INTRO TO BOOK IN WORDS OF THE AUTHOR, AJAY JAIN
I travelled. For over a decade. Met people. Strangers. Each different. And yet not so much so. They all share an identity. They are Indians.

This book is a portrait. And a reflection.

MORE ABOUT THE BOOK
INDIANS is a collection of portraits – all in black and white. Set as a coffee table book, it is printed at one of the finest presses using high quality paper and printing processes. The size is a very handy 8”x10” with a hard cover and lay flat binding for easy browsing. 

The version here is the digital one. Want to order the printed one? Contact us at +91.9650702777 / ajay@ajayjain.com.

A NOTE ON WHAT WENT INTO THE CREATION OF THE BOOK
Ajay Jain has been road tripping across India since 2007. He has learnt that the best way to know the country is by road – because much of what India is has not been documented in any guides. There is a surprise and a delight waiting at every milestone.

The book is a compilation of just some of the portraits he shot over 10 years, driving 100,000+ kms in the process. He takes his car from Delhi and goes as far as the road allows. His biggest journey was the Great Himalayan Drive – he covered the entire span of the mountains by road including Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Nepal, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. He had to take a U-turn at Kibithu, the easternmost motorable point in India on the Chinese border.

Other big journeys included the one from North to South covering Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Kerala.

The collection of these portraits would not have been possible had he not explored the way he did – and there could not have been a faster way to achieve this goal.

Konyaks were feared as (human) head hunters – a warrior’s status in society was determined by the numbers of heads he could flaunt. But it was never a sport – combat was only in battle or to avenge the killing of any fellow villagers and relatives. The heads of slain enemies were brought back as trophies. Of course, things have changed now. Join the Konyaks in the celebration of the annual Aoling Festival and get to know them better in the e-book.

Kunzum Route K17: MADHYA PRADESH - An Incredible Platter to Choose From Madhya Pradesh lies in the centre of India, but many a traveller gives it a miss while criss-crossing the country. Their loss. Few regions in the world offer as incredible an offering as MP. History, culture, wildlife, landscapes, tribal settlements, water bodies, forests, birds, food – to be found within a few hours of one another. What adds to the joy are the roads. The state has a well developed network of quality roads in most places for a smooth drive. MP also boasts of a good transport infrastructure - air, rail and road - as well as hotels to suit all budgets and travel preferences. The flexibility and options allow you to design an itinerary of your choice. Of course, travelers must handle MP with care. The flora and fauna of its forests are under constant threat from human development, greed and callousness. The tribals and other traditional communities need to be treated with respect. And we all know how fragile historical remains are. It is for all stakeholders to ensure tourism is sustainable. And while you are doing your bit, hit the road on Kunzum Route K17. The route here does not cover everything on offer for the traveller - but we will update the same every time we visit the state. Happy driving.

The Kunzum Travel Mag is now in a new avatar - it is both a print and digital magazine. Download the PDF version of the same. If interested in the print version, you may contact us at wetravel@kunzum.com.

Check out the August 15, 2013 edition of the Kunzum Magazine - and join us in our travels through images and stories. This edition has a special focus on Portraits of Young Indians. We also cover music, books, films, apps, tech and more for travellers. Download the edition and enjoy. Don't miss any forthcoming issues - out on the 1st and 15th of every month. For more, visit http://kunzum.com/mag.

The new year starts with a new look Kunzum Travel Magazine. Travel with us to Israel for yoga in the desert. Visit seven places in India if you are seeking inspiration to write. Figure how women drop everything to travel. Check into two great hotels - the Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur and the Baghvan by Taj Safaris at Pench National Park. And there are gadgets for travellers - the iPhone 6, Blackberry Passport, the new Kindle and more. With a few books thrown in for good measure. We travel. What do you do?

The Kunzum Magazine is a fortnightly for those who loves the idea of travel. We not only cover travel features, but also stuff useful to travellers: technology, books, music, films, apps and more.

The monthly travel magazine from Kunzum.

