Santhosh George Kulangara Biography: Traveler, TV Producer & Space Tourist
Santhosh George Kulangara is a name synonymous with adventure, exploration, and cultural discovery in India, especially among Malayalis. Born on December 25, 1971, in Marangattupilly, Kottayam district, Kerala, this multifaceted personality has transformed the way Indians view travel through his groundbreaking work in television and publishing.
As the founder of Safari TV and the creator of the iconic travel show Sancharam, he has inspired millions to see the world beyond their borders.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in a modest family in Kerala, Santhosh George Kulangara developed a passion for learning and exploration early on. His father, V. J. George Kulangara, founded Labour India Publications in 1993, an educational publishing house that Santhosh later took over.
This background in education laid the foundation for his unique approach to travel—not just as leisure, but as a tool for cultural and historical education.
After completing his schooling, Santhosh pursued higher education in Kerala, but his real “university” was the world itself. He began his solo travels in 1997, starting with Nepal, and has since visited over 130 countries across seven continents. His journeys emphasize deep cultural immersion, history, and social insights, setting him apart from typical tourists.
The Birth of Sancharam: Revolutionizing Travel Television
In 2001, Santhosh George Kulangara launched Sancharam, India’s first visual travelogue in Malayalam. Broadcast on Asianet, the show quickly became a hit, showcasing unfiltered glimpses of global destinations. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Ethiopia, Sancharam has aired over 1,600 episodes, making it one of the longest-running travel programs in Indian television history.
What makes Sancharam special? It’s Santhosh’s personal narration and on-camera presence. He doesn’t just visit tourist spots; he delves into local customs, cuisines, and challenges. For instance, his episodes on the former Soviet Union countries highlight the remnants of Iron Curtain life, blending history with modern-day experiences. Today, episodes are available on platforms like YouTube and the official Sancharam premium site.
Founding Safari TV: India’s Exploration Channel
Building on Sancharam’s success, Santhosh George Kulangara founded Safari TV in 2013—the first Indian channel dedicated entirely to travel, history, and exploration. As its managing director, he has expanded it into a 24/7 network featuring documentaries, adventure stories, and educational content. Safari TV has not only popularized travel among Indians but also promoted sustainable tourism and cultural exchange.
Beyond television, Santhosh serves on the Kerala State Planning Board’s tourism wing, influencing policies to boost Kerala’s travel industry. His work extends to publishing, where he heads Labour India Publications, producing educational materials for schools across India.
Achievements and Ventures Beyond Earth
Santhosh George Kulangara’s accolades are numerous. He has authored several books, including travel diaries like Baltic Diary, which won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award. In 2010, he produced and directed the science fiction film Chandrayaan, showcasing his interest in space and science.
One of his most exciting ventures is space tourism. In 2005, Santhosh booked a seat on Virgin Galactic’s suborbital flight, making him India’s first registered space tourist. Valued at around $200,000, this journey is set to take him to the edge of space, further cementing his legacy as an explorer. He often shares updates on this in interviews, inspiring young Indians to dream big.
- Countries Visited: Over 130
- Books Authored: 6+ (travel and fiction)
- Awards: Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, multiple media honors
Personal Life and Philosophy
Santhosh George Kulangara is married and keeps his family life private, focusing public attention on his professional endeavors. His philosophy? Travel is education. He believes, “Many people travel to take photos, but few understand what to see.” This mindset has influenced generations of travelers in Kerala and beyond.
For more details on his life, check out his Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santhosh_George_Kulangara or visit his official website: http://santhoshgeorge.com/
FAQs
1 . What is Santhosh George Kulangara famous for? Santhosh George Kulangara is famous for creating Sancharam, the first Malayalam travel documentary series, and founding Safari TV, India’s premier exploration channel. He has traveled to over 130 countries and is set to become India’s first space tourist.
2 . How many countries has Santhosh George Kulangara visited? As of recent records, he has visited more than 130 countries across all seven continents, documenting his journeys through Sancharam and Safari TV.
3 . What is Santhosh George Kulangara’s role in space tourism? He booked a ticket with Virgin Galactic in 2005 for a suborbital space flight, making him the first Indian to register for commercial space travel. The flight is pending but highlights his adventurous spirit.
4 . Where can I watch Sancharam episodes? Sancharam episodes are available on Safari TV, YouTube, and the premium Sancharam website. They cover diverse destinations with cultural insights.
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