Meet Amrit
Co-Founder & Managing Director
A traveller, scientist and entrepreneur Amrit was born in Yangon (Rangoon), raised in India, and studied genetics in London before embarking on a career in pharmaceutical sales and marketing. A chance encounter led to her joining the illustrious Oberoi Hotels in Delhi where she learnt everything about great Indian service, uncompromising standards, and luxurious Indian living while exploring every corner of the country in depth. With a panache for entertaining and the finer things of life, Amrit started a private catering company and then a jewellery label, sourcing fine gemstones in the narrow back alleys and workshops of Jaipur, Delhi and Amritsar, where handmade traditions still survive. Such a broad base of experience proved invaluable when it came to launching TransIndus back in the 1990s over 30 years ago.
A common thread throughout Amrit’s life and career has been a love of discovering new places and experiences. The best-travelled member of our team, she has visited the majority of the countries we cover – including Iran, South Korea and the remote Indonesian islands of Komodo, Flores. She occasionally leads group tours exploring the great cities of the Ancient Silk Road of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.
When not steering the TransIndus ship, Amrit enjoys collecting exotic textiles and ceramics, and spending time at home, entertaining and sharing her love of fusion foods and the odd bottle of wine with family and friends.
Her favourite destinations
I'd have to say India, after all, is home and its diversity continues to offer ever more experiences that just have to be discovered. Exploring places with a rich cultural history fascinates me and I love returning to my favourite places along the silk Road like Uzbekistan and Iran. South Korea has recently become another favourite with its five millennia of heritage, stunning natural beauty and modernity that has raced well ahead of most western nations.
Travel high
“One of the most rewarding aspects of travel is meeting local people, and experiencing unexpected acts of hospitality and kindness. I’ll never forget the time, while trekking in the Himalayan foothills of Bhutan, a blizzard forced us to shelter with a cowherd and his family. They opened their home to us, prepared a meal and kept us warm and entertained was something I’ll appreciate forever”.
Favourite hotel
“I dare not choose a favourite! Far too many lovely places run by dedicated dear friends might be left out and I fear I may lose a friend or two! I appreciate hotels that deliver an authentic experience with grace and commitment, be it a jungle retreat, a luxurious palace or a contemporary city hotel. For me, it’s the little details that set a hotel apart – like creating a local ambience with a small nook where guests can relax undisturbed at the end of a day, perhaps with a glass in hand, watching the sun go down”.
Travel tip
“The destinations I’m most excited about are Uzbekistan and Iran, the most evocative counties along the Ancient Silk Road. The sublime Islamic architecture, the snow-streaked desert mountains, the lost cities of the ancient world lying forgotten amid the sand flats of the Oxus River and Persian Plateau; and the unfailing warmth of local people – all combine to create a superb travel experience. Eating saffron ice cream in Isfahan’s Imam Square, with half the city sauntering around the lawns and fountains as the colours change on Mount Sofeh, is an experience I recall with particular fondness. And of course, the splendour of Persepolis – a ruined imperial city with a truly epic setting.