Go to Aurangabad even before you visit Agra Astounding! This is the only expression I can think of to describe the caves at Ajanta and Ellora around Aurangabad in Maharashtra. These could only have been the works of those with special skills, an extraordinary sense of art and possibly some supernatural powers. The Taj Mahal should gracefully admit it is not the greatest monument built in India. Get set to be overwhelmed when you tour the caves of Ajanta and Ellora. What you get here is just a peek; even a tome cannot do justice to these wonders. While you are there, don’t miss out on Bibi ka Makbara, often referred to as the Taj of Deccan and the Daulatabad Fort nearby. And visit the Caves of Aurangabad, modest in scale compared to Ajanta and Ellora but impressive in their own right. * Download the e-book on Ajanta & Ellora to know more. * ** For the complete collection of books and e-books by Kunzum, visit http://kunzum.com/books. Contact us at wetravel@kunzum.com.**

Go to Aurangabad even before you visit Agra Astounding! This is the only expression I can think of to describe the caves at Ajanta and Ellora around Aurangabad in Maharashtra. These could only have been the works of those with special skills, an extraordinary sense of art and possibly some supernatural powers. The Taj Mahal should gracefully admit it is not the greatest monument built in India. Get set to be overwhelmed when you tour the caves of Ajanta and Ellora. What you get here is just a peek; even a tome cannot do justice to these wonders. While you are there, don’t miss out on Bibi ka Makbara, often referred to as the Taj of Deccan and the Daulatabad Fort nearby. And visit the Caves of Aurangabad, modest in scale compared to Ajanta and Ellora but impressive in their own right. * Download the e-book on Ajanta & Ellora to know more. * ** For the complete collection of books and e-books by Kunzum, visit http://kunzum.com/books. Contact us at wetravel@kunzum.com.**

An enchanting camel fair and lots more Think of camel fairs, and chances are you will head to Pushkar in Rajasthan. But hold on to your horses (or camels) for a moment: consider Bikaner, with its smaller yet far more enchanting version. And that is only one of the reasons why you need to be in this desert city. What awaits are history, landscapes, natural attractions, bazaars, culture, people, food and more. * Download the e-book on Bikaner to know more. * ** For the complete collection of books and e-books by Kunzum, visit http://kunzum.com/books. You may contact wetravel@kunzum.com if there are any issues **

An enchanting camel fair and lots more Think of camel fairs, and chances are you will head to Pushkar in Rajasthan. But hold on to your horses (or camels) for a moment: consider Bikaner, with its smaller yet far more enchanting version. And that is only one of the reasons why you need to be in this desert city. What awaits are history, landscapes, natural attractions, bazaars, culture, people, food and more. * Download the e-book on Bikaner to know more. * ** For the complete collection of books and e-books by Kunzum, visit http://kunzum.com/books. You may contact wetravel@kunzum.com if there are any issues **

When you stand at Dholavira or Lothal in Gujarat in India, you realize people existed at least 5,000 years ago. On the very spot where you see the remains of what may have been very vibrant and rich cities in the 3rd Millennium B.C. Don’t let your imagination wander too much though, it can cause vertigo. These are amongst the largest and most prominent archaeological sites in India belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. Other important urban centres included Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Ganeriwala, Rakhigarhi, Kalibangan and Rupar. * Download the e-book on Dholavira and Lothal to know more. * ** For the complete collection of books and e-books by Kunzum, visit http://kunzum.com/books. Contact us at wetravel@kunzum.com.**

Start driving from Bhuj and you will cover a highly fascinating route - giving you glimpses of the history, geographical features, culture and food of Gujarat in India. All in and around the Great Rann of Kutch, with no beginning and no end. Attractions include Narayan Sarovar, Koteshwar, Lakhpat Fort, Kala Dungar, Hodka – all in the midst of the vast saline plains of the Great Rann of Kutch. * Download the e-book on The Great Rann to know more. * ** For the complete collection of books and e-books by Kunzum, visit http://kunzum.com/books. Contact us at wetravel@kunzum.com.**

