Kanj Saurav on seeking stories as a solo traveller in India on a budget
- Henna Shah
- 2 days ago
- 12 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Kanj Saurav, a marketer by profession and author of India in 51 Stories, is an avid traveler with a passion for exploring the remote corners of India, South East Asia, and Central Asia. For over 11 years, he has mastered the art of budget solo travel, embracing the unknown with each journey. Through his travel photography, travel journaling, and now authorship, Kanj is dedicated to preserving India’s oral folklore, capturing stories that enrich our cultural heritage for future generations.
This conversation with Kanj unravels the distinction between a true traveler and a tourist, as he seeks solace in the everyday rhythms of a place rather than the most Instagrammable spots.
Table of contents
Kanj’s early travel experiences
As a child, Kanj grew up in the small town of Bokaro in Jharkhand and often visited his grandparents in Ranchi, taking a 2.5-hour local train ride through the villages and lush forests of the region. His love for geography in school made these journeys his first true introduction to travel, sparking a curiosity about the essence of a place.
“I never had that kind of money that I would spend on taking trips in schools or during my undergrad with friends. However, it all started with my first job and I wanted to see snow for the first time. I tagged along with a friend to Shimla on a random weekend after checking the weather forecast that it will snow in Shimla as it generally does not snow there. As soon as we entered Shimla, it started snowing and that was my first ever proper trip,” says Kanj.
Kanj’s travel style
Kanj travels not for leisure or relaxation, but to learn. He is drawn to natural beauty and prefers trips that go beyond ticking items off a bucket list. Initially, he began taking shorter weekend trips to destinations within 6-8 hours from Delhi. Over time, his travels have taken him across vast terrains, but he also values exploring the historic corners of his own city. Despite living in the Delhi NCR for over 15 years, he recently unravelled Bangla Sahib in Delhi, a place he had never explored before.
“I started travelling in 2014 and internet publishing had just started in India. The intent was to know more about places, seeing the place for myself over reading about it multiple times. I never wanted to travel to gain something out of it. For me as an observer, I like to observe the advertisements at a place, the civic amenities in a city, how people are interacting with the public transport. These are not the things that writers would cover in their stories as readers are not interested in these aspects of a place. You can read or watch about the places to visit there, food to eat and even the clothes people wear at a destination. But how people interact with their environments is something you will learn about only if you are there in person. I am not fascinated with the idea of visiting a place where they show you a few points and then you interact with your own family and just come back home. That is also a good way to travel, no judgement, just that it's not for me.”
Budget travel in India
Another aspect of Kanj’s book highlights how he spends less than INR 1500 per night on accommodations during his travels. While this has evolved with his growing disposable income and a desire for basic comforts like clean washrooms, Kanj still considers himself a budget traveler by global standards. As a solo traveler, he prefers using public transport, as it allows him to make observations and interact with locals, rather than opting for a cab.
“Washrooms are generally bad in hotels whose tariffs are below INR 3,000 today. I generally prefer to go for a branded hostel even though the washrooms are shared. If it is still a challenge then I end up visiting the washrooms in nearby malls or shopping centers. I also love hitchhiking not to save money as I can afford to hire my own mode of transport, but it's more about the thrill in doing it,” says Kanj.
Kanj also does not carry any food from home and explores local delicacies from local markets and restaurants. He does not have any dietary restrictions as such and is flexible when it comes to food.
“I eat almost anything and everything and I remember that food was a challenge for me while I was in Kyrgyzstan with their hard bread that hardened further in the cold weather. I wondered how a vegetarian would manage in that country as mostly everything was imported,” says Kanj.
Kanj also advises carrying cash as a solo traveller especially if you are exploring remote areas of India. “ATMs are widespread in our country however a lot of them are non-functional. Things have definitely improved after the advent of UPI. However, I have been in multiple situations where I have run out of cash and then I have to borrow it from someone who travels with me till we get to a functioning ATM where I can repay him. I also feel carrying cash is a must while travelling to remote places including international destinations in Asia.”
Solo travel in India
“My first solo trip was to Kasol in 2014 and I stayed in a room for 150 bucks. Now that may not even be possible! I hitchhiked with a few fellow travellers and we went to Tosh which was not a popular place back then. After that, 85-90% of my trips are enjoyed solo.”
a. How safe is solo travel for women in India?
Kanj acknowledges his male privilege when it comes to solo travel in India and recognises that, for many women, the safety concerns in their own country may deter them from undertaking similar journeys. Unlike many travelers, he typically doesn't follow an itinerary, choosing destinations based on his whim, free from worry.
