In the world of Indian tourism, where big companies dominate
with the same old packages, one remarkable story stands out. It's the story of
NextEscaype Lifestyle Services Private Limited, founded by Dileep Katte, a
middle class man with million dollar vision who dared to think differently
about how people should travel.
The Humble Beginning in 2023
Back in 2023, NextEscaype started as just another
traditional tour operator in South India. Dileep Katte had a simple goal:
provide affordable, safe, and enjoyable travel experiences for families and
groups. The company focused on creating budget-friendly packages without
compromising on quality or safety.
From day one, quality was never negotiable. This commitment
paid off quickly when NextEscaype earned recognition through several
prestigious awards, including the South Indian Elite Brand Awards. But more
importantly, the company achieved something that many businesses struggle with
for years – the ISO 9001:2015 certification.
This international certification isn't just a piece of paper
on the wall. It means that NextEscaype follows strict quality standards in
everything they do, from planning trips to customer service. It shows customers
that they can trust the company to deliver what they promise.
The Government of India also took notice of NextEscaype's
innovative approach and officially recognized it as a startup through the
Startup India initiative, giving them certificate number DIPP219015. This
recognition opened doors and validated that the company was on the right track.
Seeing the Change Coming
While many tour operators were happy doing business as
usual, Dileep Katte was watching the travel industry carefully. He noticed
something important happening: more and more people wanted to travel alone,
especially young women. In fact, solo female travelers were growing by an
incredible 135%.
These solo travelers had different needs than groups or
families. They wanted flexibility to change their plans, personalized
experiences that matched their interests, and most importantly, they needed to
feel safe while exploring new places. Traditional tour packages, designed for
groups, just couldn't meet these needs.
The First Big Change: Multi-Operator Model
Understanding this shift, Dileep Katte made the first major
change to the business. Instead of NextEscaype trying to do everything
themselves, they started partnering with other service providers. This
multi-operator approach allowed them to offer more variety and flexibility to
their customers.
This was a smart move, but it was just the beginning. Katte
realized that even this wasn't enough to truly serve the growing solo travel
market. What was needed was something completely different – a platform that
could connect solo travelers directly with local experts and equipment
providers.
The Revolutionary Leap: NextEscaype and TripGuardian Apps
By 2024-2025, Dileep Katte's vision crystallized into
something truly innovative: two mobile apps that work together to create what
the company calls a three-tier ecosystem.
The first app, NextEscaype, is designed specifically for
solo travelers. Through this app, travelers can browse and book complete travel
packages that might include renting a motorcycle to explore mountain roads,
hiring a professional photographer to capture their adventure, or finding a
knowledgeable local guide to show them hidden gems. Everything is coordinated
through one simple, easy-to-use app.
The second app, TripGuardian, serves freelancers and
equipment owners (called Rentors). Local photographers can list their services,
bike owners can rent out their vehicles when not using them, and experienced
guides can offer their knowledge of their hometown. This creates new income
opportunities for local people while ensuring travelers get authentic,
high-quality experiences.
Testing the Future
Right now, both NextEscaype and TripGuardian are being
carefully tested in different locations across India. This testing phase is
crucial because it allows the company to make sure everything works smoothly
before launching nationwide.
Dileep Katte believes that if these apps perform well during
testing, they could completely change how people travel in India. Instead of
relying on big tour companies with standardized packages, travelers would have
direct access to personalized experiences created by passionate local people.
A Complete List of Achievements
NextEscaype's journey from 2023 to 2025 has been marked by
several important milestones:
Awards and Recognition:
- South Indian Elite Brand Awards for excellence in service
- ISO 9001:2015 certification for international quality
standards
- Startup India recognition with certificate number
DIPP219015
Business Evolution:
- Started as traditional tour operator (2023)
- Evolved to multi-operator model (2024)
- Developed revolutionary app-based ecosystem (2024-2025)
Innovation:
- Created NextEscaype app for solo travelers
- Developed TripGuardian app for freelancers and rentors
- Pioneered three-tier travel ecosystem in India
The Vision Behind It All
What makes NextEscaype's story truly inspiring is the vision
behind it. This isn't just about making money or building a successful
business. It's about creating a system where everyone benefits – travelers get
authentic experiences at fair prices, local experts can earn money from their
skills and knowledge, and equipment owners can make income from things they're
not using.
Dileep Katte's approach shows that you don't need to come
from wealth or have fancy connections to create something that changes an
entire industry. Sometimes, all you need is the ability to see what others
can't, the courage to try something new, and the determination to keep going
even when others doubt you.
Looking Ahead
As NextEscaype and TripGuardian continue their testing
phase, they represent more than just travel apps. They represent a new way of
thinking about travel – one that values authentic connections, supports local
communities, and puts the traveler's individual needs first.
The future of solo travel in India is being written right
now, and NextEscaype is holding the pen. Whether you're a solo traveler looking
for your next adventure or someone with skills and equipment to share, this
revolution invites everyone to be part of something bigger.
The journey from a simple tour operator to a game-changing
platform shows us that with vision, dedication, and a commitment to serving
others, even the smallest ideas can grow into movements that change the world.
