Sometimes, the most memorable travel experiences begin with a simple feeling of reassurance.
One traveller who joined Project Connect shared that whenever she plans a trip, she prefers destinations where she already has a point of contact. As a solo traveller, knowing there is someone local she can reach out to gives her confidence and peace of mind. She told us that if she ever feels uncomfortable or unsafe in a place, she usually changes her plans and leaves rather than taking risks.
Her previous experience in Delhi had not been particularly positive, which made her even more cautious while travelling across India. Safety for solo women travellers was always at the forefront of her mind, and she was careful about where she stayed and whom she trusted.
When she discovered Project Connect by Ekatra, she felt reassured from the very beginning. There was already a local team she could connect with before arriving, ask questions to, and rely on during her visit. What stood out to her was that everything felt organised, transparent, and safe.
Another pleasant surprise was her accommodation. Through Project Connect, she stayed in a beautifully restored palace property. She shared that she had never stayed in a palace before and certainly wasn't interested in staying in random or unreliable accommodations just to save money. The experience of living in a heritage space added a special charm to her journey while still making her feel secure and comfortable.
Before arriving in Kota, her perception of the city was similar to what many people know it for India's educational hub filled with coaching institutes and students preparing for competitive exams. That was the image she had built from everything she had read online.
However, her experience through Project Connect completely changed that perception.
Instead of seeing only classrooms and coaching centres, she discovered artisan communities, local traditions, hidden cultural spaces, meaningful conversations, and stories that rarely make it into travel guides. She described Kota, Rajasthan as something entirely different from what she had imagined unique, authentic, and unlike any other place she had visited in India.
One of the aspects she appreciated most was the sense of security throughout the experience. Being hosted by a women-led travel initiative created an environment where she felt comfortable asking questions, exploring new places, and engaging with local communities without hesitation. Rather than worrying about logistics or safety, she could focus on enjoying the experience.
The team behind Project Connect became much more than guides. They introduced her to the city's culture, food, history, and people in a way that felt personal and genuine. Every interaction felt thoughtful, and every stop revealed a side of Kota she would never have discovered on her own.
She particularly enjoyed meeting artisans in their homes and workshops. Listening to their stories, understanding their craft, and seeing their work firsthand gave her a deeper appreciation of the region and its people. These were not staged tourist interactions but real conversations that created lasting memories.
What made the experience even more meaningful was the flexibility. There was no pressure to follow a rigid itinerary. The day evolved naturally around her interests, allowing her to explore at a comfortable pace and engage more deeply with the experiences that resonated with her.
For her, Project Connect was not just about visiting a new city. It was about travelling with confidence, knowing there was a trusted local network supporting her throughout the journey.
Her story reflects what Project Connect aims to create for every traveller a sense of connection, safety, and belonging. Whether someone is travelling solo, with friends, or with family, the experience offers an opportunity to discover a side of Kota that goes far beyond its reputation as an educational hub.
More than a tour, Project Connect is about showing travellers the heart of Kota through its people, culture, artisans, and communities while ensuring they feel welcomed, cared for, and secure every step of the way.