While solo travel for women is relatively safe in certain countries abroad, Kanj believes that in India, there are still some places where women might feel secure. He specifically recommends the Malabar belt and Varkala as destinations where solo female travelers could potentially feel safe and at ease.
Backpackers packing tips for holidays within India
“My packing is more about not packing than packing,” laughs Kanj.
Here are a few packing tips on what to carry with you on your solo travels or backpacking trips:
Raincoat and cover for the backpack
Phone charger
Cash and cards
Camera, accessories and battery
1 pair of good shoes (which are on your feet)
Few clothes and inner wear
“Within India you can simply buy the things that you need at a destination like beach slippers in Goa or sweaters and jackets in the Parvati Valley. Most of these things are affordable so you can buy it if you need it and not unnecessarily be bogged down by carrying the weight of these things in your backpack. If you stay in hostels or home stays you can even wash your clothes and re-use them instead of carrying a pair for each day. When it comes to travelling in colder terrain, I feel 3 thin layers would do a better job over a thick jacket, so we can all layer up smartly. Also the smartest investment is in a good, sturdy pair of all-season shoes that are comfortable to walk in,” advises Kanj.
Through the lens of a travel photographer
“I started off by investing in a DSLR camera and again back in the day, the aim was not to share the pictures with the world. However, I soon gave into the trend of putting them up on Facebook and then gradually on Instagram without any edits or filters. That was a time when Instagram was indeed an instant photo sharing platform and not lategram like today where images are heavily processed before being uploaded. I also eventually did some commercial projects like doing a cityscape for Grabhouse and I ended up investing in a smaller, lighter camera that was easier to manage while on the go especially as I loved capturing natural landscapes,” says Kanj.
Over the past few years, Kanj has found himself taking his camera out of his backpack less and less. The reason? Not everything needs to be documented. He believes that once the camera is out, everything becomes a subject, and people’s behavior around you shifts. Constantly focusing on creating content can overshadow the true exploratory essence of travel.
Kanj’s journey from travel journaling to self publishing
Kanj never set out with the intention of publishing a book. Instead, he kept a journal documenting his travels—detailing the places he visited, his interactions with locals, and his state of mind at the time. It was more about capturing his personal journey and reliving those experiences, rather than sharing them with the world.
“I started sharing snippets of my journal on Instagram stories in 2017, creating a digital archive of my travels. I also began writing blogs on Tripoto to document how to visit certain places, mostly for myself, to remember the trips. I honestly didn’t know who would be interested in reading what I had to share,” says Kanj.
“The final push came from my family. Many of my family members had written books, though not for commercial purposes, and that gave me the motivation to write and publish my own work—to have something to call my own.”
Kanj wanted to capture the places he visited in their rawest forms, showing them as they truly were, rather than the overhyped, glossy versions seen on social media. This desire led him to embark on the self-publishing journey.
“I explored several publishing options after releasing a digital version on Amazon. Ultimately, I chose Notionpress for the physical copy of my book. They charged only for printing which was less than getting it printed offline. . These copies were more for personal use than for any marketing campaign. The book features high-resolution images that I have captured myself, which increased the price to INR 1,000 per copy—higher than the typical INR 300 price point for a book in India,”
Kanj shares, humorously suggesting that his book is best suited as a coffee table book, justifying its price point.
Kanj’s top holiday recommendations within India
Kashmir – Though it may seem cliché, Kanj fell in love with Kashmir’s breathtaking natural beauty and its rich cultural fabric, which has thrived for centuries.
Malvan – Located just north of Goa, Malvan offers everything Goa does, minus the crowds, making it a serene alternative for those seeking tranquility.
Meghalaya – Part of the pristine northeastern region of India, Meghalaya is a state painted in hues of blue from its stunning water bodies, despite being situated at a high elevation and far from the sea.
Varkala – Known for being the only cliff-facing beach in India, Varkala is remarkably safe for solo travelers, including women, with the Malabar belt renowned for its safety. It’s also an ideal destination for a backpacking trip in South India.
Jaisalmer and Bikaner – For foreigners wanting to delve deeper into Indian culture, Kanj recommends these two cities in Rajasthan, which offer a richer cultural experience than the often-clichéd Delhi-Jaipur-Agra circuit.
Hampi - Being mesmerised by its history and culture, Kanj recommends Hampi especially because of its high backpacker friendly quotient.
Hiking in the Himalayas - Kanj highly recommends a hike between the Kullu & Shimla belt in Himachal, around Tirthan, for surreal vistas, decent facilities however not overly commercialised.
