Some stories begin with a plan. Arshdeep Anand’s began with a map, a backpack, and a fire in her heart. In 1997, she co-founded Holiday Moods Adventures Group of Companies — today a pioneering ISO 9001:2015 certified experiential adventure travel enterprise, recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and celebrated by National Geographic Adventure. Her mission from day one was simple yet profound: to craft journeys that are not just travelled but lived, journeys that become part of a traveller’s soul.
For over 28 years, Arshdeep has been redefining the Indian adventure travel experience. She champions “Handcrafted Experiences, Stories and Adventures” for travellers who seek meaning along with thrill. Whether it is navigating a river cruise through the untamed Amazon, standing at the frozen edges of the Arctic, or trekking along the remote trails of the Indian Himalayas, her itineraries carry the promise of authenticity, sustainability, and wonder.
Globetrotting with Purpose
Her footprints now mark all seven continents, from the vast icy silence of Antarctica to the untouched serenity of the North Pole. Yet for Arshdeep, travel has never been about counting countries. It has been about building connections — with people, with nature, and with oneself. She is a fierce advocate for responsible tourism, ensuring that every journey respects the environment, nurtures local communities, and leaves destinations better than they were found. This philosophy has become a defining signature of the Holiday Moods brand and a personal calling she holds close.
A Voice for the Industry
Currently serving as the Vice President of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India for the 2024–2026 term, Arshdeep plays a pivotal role in shaping policies, strengthening safety standards, and enhancing India’s global image as a premier adventure tourism destination. Her leadership extends to building cross-sector collaborations that align regulations with international best practices and grow industry capacity.
Her historic appointment as the first Chairperson of the Association’s Women’s Collective marks a turning point for gender representation in the field. Under her leadership, the Collective is creating a strong network for women in adventure travel, addressing safety concerns, mentoring emerging leaders, and ensuring women have a voice at both national and international decision-making platforms.
“Adventure is not just about where you go — it is about how boldly you live and how many paths you open for others,” she says, summing up her ethos in one powerful thought.
Honours and Accolades
Her contribution has been recognised with the Women Achiever for Promotion of Adventure Tourism award in 2022. She has also served as an executive member of the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India, where she brought innovation to member communications and enriched international conventions with fresh perspectives.
Beyond the Boardroom
Arshdeep’s leadership is matched by her personal warmth. She is as comfortable pitching a tent at a Himalayan base camp as she is baking in her kitchen, where friends and family know her as a master of delightful desserts. An avid reader, music lover, and meticulous planner, she brings a rare blend of professional precision and personal charm to everything she does.
In the world of travel, many follow the map. Arshdeep Anand draws her own — and in doing so, invites the world to walk alongside her, discovering not just destinations, but the deeper journey of life itself.
