By Ravisankar KV
India’s outbound travel sector is currently navigating one of its most challenging phases in recent years. Ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have significantly disrupted global travel sentiment, resulting in a sharp decline in international bookings. According to industry sources and leading destination management companies (DMCs), cancellation rates have surged to nearly 80%, with active business volumes dropping to just 20% of normal levels. A combination of safety concerns, soaring airfares, rising fuel costs, and supply disruptions has created a climate of uncertainty for travellers worldwide.
At such a time, when hesitation has replaced confidence, a remarkable story from Kerala is rekindling hope in global travel. A 10-member team from the state has successfully returned after visiting Oymyakon in Russia’s Sakha Republic-widely regarded as the coldest inhabited place on Earth, where temperatures have been recorded as low as –71°C. This marks a historic first for Kerala tourism.
The expedition, organised by the Oymyakon Tourism Board in association with Benny’s Royal Tours Pvt Ltd, was led by Managing Director Mr. Benny Panikkulangara, whose company is known for pioneering journeys to extreme destinations such as Antarctica and the Arctic. The team included travellers across a wide age range, with participants even up to 85 years old, underlining the extraordinary spirit behind the journey.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Ranjini from Malappuram said, “This was not just a trip-it was a test of courage. Standing in –30°C, I realised how strong the human spirit can be.” Her words capture the essence of what this expedition truly represented.
The journey began on March 24 from Kochi, with the group travelling via Dubai before entering the remote Siberian landscape. Reaching Oymyakon was no ordinary feat. The travellers navigated the historic “Road of Bones,” a route built during the Stalin era under extreme conditions, and continued on a demanding two-day overland drive along the icy Kolyma Highway in specialised vehicles. Temperatures during their stay dropped below –30°C, testing both endurance and determination.
Yet, despite the physical challenges, the emotional and cultural experiences left a lasting impact. Ms. Devi Bharathan Pullambil from Thiruvananthapuram reflected, “The warmth of the Yakut people in such extreme cold was unforgettable. It changed my perspective on life and travel.”
The team was warmly hosted by local Yakut communities, offering rare insights into a way of life shaped by extreme cold. They experienced unique traditions and cuisine, including reindeer soup, horse meat, and dairy-based foods. The expedition also coincided with the Oymyakon Winter Festival, where the group met Chyskhaan, the legendary “Lord of the Cold,” and were formally recognised for their achievement.
For Noushad Puthiyanathel from Malappuram, the journey held a deeper meaning beyond the destination. “Despite global uncertainties, this journey reminded us that the world is still open to those who dare,” he said, echoing a sentiment shared by many in the group.
The expedition also carried historical significance. Mr. Sreekumar Arippa Thali from Kannur described the journey along the “Road of Bones” as deeply moving: “The Road of Bones was both haunting and historic. It was a journey through time as much as geography.” His wife, Mrs. Beena Sreekumar, added, “As a traveller, this was the most challenging yet rewarding experience of my life.”
At a time when many are postponing travel plans, the expedition stands as a powerful statement. Mr. Abdul Nazir Odangal from Kozhikode observed, “People are cancelling trips worldwide, but this expedition proves that travel is about mindset, not just conditions.”
The spirit of exploration that drove the journey is perhaps best captured by Mr. Gopinathan Valakadavil Krishnan from Thrissur, who said, “From Kerala’s warmth to Siberia’s extremes, this journey symbolises the limitless nature of human exploration.”
The team, which also included Mr. Unnikrishnan Unnikandathil Saseendran from Alappuzha and Mr. Mohammed Ali Kachayi Mankkol from Kannur, returned to Cochin International Airport on April 1, 2026, aboard an Emirates flight from Dubai. They were received with a warm and celebratory welcome by members of Kerala’s travel and tourism fraternity, marking the expedition as a milestone in the state’s growing adventure tourism narrative.
Summing up the significance of the journey, Mr. Benny Panikkulangara noted, “In times of global uncertainty, travel becomes more than a leisure activity – it becomes a statement of resilience. This expedition to Oymyakon was not just about reaching the coldest place on Earth, but about reigniting confidence in travel. When the world hesitates, explorers move forward. That spirit is what will revive our industry.”
In a period marked by cancellations, rising costs, and geopolitical instability, this expedition sends a powerful message. Travel may slow – but it does not stop. From the tranquil backwaters of Kerala to the frozen extremes of Siberia, this journey is not merely about distance or temperature, but about resilience, courage, and the enduring human desire to explore -no matter the odds.
