The Story Hunters picks the jewels out of the Indian cultural treasure trove. Beautiful havelis & hotels give the traveller respite from the movement and energy of India.

• Delhi:
  Delhi, our starting point, the complex, throbbing seat of government and home to millions.
  
  
• Jaisalmer:
  Jaisalmer, set in the beautiful Thar Desert, its beautiful fort still standing after 700 years.
  
  
• Jodhpur:
  Jodhpur, the 'blue city' of Rajasthan, calms your eyes after the gold of Jaisalmer.
  
  
• Varanasi:
  Varanasi, the great spiritual magnet of Indians wanting to live a holy life now and secure an even holier death by being cremated on the banks of the Ganga.
  
  

Four of India's most Incredible Destinations!

Our knowledgeable and passionate guides bring deep cultural insights and unique perspectives, enriching your travel experience. They unlock hidden gems, share fascinating stories, and provide meaningful interactions, making your journey immersive and unforgettable.

• Manu Singh - Vanishing India Tour Director
  Manu is a legendary guide who hails from a small village in Rajasthan. The journey from that remote desert environment has seen him complete Masters degree in Tourism and degrees in History and Politics, acquire fluent English and French language skills, travel to every part of India and be invited as a guest speaker in Europe.

• Anub Ghatak: Translator and Travelling Minstrel
  Anub is a virtuoso musician and singer with a vast knowledge of the musical folk traditions of India. Beyond that, and why his presence on the Story Hunters is so alluring, he is our travelling minstrel, singing with Bhopa Gypsies and Manganiyar Muslims  in Rajasthan, collaborating with musicians in Varanasi. He adds a wonderful component to the Story Hunters.

• Dr. Sandip Kewale: Expert Guide
  Dr. Sandip is one of Varanasi's foremost tabla players and holds a PHD in the study of great Hindu musicians of the Holy City. He quite literally opens doors that are never opened to Westerners, doors that lead to stories of antiquity, belief and extraordinary musical possibilities.

THE STORY HUNTERS is a complex journey for intelligent travellers. How is the process of the interview conducted?

• The Process: We simply sit around in a relaxed setting as Indian people talk about their lives, their families, their traditions and their aspirations.They are gently questioned by our translators who are aware of all the sensitivities around caste and cultural protocols.
• Who are the subjects of the interviews: Our guests are people from all walks of Indian life - street sweepers, stone masons, artists, respected Sufi priests and Brahmins, academics and tuk tuk drivers as well as people from the margins of Indian society like the third gender community.
• Are our guest paid: Yes, they are paid handsomely and love being part of the process. They also join is for lunch or dinner afterwards. The translators are able to facilitate more relaxed conversations then. 
• Can we film the events: Aja is keen to explore travel with meaningful interactions. In doing so we try to avoid mobile filming which can distract and affect the enjoyment of the moment. As well as that, the people we interview are generally shy. If they are being filmed they will not be as forthcoming in their replies. For that reason we will travel with a culturally sensitive young film maker who can film the entire trip, creating wonderful memories for you and our guests, without being intrusive.
• How would you characterise the The Story Hunters experience: Beyond the fascinating narratives themselves, this is a deeply profound interaction between people from different cultures. The very act, almost a ritual, of respectful listening creates a touching and meaningful human experience.