Dec 2025
The MeidasTouch Podcast
Democrat Bobby Cole Discusses Race for Texas Governor
07 Dec 2025
The MeidasTouch Podcast
Fox News Crashes Out on Air Over Trump’s Rapid Fall
07 Dec 2025
The MeidasTouch Podcast