Jaisalmer in Rajasthan in India is a city that has always lived in a fort - and continues to do so even today. It is tough to distinguish between the historical and the present in the 12th century fort - time lies intertwined here. Within the milieu / ramparts of the fort are beautiful Jain temples, old havelis or mansions, a palace museum, restaurants, traditional eateries, hotels and shops. Jaisalmer has much more to offer though. Check out the beautiful Havelis (mansions) built by rich businessmen, the Vyas Chhatris (cenotaph of Sage Vyas) and the Gadsisar Lake. Drive to Kuldhara, home to the Paliwal Brahmins, a rich business and agricultural community since 1291 A.D. till suddenly, on a night in 1825, all the residents of Kuldhara and the 83 nearby villages vanished into the dark. Visit the Sam Dunes for stunning sunsets. And in between all this, treat yourself to sumptuous Rajasthani cuisines. If you still need a high after all this, visit Doctor Bhaang for his concoctions using leaves and buds of the female cannabis plant. * Download the e-book on Jaisalmer to know more. * ** For the complete collection of books and e-books by Kunzum, visit http://kunzum.com/books. You may contact wetravel@kunzum.com if there are any issues **

Jaisalmer in Rajasthan in India is a city that has always lived in a fort - and continues to do so even today. It is tough to distinguish between the historical and the present in the 12th century fort - time lies intertwined here. Within the milieu / ramparts of the fort are beautiful Jain temples, old havelis or mansions, a palace museum, restaurants, traditional eateries, hotels and shops. Jaisalmer has much more to offer though. Check out the beautiful Havelis (mansions) built by rich businessmen, the Vyas Chhatris (cenotaph of Sage Vyas) and the Gadsisar Lake. Drive to Kuldhara, home to the Paliwal Brahmins, a rich business and agricultural community since 1291 A.D. till suddenly, on a night in 1825, all the residents of Kuldhara and the 83 nearby villages vanished into the dark. Visit the Sam Dunes for stunning sunsets. And in between all this, treat yourself to sumptuous Rajasthani cuisines. If you still need a high after all this, visit Doctor Bhaang for his concoctions using leaves and buds of the female cannabis plant. * Download the e-book on Jaisalmer to know more. * ** For the complete collection of books and e-books by Kunzum, visit http://kunzum.com/books. You may contact wetravel@kunzum.com if there are any issues **

Food, Bazaars, History - It All Happens Here You go to Jodhpur to savour the famed mirchi vada. And the samosas, bread pakoras, badi pyaza ki kachoris, mogar ki kachoris – topped with sweets and buttermilk. It does not get better than this. And in between mouthfuls, treat yourself to all else that is wonderful in this city. Jodhpur’s bazaars are endless - you can lose yourself for hours in their labyrinthine streets. Choose from glass bangles, Jodhpuri Jutis (shoes), handicrafts, local dresses and antiques including locks and more. If in a mood for history, visit the Jaswant Thada (built in the memory of Jodhpur’s King Jaswant Singh II in 1899) and the Mehrangarh Fort; the latter literally looks down upon the blue city. * Download the e-book on Jodhpur to know more. * ** For the complete collection of books and e-books by Kunzum, visit http://kunzum.com/books. You may contact wetravel@kunzum.com if there are any issues **

Food, Bazaars, History - It All Happens Here You go to Jodhpur to savour the famed mirchi vada. And the samosas, bread pakoras, badi pyaza ki kachoris, mogar ki kachoris – topped with sweets and buttermilk. It does not get better than this. And in between mouthfuls, treat yourself to all else that is wonderful in this city. Jodhpur’s bazaars are endless - you can lose yourself for hours in their labyrinthine streets. Choose from glass bangles, Jodhpuri Jutis (shoes), handicrafts, local dresses and antiques including locks and more. If in a mood for history, visit the Jaswant Thada (built in the memory of Jodhpur’s King Jaswant Singh II in 1899) and the Mehrangarh Fort; the latter literally looks down upon the blue city. * Download the e-book on Jodhpur to know more. * ** For the complete collection of books and e-books by Kunzum, visit http://kunzum.com/books. You may contact wetravel@kunzum.com if there are any issues **

