Interview: Sanjith Mukund, Founder of JrnyOn, a first-of-its-kind multi-day experiential travel company in India

An interview with Sanjith Mukund, Founder of JrnyOn, a first-of-its-kind multi-day experiential travel company in India

We are excited to welcome Mr. Sanjith Mukund, the visionary Founder of JrnyOn, India’s pioneering multi-day experiential travel company. JrnyOn is revolutionizing the travel industry with its innovative approach to immersive and transformative travel experiences.

Mr. Mukund’s unique perspective on creating unforgettable journeys has set a new benchmark in experiential travel. Today, we delve into his inspiring journey, the philosophy behind JrnyOn, and the future of experiential travel.

Can you share the story behind the inception of JrnyOn? What inspired you to create a multi-day experiential travel company in India?

Sanjith Mukund: Over the past 24 years, I’ve had the privilege of building travel experiences that do more than just take people from one place to another.

My journey has been fueled by a deep passion for travel—I’ve explored 80 countries, connected with countless local and regional providers, and seen firsthand the transformative power of authentic, community-driven experiences.

Over the last few years, we noticed something remarkable: domain experts and creators — chefs, wellness experts, adventurers and more — were stepping up, building their own communities, and strengthening connections in ways we hadn’t seen before.

Social media became more than just a platform—it became a space where communities could thrive, share, and support each other.

This got me thinking. What if we could bring together the best of both worlds? Our expertise in crafting unique travel experiences and the dynamic, engaged communities that these creators have built.

I wanted to create a platform that allows creators to offer curated travel experiences to their audiences, experiences that are rooted in authenticity, community, and local engagement.

We’re already experts at designing incredible journeys, but now we’re adding a new layer—working hand-in-hand with creators to craft experiences that resonate with their communities while also offering something special to the general traveller.

It’s about merging passion with purpose, and giving people the chance to explore the world in a way that’s meaningful, impactful, and unforgettable.

What specific needs or gaps in the travel industry were you aiming to address with JrnyOn?

Sanjith Mukund: One of the challenges we’ve seen is that domain experts and influencers, despite their passion and deep knowledge, often struggle to create and lead travel experiences due to the logistical complexities involved.

Their enthusiasm for sharing their expertise with their communities is undeniable, but the practicalities of organising such trips have held them back. That’s where we come in. We are building a platform specifically to bridge this gap, enabling creators and experts to travel with their audiences without the logistical burden.

In our travels, we’ve also encountered small experience providers in remote areas—people with incredible local knowledge and unique offerings that deserve to be shared with the world. However, they often lack the means to showcase their expertise to a broader audience.

We’re committed to bringing these providers onboard, connecting them with creators, and giving them the exposure they need to thrive.

At the heart of our mission is the idea of bringing together passionate communities—people who share the same interests, values, and desires to explore the world. These experiences are also available for private groups—whether it’s a family looking to bond on a unique journey, school alumni wanting to reconnect, or clubs seeking a shared adventure.

We provide the opportunity for these groups to travel together, enjoying the same expertly curated experiences that we offer to larger communities.

Can you discuss any partnerships or collaborations that have been crucial in the development and success of JrnyOn?

Sanjith Mukund: We’re still in the early stages of building partnerships and collaborations at JrnyOn, but we’ve already had some key connections that have been crucial to our development.

For example, we’ve partnered with creators like Chef Thomas and Chef Sapna, who have not only brought their unique expertise to our platform but have also played a significant role in helping us set up our processes.

Their insights and experience have been invaluable in shaping how we curate and deliver our travel experiences.

Additionally, we are in the process of establishing partnerships with local organisations like NESFAH in Meghalaya. Collaborations like this are essential for us, as they allow us to connect with local communities and ensure that our experiences are authentic and impactful.

We are building JrnyOn to be more collaborative and are on the lookout to partner with more such organisations, deeply rooted in local communities to help us integrate local knowledge and expertise into our offerings.

As we continue to grow, we’re focused on building more partnerships like these—collaborations that enrich our platform and help us bring even more unique and meaningful experiences to our travellers.

The travel industry can be quite dynamic. How does JrnyOn stay ahead of trends and adapt to changes in consumer preferences?

Sanjith Mukund: The travel industry has changed a lot in recent years, and JrnyOn stays ahead by leveraging our 24 years of experience and global network. We’re connected to the modern ecosystem through social media and collaborations with creators, which give us insights into current consumer preferences.

This helps us adapt our offerings while staying true to our core belief in meaningful, community-driven travel experiences.

We’re also in the process of incorporating AI into our trip-building process to make it easier for creators and customers to design personalised journeys.

In the coming months, we’ll be launching an interface that allows users to customise their trips based on their interests, ensuring every experience is unique and relevant. By combining our expertise with cutting-edge technology, we stay agile and responsive in a dynamic industry.

How do you ensure the safety and comfort of your travellers during these multi-day experiences, especially given the diverse nature of the activities involved?

Sanjith Mukund: We prioritise the safety and comfort of our travellers by ensuring that the trips we offer have already been experienced by someone on our team. This firsthand knowledge allows us to anticipate any challenges and ensure everything runs smoothly.

We also work with professional guides, reputable hotels, and trusted local vendors, all of whom are thoroughly vetted and audited before being brought on board.

With 60 years of combined experience within the team, we’re well-equipped to handle any unexpected situations, and we have robust crisis management systems in place.

Moreover, we maintain continuous contact with our customers even after their trips, gathering feedback to understand what works and what doesn’t. This ongoing communication allows us to make necessary adjustments and continually improve our offerings.

Are there any plans to expand JrnyOn’s offerings beyond India? If so, what international markets are you considering?

Sanjith Mukund: Yes, we’re actively expanding JrnyOn’s offerings beyond India. As we’re headquartered in London, we’ve been organically growing in the UK and US markets, and this expansion is a key focus for us moving forward.

In addition to our growth in these regions, we already offer international travel options through our private and social trips, allowing our customers to explore destinations around the world.

We’re excited to continue broadening our reach and bringing our unique travel experiences to a global audience.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the experiential travel or tourism sector?

Sanjith Mukund: For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the experiential travel or tourism sector, my advice is simple: focus on the experience and customer satisfaction above all else.

It’s crucial to deliver what you promise and ensure that customers find real value in what you offer. Happy customers are the foundation of any successful travel business.

Remember, the travel industry and travellers themselves are constantly evolving, so stay adaptable and keep up with changing needs and trends. I’m still growing and learning in my own journey, and I believe that being open to learning and evolution is key to building something truly great in this industry.

Thank you, Mr. Sanjith Mukund, for sharing your insights and the compelling vision behind JrnyOn. Your innovative approach to experiential travel is truly reshaping how we experience the world.

We look forward to seeing how JrnyOn continues to lead the way in crafting transformative travel experiences and inspires others to explore new horizons. Your journey and insights are both enlightening and inspiring.

Read more Success stories of Indian entrepreneurs, Women Entrepreneurs & startups stories at SugerMint. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn