THE STORY HUNTERS

A journey that listens to the voice of India through the stories of its people.

THE STORY HUNTERS

Small Group Travel : Max12-15 People
Dates : Winter – 2026

India is too extraordinary a place to rush through like a crazed tourist, clicking snapshots of the Taj Mahal. 

It demands a format that allows travellers to meet Indian people from all walks of life and to hear their stories. 

Over 2 weeks, with the help of multiple translators, the Story Hunters hears the most powerful and moving stories right from the source – Indian people.

Stories from nomadic Rajasthani Gypsies and folk dancers in Jaisalmer; from tuk tuk drivers from the crazy streets of Delhi; from Sufi Priests & Sadhus in Varanasi and NGOs working with children in Jodhpur. Armed with those narratives India will come alive with meaning and context.

These conversations are complemented with unique visits to incredible places. The ancient Jaisalmer Fort, the spectacular Thar Desert, the amazing Bada Bagh and the beautiful Gadisar Lake

Then there is the Blue City of Jodhpur viewed from Mehrangarh Fort.

Finally we arrive in the mesmerising sacred city of Varanasi. In this fabled ancient city we visit Sarnarth, the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment; we will drift down the Ganges listening to local musicians; we will visit the fascinating Old City and the mud wrestlers of the Akhara; meet sadhus and sufis.

At the end of each day you return to a beautiful, historic haveli or hotel, each with their own incredible story. 

The Story Hunters creates a different backbeat to India. It is the backbeat of real life, told by real people.

For travellers with heart, curiosity & soul!

"Story Hunters travels into India ... not just across it .. hearing stories that have never been told by people who have never been heard."

You Are The Dancer. These Are Your Moves!

YOUR PLACES

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!

YOUR PROCESS

Experience a 15 day journey through Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Varanasi, immersing in India’s rich culture, history, and spirituality.

  • The Adventure Begins: Arrive Delhi and enter into the other world of Dharampura Haveli in the Old City. The adventure begins.
  • Immerse In The Fable: Fly to the Golden City and start the immersion in the fable that is Jaisalmer.
  • A Lake In A Desert: A lake in a desert and cenotaphs of the Maharajahs.
  • Meet The Bhopa Gypsies: When you thought Jaisalmer couldn’t get any richer in culture we meet the Bhopa Gypsies.
  • A Day In Suraj Haveli: A day embedded in Suraj Haveli listening to the artisans from the Jaisalmer Fort.
  • Evening In The Thar Desert: Manganiyar Muslims, desert towns and an evening in the Thar Desert.
  • Blue City Of Jodhpur: Journey to the Blue City of Jodhpur for step wells and more blue than you thought possible.
  • Stories From Mehrangarh Fort: Stories from Mehrangarh Fort and inspiration in courage and hope at an NGO school.
  • Holiest City In India: Flights into the holiest city in India – the place where everyone wants to die – Varanasi.
  • Ancient Stories Of Sadhus: A day of ancient stories of sadhus – Akhara wrestlers – pilgrims and the Ganga.
  • Streets Of Varanasi: Walking through time and narratives in the streets of Varanasi.
  • Story Of Buddha: Stories of Tibetans and Buddha at Sarnarth.
  • Back To Delhi: Back to the old world of Delhi and a surprise visit to the haveli.
  • Visit Delhi Emporium: A time to buy beautiful stuff from an ethically sourced emporium. Last conversations and reflections on the journey?
  • Part Of You Leaves Today and part of you never will

YOUR GURUS

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.

 

  • 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.

YOUR PALACES AND HAVELIS

Maidens Hotel

Delhi, Civil Lines Area, Delhi

Gulaal Hotel

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Devi Bhawan

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Guleria Kothi

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Unique and Exceptional Accomodation Spaces!

YOUR PROCESS

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.

DETAILS

DATES & GROUP SIZE

Winter – 2026
15 Days
12 – 15 pax

The Story Hunters is a moderately active program with some walking required in Varanasi and Jaisalmer.
Apart form that, some conversations with different Indian people need guidance from participants to avoid culturally inappropriate questions. As a general rule, questions will be asked at the conclusion of sessions and at the discretion of the facilitator.

DATES & HOTEL TBA. The tour commences at the Delhi hotel on the first day of the tour at 1pm. The tour concludes at the Delhi hotel after breakfast on Sunday.

The tour starts in Delhi.

If you wish to add tours to Agra or any other Indian location you can contact Manu Singh at India Personal Tours – travel@indiapersonaltours.com

TOUR PRICE

$6,950 USD Per Person [Twin Share]
Deposit $1,500 USD Per Person [Payable upon booking]
Single Room Supplement $1,500 USD Per Person. [Payable upon booking]
Balance payable 3 months before departure.

Tour deposit is non-refundable.

– Programs accompanied by Tour Facilitator, Tour Director plus one other translator/cultural guide plus local specialist guides and cultural interactions in Jaisalmer and Varanasi.

– Accommodation on Double/Twin occupancy for 14 nights on bed & breakfast basis.
– Meals mentioned in Itinerary. 13 Lunches (Hotels / Local Restaurants) and 14 Dinners at Hotels.
– All transfers, excursion & sightseeing by using AC Deluxe Coach.
– Fully curated event that integrates tour theme into the daily itinerary.
– Conversations with Bhopa Gypsies. Maganiyar Muslim communities, selected personalities, Sufi priests, Sadhu & Akhara community, tour to Tibetan university, and all other interactions mentioned on itinerary.
– Visit to NGO in Jodhpur.
– Monuments Entrance Fees.
– House boat ride in Varanasi including musicians.
– 4 x Domestic Airfares.
– Services of agents representatives at airports.
– All currently applicable taxes including Government Service Tax.

– Alcohol.
– Laundry bills, telephone – calls, Tips, table drinks etc.
– Travel insurance, visa etc.
– Camera fees – still & video.
– Flights to and from India.
– Any other expense which is not mentioned in inclusions.

FAQs

Dr. Vishakha Sharma

What is the process of hearing stories from the different subjects on The Story Hunters?

What happens on the day of the Holi Festival?

Who are the conversations with?

Are the people paid?

What is the aim of these conversations?

Do we do other things as well on the Story Hunters event?

It must get quite emotional listening to these stories?

How would you characterise the The Story Hunters experience?

Can we film the events?

Can you arrange flights to India or Nepal?

Should I arrive early for the trip to acclimatise?

Make your virtual journey a real adventure.

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Partner Network Accreditations

Our Story

VANISHING INDIA is an imprint of Fabulous Limited, part of the market-leading Fabulous Media Private Limited group, one of the leading marketing networks. It works in association with India Personal Tours [IPT Travel Private Limited] and Explore Himalaya Travel Pvt. Ltd {Explore Himalaya Tours}, two long-standing travel companies. Bookings are made through Stripe, one of the world’s most secure payment gateway.

Legacy travel companies are working with one of India’s leading entrepreneurial entities to deliver on VANISHING INDIA’s simple objective – to revolutionise the way travel is experienced on the subcontinent.