Kundu Special

Bengalis are pioneers in many fields, and those they love doing carry their indelible stamp of passion come what may. Food comes to mind first, football next, and of course traveling, not to speak of Durga Pujo that’s so close to heart.

Talking about DP, it’s still three and half months off, but planning for travel at that time has already started in right earnest. And who else but Kundu Special would take the lead in that!

Kundu Special’s booking for this year’s Pujo Special kicked off yesterday in their Central Avenue office. And like every year, this year too most of its packages were declared ‘house full’ before noon.

To be true, Kundu Special has a ‘special’ place in the minds of middle-class Bengalis. It represents a brand that is trusted by people. Once one books in a package, the company takes care of every travel need one can think of. There is no further hassle in arranging for the journey, which is why even single women, widows and divorced like it.

Kundu Special, founded by Sripati Kundu in 1933 when for the first time in India he arranged a 56-day all-India tour after reserving a full train. He thus became the pioneer of organized tourism in India.

Today the company is run by third-generation Kundus after Sripati Kundu, and the tour length has also reduced to an average of 10-12 days per package. But the flavor of the tours organized by it hasn’t changed much.

To quote from Wikipedia, here’s an account about their tourist profile:

Kundu Special reports that 99 per cent of the tourists remain Bengali, too. Their social profile remains unchanged too: they come from the middle-class and upper middle-class. Many clients have been touring with them over generations. There are also the rich who often fly and put up at star restaurants but join the group for sightseeing.

If you’re inclined to know more, do have a look at the article in Feb 11 issue of TT, Kundu Special travels in time. It’s a fascinating revelation about Bengalis’ love for traveling.