Is Kaziranga the best national park in India? Most wildlife enthusiasts would answer with a resounding yes. The reserve is no less than a carnival of animals and birds living amidst forests, tall grasses, reeds, marshes and shallow pools. It was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. And while you are there, don’t miss out on a visit to the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary near Jorhat in Assam. Home to the Hoolock Gibbons, you will not find these apes anywhere else in the country. Some animals in Kaziranga One-Horned Rhinoceros, Asiatic Wild Buffalo, Elephant, Swamp Deer, Hog Deer, Sloth Bear, Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cats, Otters, Wild Boar, Pythons, Monitor Lizards. Some birds in Kaziranga Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Pallas's Fish Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Himalayan Griffon. Huge numbers of migratory birds descend on the park’s lakes and marshy areas during winters including Greylag Goose, Bar-Headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Falcated Duck, Red-crested Pochard and Northern Shoveller. * Download the e-book on Kaziranga to know more. * ** For the complete collection of books and e-books by Kunzum, visit http://kunzum.com/books. Contact us at wetravel@kunzum.com.**

Is Kaziranga the best national park in India? Most wildlife enthusiasts would answer with a resounding yes. The reserve is no less than a carnival of animals and birds living amidst forests, tall grasses, reeds, marshes and shallow pools. It was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. And while you are there, don’t miss out on a visit to the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary near Jorhat in Assam. Home to the Hoolock Gibbons, you will not find these apes anywhere else in the country. Some animals in Kaziranga One-Horned Rhinoceros, Asiatic Wild Buffalo, Elephant, Swamp Deer, Hog Deer, Sloth Bear, Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cats, Otters, Wild Boar, Pythons, Monitor Lizards. Some birds in Kaziranga Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Pallas's Fish Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Himalayan Griffon. Huge numbers of migratory birds descend on the park’s lakes and marshy areas during winters including Greylag Goose, Bar-Headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Falcated Duck, Red-crested Pochard and Northern Shoveller. * Download the e-book on Kaziranga to know more. * ** For the complete collection of books and e-books by Kunzum, visit http://kunzum.com/books. Contact us at wetravel@kunzum.com.**

A queen’s stepwell, and a saree meant for one If you didn’t know any better, you would drive by the dusty town of Patan in Gujarat and miss fascinating nuggets of history and culture going back centuries. This is where you can get the last authentic versions of the famed Patola saree, the Salvis being the only family making it. Delivery time can stretch to five years!! Patan is also where tou will find the Rani ki Vav, one of the most exquisite of stepwells. Who could have thought of making such an effort for a water reservoir? And close by is another hidden gem: the Sun Temple in Modhera. Don’t miss these when in Gujarat. * Download the e-book on Patan to know more. * ** For the complete collection of books and e-books by Kunzum, visit http://kunzum.com/books. Contact us at wetravel@kunzum.com.**

A True Wonder of this World If you are in Thailand, you could choose to skip any attraction but not the ancient city of Ayutthaya. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, fully deserving of its status, it was the Thai capital for 417 years. Located 76 kms (48 miles) north of Bangkok, it is accessible by road, train and even on a boat on the Chao Phraya river. The city itself is an open-air museum of art and architecture. Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong when the Thais were forced southwards by their not-so-friendly northern neighbours, Ayutthaya was the seat of power for 33 kings and several dynasties before it was sacked by the Burmese in 1767, leaving the city ruined and abandoned. It has since then been rediscovered, and is now a bustling town where the modern and ancient blend well. The city is dotted with structures going back centuries, and all marvels. If you are in Thailand, Ayutthaya is not to be missed. Join us in the re-discovery of the lost city.

A True Wonder of this World If you are in Thailand, you could choose to skip any attraction but not the ancient city of Ayutthaya. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, fully deserving of its status, it was the Thai capital for 417 years. Located 76 kms (48 miles) north of Bangkok, it is accessible by road, train and even on a boat on the Chao Phraya river. The city itself is an open-air museum of art and architecture. Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong when the Thais were forced southwards by their not-so-friendly northern neighbours, Ayutthaya was the seat of power for 33 kings and several dynasties before it was sacked by the Burmese in 1767, leaving the city ruined and abandoned. It has since then been rediscovered, and is now a bustling town where the modern and ancient blend well. The city is dotted with structures going back centuries, and all marvels. If you are in Thailand, Ayutthaya is not to be missed. Join us in the re-discovery of the lost city.

