Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)
Mangaluru, Apr 16: The tourism sector mourns the loss of C Nirmala Kamath, the esteemed founder of Nirmala Travels, who passed away at her residence in Mangaluru's Kottara on Monday, April 15. Her impactful contributions to the industry garnered her numerous accolades over the years.
Survived by her husband, C Upendra Kamath, daughter Vitika Pai, and a wide circle of friends and relatives, Nirmala Kamath, a member of the Cholpadi clan, established Nirmala Travels alongside her husband in 1971, dedicated to serving tourists.
Starting from Mangaluru as its base, the business expanded nationally and internationally, earning recognition from both the Karnataka state government and the union government. With over 20 luxury buses, Nirmala Travels facilitated tourist journeys via trains and planes across the country, earning acclaim for their organized tours and steadfast commitment, a testament to Nirmala's perseverance.
Following in her mother's footsteps, Vitika Pai ventured into the tourism industry, founding Vatika International Travels, thereby continuing the family's legacy of hospitality and service.
Nirmala Kamath's pioneering spirit revolutionized tourism offerings, particularly for the residents of the coastal region. Catering predominantly to the middle-class demographic employed in banks and the private sector, Nirmala Travels provided affordable and comprehensive package tours for over five decades, fostering exploration and adventure.
Recognizing the potential of tourism incentives available to government and banking sector employees, Nirmala Kamath strategically organized tours to popular destinations across India, ensuring safety and comfort for all travelers.
Born and raised in Mangaluru, Nirmala Kamath embarked on her entrepreneurial journey after her marriage to Upendra Kamath, having previously worked as a receptionist at a local clinic. Educated at Canara Girls High School and St Agnes College, where she earned her BSc, Nirmala's early career experiences shaped her innovative approach to tourism.
Understanding the reluctance of solitary travelers to journey with strangers, Nirmala Kamath pioneered family and friends tour packages, offering companionship and security on their voyages. This personalized touch endeared Nirmala Travels to countless customers, creating a familial atmosphere even among strangers.
Within five years of its inception, Nirmala Travels introduced a 45-day North India package, encompassing iconic destinations like Delhi, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Jammu and Kashmir, Haridwar, Varanasi, Kolkata, Puri, and Konark, solidifying its reputation as a premier travel agency in the region.