Part of Kanj’s travel bucket list in India
North Kerala – A part of Kanj’s future travel bucket list, he is eager to experience the region’s beauty and witness a Thaiyyam performance firsthand.
North Sikkim – Kanj is also drawn to some of the highest, untouched elevations in the Himalayas, particularly the towns of Lachen and Lachung, which remain relatively unexplored by many.
Lakshadweep & the Andamans – Instead of taking a cruise, Kanj plans to spend quality time on these remote islands in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Though he’s previously explored international island destinations, he now prioritizes these Indian gems for his next tropical escape.
Aurangabad & Indore – Kanj is keen on taking weekend trips to these two cultural hubs in Central India to delve into their rich history, ancient monuments, and vibrant food cultures.
Breaking the ice with locals
Kanj firmly believes that interacting with locals is easier in smaller towns and villages of India than in the bustling, densely populated cities. People in rural areas often have little concept of personal space due to limited exposure, and their slower-paced lives contrast with the fast-paced lives of their urban counterparts. This relaxed rhythm contributes to their openness and willingness to engage with strangers.
“Keep your camera or phone away to make a genuine connection with the locals as these devices make them feel guarded. For me, I generally do not go around inquiring but I let people connect with me. The whole idea is to be a part of the space and not make them feel like you are just here to click pictures and will go away soon, almost treating them as fodder for your content,” advises Kanj.
Memorable local interactions captured in India in 51 stories
“I had come across an apple vendor in Tosh and I approached him asking if I could get an apple. And the guy took me to his orchard where he had three trees full of ripe fruits which were for his family to enjoy and not for sale. He took me there and offered me to pluck apples from one of those trees,” reminisces Kanj with a renewed self assurance that the world indeed is not a bad place after all.
During another journey in the small town of Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh, which isn't frequented by many tourists, Kanj's path crossed with that of a farmer-professor. This man, with a degree in Agriculture, shared his hope that his son would follow in his footsteps to help their family farm flourish. It’s these kinds of local interactions that Kanj has captured in his book, India in 51 Stories. While they may not be the typical attractions for tourists, they undoubtedly resonate with the true traveler.
“I lost my way in Kashmir once and there was a guy who knew that as I waited for a bus. He did not know how to help me as he was ignorant of the bus timings but he offered to stay with me and talk to me as I waited for the bus to come. That was his idea of hospitality,” beamed Kanj.
During a homestay in Boondi, Rajasthan, Kanj asked for three chapatis from his host. His host brought two chapatis along with a greasy, spicy sabzi, followed by two more chapatis. Initially perplexed, Kanj soon realised the cultural reasoning behind this. Offering rotis in denominations of one or three would be considered inadequate or carry cultural taboos. A higher number would mean the rotis wouldn’t be served piping hot from the stove, so the convenient and culturally respectful offering was always in twos.
“One time I visited the Sambar Lake in Rajasthan along with a friend, where a temple overlooked a pond. The salt content in the pond was high and there was no sign of any life in it. Not to mention, it also looked filthy and contaminated. An elderly woman who seemed to be in her 80s filled water from this pond. She then approached us and took us around the whole temple. She mentioned that her ancestors had built the temple by the pond whose waters were believed to be holy. The woman then requested us to drink the sacred water that she had brought from the pond. While my friend and I looked at each other in disgust, we drank the water out of respect for the woman and her sentiments,” laughed Kanj.
Last word: Solo travel as a transformative experience
Kanj recalls living in metro cities, we often lose sight of kindness as a genuine human experience, as people rarely go out of their way to help unless there’s something to gain. We tend to equate a specific lifestyle with success and happiness, overlooking those who choose different paths. In smaller towns, however, you encounter individuals who often lead simpler lives, yet they seem far happier. These encounters challenge our perceptions and help broaden our horizons.
Travelling solo is another ball game in itself. “For all aspiring solo travellers, the first step is to overcome the initial inertia by focussing on your motivations to travel solo. I get travel anxiety till date even after travelling extensively, I am also anxious as a solo traveller before each trip if I may end up getting bored. However, if you are just starting out, do have an itinerary outlined to make you look forward to the trip and to give you a sense of certainty to beat travel anxiety. But once you hit the road and just get started, it all changes within you. You can opt for hostels as a solo traveller which is lighter on the pocket and you also meet other solo travellers with whom you could form interest-based groups for certain activities to break the boredom of being by yourself for the whole trip. I have been introduced to newer ways of travelling as I met new people along my journeys and that for me has been truly transformative,” Kanj said as we wrapped up our conversation.
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