Eighteen years ago, a dream took flight—not in a grand office or a bustling boardroom, but in the hearts of two brothers who knew what it meant to miss home. Separated by continents, connected by love, they dreamt of a world where families wouldn’t have to wait months or years to reunite. That dream became Gaura Travel—a name now etched in the hearts of the Indian Australian community, known for making travel seamless, affordable, and filled with warmth.
Today, they are more than a travel company. They are that phone call saying, “Maa, I’m coming home.” They are the teary airport hugs. They are the bridge that brings hearts back to where they belong.
The Beginning of a Purposeful Mission
In 2007, Ashwini and Abhishek—two brothers with deep roots in India—had come to Australia as students, with nothing but a dream to build a better life for themselves. However, they faced the same struggles many in the Indian diaspora know too well: expensive tickets, confusing rules, unreliable service. What they longed for wasn’t just a ticket—it was connection, comfort, and care.
That longing became a mission. From a modest home office with just two employees, Gaura Travel was born—fueled by purpose, passion, and a deeply personal understanding of their community’s needs. Word spread fast. Because when something is built with heart, people can feel it. And having once walked the same path as the people they served, Ashwini and Abhishek offered more than bookings—they offered belonging. For them, this has never been just a business. It’s a shared story. A story of longing, resilience, and the unwavering hope of staying connected to home.
Today, Gaura Travel has grown into a trusted travel partner for over 300,000 passengers. And true to its name—‘Gaura,’ meaning “Golden” in Sanskrit—their journey shines with a customer-first approach, one that continues to guide them to greater heights.
Milestones and Achievements
Every number tells a story. A story of trust built over time, of families reunited, and of promises kept.
Today, over 30,000+ people follow Gaura Travel on Facebook, staying connected to updates that bring them closer to home. Each month, 60,000+ visitors explore the website, searching for not just flights, but moments of reunion. With 12,000+ calls handled monthly, their team is always just a call away—offering guidance, comfort, and clarity.
But their connection with the Indian Australian community goes far beyond bookings and numbers. Over the years, Gaura Travel has proudly supported and sponsored various Indian cultural events across Australia, including the beloved Diwali Festival at Federation Square in Melbourne—a celebration that lights up the city and reflects the very essence of what Gaura stands for: joy, togetherness, and community.
Let’s take a heartfelt look at the milestones that have shaped their journey:
- 2010: Expanded operations by establishing an offshore office in Sydney and a customer support team in Kolkata, followed by opening an office in Adelaide.
- 2012: Set up a customer support team in Delhi and received multiple awards.
- 2016: Established a customer support team in Delhi and won the Best Travel Agent award. Achieved a cumulative milestone of 1,000,000 travel trips, serving over 100,000 passengers.
- 2020: In July, operated the first charter flight from Sydney to India, marking a significant achievement during COVID-19.
- 2021: Executed 102 charter flights, reuniting over 20,000 families amidst global travel restrictions, securing a 49% market share. Expanded presence with a new office in Mumbai.
- 2022: Celebrated the 15th anniversary by launching a new website and securing IATA accreditation, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to excellence.
- 2023: Collaborated with IADF to transport 174 passengers from Melbourne to Sydney. Partnered with Modi Airways, received the IABCA & Air India Awards, and expanded our marketing efforts.
- 2024: Introduced flexible travel options with Book Now, Pay Later, launched exciting sales like the Leap Year Super Sale, Birthday Super Sale, and Festive Super Sale, and celebrated 17 years of Gaura Travel.
A Lifeline During Challenging Times
During the darkest hours of the COVID-19 pandemic, while many gave up, Gaura Travel stepped up. Through relentless coordination and unwavering dedication, the company operated 102 charter flights, reuniting over 20,000 families — parents with children, siblings with each other, and loved ones who feared they might never meet again.
They became a symbol of hope, a trusted lifeline, and a reason to believe. This monumental effort not only showcased their operational strength, but also their deep-rooted commitment to the community.
Exclusive Offerings and Partnerships
Behind every affordable fare and every smooth booking experience lies Gaura Travel’s promise—to make journeys not just possible, but joyful.
One of the pillars of this promise is GDeals—flight deals that make flying between Australia and India easier on the heart and the wallet. With over 50,000 GDeals sold every year, these aren’t just discounts—they’re moments made easier, reunions made quicker, and memories made richer.
Such offerings are made possible through long-standing, trusted partnerships with some of the world’s leading airlines, including Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Cathay Pacific. Together, they open more doors and shorten the distance between families. Over the years, Gaura Travel has become a name people rely on—not just for competitive fares, but for peace of mind. With 24/7 multilingual customer support, flexible ticketing options, and personalized service, they’ve turned what could be a stressful process into a warm, guided experience—where someone is always just a call away, ready to help.
Real Stories. Real Emotions.
Over the years, Gaura Travel has not just been a service provider—it has been a silent part of thousands of deeply personal journeys.
“Every time I travel, I book with Gaura Travel. I’m not great at planning, so just 5–6 days before my trip, I share my requirements with them. They always come through with last-minute deals, offering cheaper options when everywhere else is pricey. All my preferences are taken care of—it’s always hassle-free.”
— A Gaura Travel Customer
For many, Gaura Travel isn’t just a go-to; it’s a habit built on comfort and trust.
“I’ve travelled with Gaura Travel for so many years. For the last 10 years, I’ve been buying tickets only from them. I’ve known Gaura Travel since 2006, and I’ve never looked elsewhere. It’s always been a very nice experience.”
These are not just reviews—they are voices of gratitude, memories of togetherness, and stories of resilience. They reflect the emotional responsibility Gaura Travel holds with every booking. Because at the heart of everything they do is one purpose: to bring people home.
A Commitment to Excellence
From humble beginnings, Gaura Travel has grown into a household name, serving over 300,000+ travelers and becoming a pioneer in travel services between Australia and India.
The road ahead is filled with heartfelt initiatives—better fares, exclusive deals, a smarter customer portal with real-time updates and personal touches, and special surprises like birthday discounts and loyalty rewards. Their 24/7 multilingual support will continue to be a constant source of care, comfort, and connection.
Reflecting on the path ahead, Founder Ashwini Sonthalia shares with quiet pride,
“Every single ticket we book is a promise—to bring someone closer to home. That’s what keeps us going.”
Because for Gaura Travel, the future isn’t just about flying—it’s about reuniting families, sharing joy, and being there for every tearful goodbye and every joyful return. And that’s a journey they’ll never stop taking.
With more than 300,000 travelers, 102 charter flights, and 18 unforgettable years, Gaura Travel continues to live by its most meaningful identity: Your Best Way Home.
To learn more or book a flight, visit gauratravel.com.au or call 1300 359 463.
