Youth Programmes Transforming youth through adventure, social work and conservation
About Us
Calypso or Kalypso has many meanings. But the first to strike one would be the fun, laughter and carefree life of the Caribbean Islands. It also stands for the ship Jacques-Yves Cousteau sailed for his adventures underwater and the motto of that ship in its glory days was "Il faut aller voir" ("We must go and see for ourselves"). We combined both to form Kalypso Adventures. What started as promoting adventure in Kerala, now covers the entire country – providing adventure travel to the furthermost corners of the country.
Through the years Kalypso has remained focused on special interest tours in adventure, nature travel and eco tours – all the time keeping in mind the importance of the fragile environment we work in and the lives of the local communities. Our guides are arguably the best in their chosen fields be it birding, natural history safaris or entomological expeditions.
Our love of the great outdoors and many years of experience has enabled us to develop some of the most exciting adventure and wildlife trips in India. We now offer an unrivalled selection of suggested itineraries for tours that can be taken as shown or tailor-made, all on dates to suit you.
Sam T Samuel | Managing Director
Commander Sam T Samuel - Managing Director of the company is a former pilot of the Indian Navy with over 4000 hrs of flying hours to his credit. A keen equestrian and an adventure enthusiast, he has also been a member of the Naval Sailing Association and has been actively involved in water sports activities throughout his career. He is also a qualified facilitator for Outward Bound Training courses for Corporate Executives
Thomas Zacharias | Executive Director
The Executive Director of the company, is a former Electronics Engineer of the Indian Navy. He has been an active member of the Nilgiri Angling Association and the Tahr Foundation at Munnar. He has also had vast experience in trekking and camping and has been an active volunteer member assisting the Kerala Forest & Wildlife wing in their fieldwork in Kerala.
R Madhusoodanan | Head-Training
Heads the Training Division of Kalypso and regularly conducts Training sessions for Corporates and Business Schools. An MBA in HR from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute for Management Studies and a qualified trainer, Commander Madhu commanded ships and also headed a training institution of the Indian Navy. As the Chief Public Relations Officer of Defence Forces, he has interacted with senior dignitaries and VVIPs. He is also a qualified Deep Sea Diver from US Navy.
Vishal Koshy | GM (Operations)
Vishal is the backbone of our planning & operations throughout the Indian subcontinent. Cycle rides in Rajasthan, a challenging trek along the Western Ghats or a Challenging trek in North East India- all are managed with precision and finesse, helping to earn Kalypso Adventures the coveted reputation as leader in adventure travel in India. He is a Qualified First Responder (NOLS - National Outdoor Leadership School, batch of March 2011).
Ravi | Manager (Logistics)
After a distinguished stint in the Indian Army, this veteran of Kargil is an indispensable part of the Kalypso Team. With his ‘never-say-die’ attitude, this veteran takes on jobs which would scare of lesser mortals – from setting up adventure camps across the country to working in close liaison with the local communities and tribals in the successful execution of adventure travel.
Prabin | Manager (Marketing)
Prabin, a post graduate in Commerce, began his career as an investment banker,but was quick to realise that his actual calling was to pursue his passion for the outdoors, nature & conservation. He is an avid trekker and wildlife enthusiast, dabbling in photography in his spare time. He handles the branding, corporate communication and promotional activities for the company along with the adventure and outdoor activities. He is also a certified WooFeR - Wilderness First Responder - from NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School, USA).
Vasant | Manager (Operations)
Vasant has chosen a life in the outdoor world to his previous avatar in the IT world and loving every bit of life in the hills. He is specialised in leading youth teams in expeditions through the wilderness of the Western Ghats and proven his mettle during these challenging trips. In addition, he is also an amateur naturalist and has helped the forest department as a volunteer for their wildlife census duties.
Shabeeb | Assistant Manger
Shabeeb, keen outdoor enthusiast, is the mainstay of large group cycling expeditions and trekking trips for the last 8 years. He has handled with great aplomb cycling expedition in Rajasthan, trekking in the Himalayas and in the Western Ghats. He is Qualified in St John’s Ambulance First aid.
Peter | Naturalist
Peter is a self-taught birder, who picked up the elements of birding from the numerous birders from all over the globe whom he has driven around. With a keen sense of hearing, hard work & an abiding passion for bird watching, Peter is an invaluable asset and as an invaluable asset to those seeking a birding, wildlife and culture tour of the peninsula.
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