In a world where travel is increasingly boxed into package deals, Instagram-perfect itineraries, and algorithm-driven “Top 10” lists, Shikhar Chadha stands apart. For him, travel was never just about ticking places off a list—it was, and still is, about people, stories, serendipity, and soulful experiences. And out of that belief was born TheTarzanWay—a bold, heart-first venture reshaping how the modern traveler sees India, and soon, the world.
But let’s be clear: this isn’t a tale of overnight success or glossy startup clichés. Shikhar’s entrepreneurial path has been anything but straight. It’s a tale of bunk beds and business pivots, of pandemic lows and post-pandemic rebuilds, of co-founder exits and AI breakthroughs—and above all, of a deeply personal mission to bring authenticity back to travel.
From Backpacker Hostels to a Bigger Dream
The spark didn’t ignite in a glass-walled office with VC funds flowing. It started in a cramped college dorm, where Shikhar and a couple of friends launched a modest hostel for backpackers. With no outside funding and little more than grit and a dream, they created a space that welcomed travelers from around the world.
“It was scrappy, chaotic—but magical,” Shikhar recalls with a smile. Yet, even as the hostel thrived, a realization set in: four walls couldn’t hold his larger vision—to change how people experienced India.
Enter: TheTarzanWay
And so came TheTarzanWay, a name as unconventional as the idea behind it. Built on tech but grounded in emotion, it aimed to do more than connect tourists with destinations. It wanted to connect humans with cultures, stories, and emotions.
Unlike typical travel aggregators, TheTarzanWay focused on building customizable journeys that felt spontaneous yet safe. Each itinerary was deeply informed by local insights—curated not just for sights but for soul.
“We realized no one was solving for emotion,” Shikhar says, leaning forward with quiet intensity. “Everyone was focused on logistics. We wanted to build comfort, trust, and connection.”
Building a Dream Team from Serendipity
TheTarzanWay’s foundation was solidified with the arrival of Shivank, a tech-savvy problem-solver who joined through a mutual friend, and Devansh, a former customer who fell in love with the mission and now leads operations. Together, the trio became more than just co-founders—they became co-dreamers, each bringing their unique strength to the table.
When COVID Hit, They Didn’t Fold—They Rebuilt
No story about a travel startup is complete without mentioning 2020—the year the world stood still. For most companies in the travel space, it was an existential crisis. For TheTarzanWay, it became a pivot point.
Instead of scaling back, the team doubled down. No layoffs. No shutdowns. Just sheer grit and a commitment to their purpose.
They emerged from the storm leaner, sharper, and smarter—with a 2.0 version of TheTarzanWay powered by artificial intelligence and fueled by purpose.
Tech Meets Humanity: The AI Edge
So what sets them apart in the sea of travel tech startups? Hyper-
They even rope in local content creators, ensuring recommendations are rich with cultural nuance and not just data points.
“Technology shouldn’t replace the human experience,” Shikhar says. “It should amplify it.”
Real Talk: The Unglamorous Side of Startups
What makes Shikhar refreshing is his honesty. He doesn’t glamorize the journey. He talks about co-founder exits, mental health struggles, and failed ideas with disarming candor.
“Have at least eight months of runway,” he advises future founders. “And be ready for your first version to suck. That’s okay.”
For him, resilience isn’t optional. It’s part of the job description.
Purpose First, Always
At the heart of it all, TheTarzanWay isn’t just a travel company. It’s a philosophy. Shikhar and his team constantly test bold ideas, but never at the cost of their core values.
“You can’t build something category-defining by playing it safe,” he says. “But you also can’t lose your soul chasing trends.”
And it’s that tightrope walk—between ambition and authenticity—that defines their journey.
Now Boarding: UK & Europe
With a solid foundation in India, the team is now eyeing new terrain. TheTarzanWay is set to expand into the UK and Europe, bringing its unique flavor of experiential travel to a global audience.
But they’re not just exporting a product—they’re exporting a philosophy of travel. One that prizes curiosity over checklists, and stories over selfies.
More Than a Startup—A Movement
In a startup world obsessed with valuations, Shikhar Chadha is chasing something more enduring: value. Not just for the traveler, but for the communities they touch, the creators they work with, and the country they represent.
As we wrap up our conversation, Shikhar leaves me with a thought that lingers long after.
“Some journeys start with a destination in mind,” he says. “But the best ones? They begin with a question: How deeply do you want to experience the world?”
-By Muskan Dengra
