Starting a travel business like Shiva Travels, specializing in trips from Delhi to Shri Shirdi (Shirdi Sai Baba Temple) with a 5-day stay and good restaurant facilities, requires careful planning, legal compliance, and financial budgeting. This article provides a step-by-step guide on business registration, trademark registration, and tentative costing to help you establish your venture smoothly.
1. Business Registration for Shiva Travels
To legally operate a travel business in India, you must register your company under the appropriate legal structure. Here are the key steps:
A. Choosing the Business Structure
- Sole Proprietorship – Simple to start, but offers no liability protection.
- Partnership Firm – Suitable if you have partners; requires a partnership deed.
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – Provides liability protection with flexibility.
- Private Limited Company – Best for scalability and credibility but involves more compliance.
Recommended: LLP or Private Limited Company for better legal protection and funding opportunities.
B. Registering the Business
Step 1: Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- Required for online filings.
- Cost: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 per person.
Step 2: Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN) (If applicable)
- Needed for company directors.
- Cost: Free (if applied with SPICe+ form).
Step 3: Name Approval via SPICe+ (RUN for LLP)
- Submit proposed names (e.g., “Shiva Travels LLP” or “Shiva Travels Pvt Ltd”).
- Cost: ₹1,000 for LLP (RUN-LLP), included in SPICe+ for companies.
Step 4: Incorporation Filing
- For Private Ltd: File SPICe+ (INC-32), MOA (INC-33), AOA (INC-34).
- For LLP: File FiLLiP (Form for LLP Incorporation).
- Government Fees:
- Private Ltd: ~₹5,000 – ₹10,000 (depending on capital).
- LLP: ~₹500 – ₹2,000.
Step 5: PAN & TAN Registration
- Automatically allotted for companies/LLPs during incorporation.
Step 6: GST Registration (Mandatory for Travel Services)
- Required if annual turnover exceeds ₹20 lakhs (₹10 lakhs for special states).
- Cost: ₹0 (government fee), but professional assistance may cost ₹1,500 – ₹5,000.
Step 7: MSME/Udyam Registration (Optional but Beneficial)
- Provides subsidies and benefits.
- Cost: Free.
Step 8: Trade License (From Municipal Corporation)
- Required for local operations.
- Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 (varies by city).
Step 9: IATA Accreditation (If Booking Flights)
- Optional but adds credibility.
- Cost: ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000 (depending on type).
2. Trademark Registration for “Shiva Travels”
To protect your brand name and logo, trademark registration is essential.
Step 1: Trademark Search
- Check availability on the IP India website (https://ipindia.gov.in).
- Ensures no similar trademark exists.
Step 2: Filing the Application (Form TM-A)
- Class 39 (Travel & Tourism Services).
- Cost:
- Individual/Small Business: ₹4,500 (online).
- Large Companies: ₹9,000.
Step 3: Examination & Publication
- Takes 6–12 months for approval.
- If no objections, trademark is registered.
Step 4: Trademark Certificate
- Valid for 10 years, renewable.
3. Tentative Costing for Shiva Travels
Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs for starting and running Shiva Travels:
A. One-Time Setup Costs
| Expense | Estimated Cost (₹) |
| Business Registration (LLP/Pvt Ltd) | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 |
| GST Registration | ₹0 – ₹5,000 (if via professional) |
| Trade License | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Trademark Registration | ₹4,500 – ₹9,000 |
| Website Development | ₹15,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Initial Marketing (Brochures, Social Media Ads) | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 |
| Total One-Time Costs | ₹40,000 – ₹1,20,000 |
B. Recurring Operational Costs (Monthly)
| Expense | Estimated Cost (₹) |
| Office Rent (Small Space) | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Staff Salaries (2-3 Employees) | ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Digital Marketing (SEO, Ads) | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 |
| Vehicle Maintenance (If own fleet) | ₹15,000 – ₹30,000 |
| Miscellaneous (Utilities, etc.) | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Total Monthly Costs | ₹65,000 – ₹1,45,000 |
C. Tour Package Costing (Delhi to Shirdi – 5 Days)
| Component | Cost Per Person (₹) |
| Transportation (Bus/Train) | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 |
| Accommodation (3-star Hotel) | ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Local Sightseeing & Guide | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 |
| Miscellaneous (Pooja, Donations) | Learn More |