In a world where luxury often means indulgence without depth, Puja Khandelwal stands out as a woman who has given it a whole new vocabulary. For her, true luxury is not about ticking off destinations or flaunting exclusivity—it is about curating experiences that touch the soul, stir emotions, and linger long after the bags are unpacked.
Founder of Blingbird, Puja is one of those rare entrepreneurs who have built not just a brand but a philosophy around travel. Since 2018, Blingbird has become a beacon in experiential luxury travel, catering to discerning explorers who seek journeys that are immersive, sensory, and deeply personal. Under her leadership, the brand has created a niche at the very pinnacle of the travel market, offering journeys that blend creativity, authenticity, and sophistication.
A Legacy in Luxury
With 28 years in the luxury business, Puja’s journey has been anything but conventional. Her career is layered with experiences across industries—each venture adding a new dimension to her identity as a creative entrepreneur. A graduate of IP College and an alumna of the prestigious INSEAD Senior Leadership Program, she combines artistic flair with the strategic insight of a global leader.
Her entrepreneurial spirit first took shape with Gia Design Co., a boutique brand that celebrated the richness of Indian classics and artistry. Later, she pioneered MyHeera.com, a groundbreaking B2B digital marketplace for the global gems and jewellery industry. Long before digitalisation became the norm, Puja was already building bridges between tradition and technology, helping a fragmented industry transition towards a more organised, transparent, and globalised network.
Each of these ventures reflects a common thread—her ability to foresee trends, embrace innovation, and craft meaningful experiences out of seemingly ordinary opportunities.
Blingbird – Crafting Journeys Beyond Borders
Blingbird was born from Puja’s belief that travel needed reinvention. She wanted to create not just itineraries, but narratives. Every Blingbird journey is designed to be immersive, whether it is a signature group expedition across uncharted landscapes or a bespoke escape tailored to individual passions.
What makes Blingbird exceptional is its culture. Puja has built a team that thrives on creativity, curiosity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. For her, every journey must carry an essence of authenticity—because in the end, travellers may forget the hotels or flights, but they will always remember how a place made them feel.
A Woman of Vision
Puja Khandelwal’s story is also a story of courage and reinvention. She embodies what it means to be a woman icon—balancing creativity with leadership, and dreams with execution. She has carved her path in industries often dominated by men, not by competing for space but by creating her own.
Her work has shown that luxury does not have to be about extravagance; it can be about meaning. It can be about giving people not just memories, but transformations.
As travel enters a new era shaped by personalization, sustainability, and experiential value, Puja remains ahead of the curve. Her vision is clear: to make luxury synonymous with purpose, and to continue curating journeys that connect people not only with the world but with themselves.
For GlobalIcons, she represents the essence of women’s leadership today—innovative, resilient, and deeply impactful. Puja Khandelwal is not just building a brand; she is shaping a movement where travel becomes a story, and every traveller becomes the protagonist.