Shekhawati is literally one big open air museum. Add colour, food and bazaars to it and you have a holiday destination for all. Bonus comes in the form of great places to stay and, if you ask the right people, an opportunity to buy genuinely old artifacts and artistic items of household use. You could even buy an old haveli and own some historical real estate for yourself. Shekhawati is a region comprising many towns and villages, not easy to keep track of. It fell on an important trading route in the past. If you see the dry arid landscape of Shekhawati, and commerce limited to small time trading and subsistence agriculture, the once-opulent havelis or mansions built by the Marwari trading class seem out of place. But these are the main attraction for visitors, with their artistic frescos and intricate carvings. * Download the e-book on Shekhawati to know more. * ** For the complete collection of books and e-books by Kunzum, visit http://kunzum.com/books. You may contact wetravel@kunzum.com if there are any issues **

Shekhawati is literally one big open air museum. Add colour, food and bazaars to it and you have a holiday destination for all. Bonus comes in the form of great places to stay and, if you ask the right people, an opportunity to buy genuinely old artifacts and artistic items of household use. You could even buy an old haveli and own some historical real estate for yourself. Shekhawati is a region comprising many towns and villages, not easy to keep track of. It fell on an important trading route in the past. If you see the dry arid landscape of Shekhawati, and commerce limited to small time trading and subsistence agriculture, the once-opulent havelis or mansions built by the Marwari trading class seem out of place. But these are the main attraction for visitors, with their artistic frescos and intricate carvings. * Download the e-book on Shekhawati to know more. * ** For the complete collection of books and e-books by Kunzum, visit http://kunzum.com/books. You may contact wetravel@kunzum.com if there are any issues **

What do you do when you see miles of unbroken surface of dark silt, all bare and without a sign of life? You will no doubt be tempted to step on the gas in your SUV, hoping to catch the horizon. Do so by all means, kick mountains of dust with your tyres, and feel the thrill of driving in the Little Rann of Kutch - just mind the wildlife though! The Little Rann is a saline desert, and believed to have been a shallow sea at one time. It can be considered a large ecotone, a transitional area between marine and terrestrial ecosystems, stretching across 4,953 sq. kms (1,935 sq. miles). Dry for most part of the year, it gets inundated with water during the monsoons - the only land forms visible at this time are about 74 elevated plateaus or islands, locally called 'bets.' The area may look arid and forbidding but, surprisingly, it is home to many species of animals and birds, and rich in its unique flora. * Download the e-book on The Little Rann to know more. * ** For the complete collection of books and e-books by Kunzum, visit http://kunzum.com/books. Contact us at wetravel@kunzum.com.**

As far as sanctuaries go, Velavadar in Gujarat is the sweetest one. It is home to Blackbucks, beautiful members of the deer family. Velavadar has the highest concentration of the endangered Blackbuck anywhere. The open grasslands of Velavadar suit the Blackbucks just fine. The reserve has no predators like tigers and lions - leaving the animals largely free from danger. Romance blooms, and the population increases. After Blackbucks, the highest population in Velavadar is of Indian Antelopes, known as Nilgai or Blue Bull. You can also expect to see Wild Boars, Hyenas, Wolves, Jungle Cats and many other species of animals and birds. Off the tourist circuit, visitors can enjoy the sights with minimal disturbance. * Download the e-book on Velavadar to know more. * ** For the complete collection of books and e-books by Kunzum, visit http://kunzum.com/books. Contact us at wetravel@kunzum.com.**

The April - May 2015 edition of PhotoTalkies, published by Kunzum and ZEISS camera lenses. To celebrate photo stories.

April edition of PhotoTalkies.

The August edition of PhotoTalkies is out. A monthly magazine published by Kunzum.com and ZEISS Camera lenses, it is all about celebrating photo stories.

PhotoTalkies a monthly e-magazine and is all about celebrating photography, and telling stories through images. In a joint venture between ZEISS and Kunzum. Enjoy the February 2014 edition of the same. And keep coming back for more.

The February 2015 edition of PhotoTalkies, published by Kunzum and ZEISS camera lenses. To celebrate photo stories.

Enjoy the January 2015 edition of PhotoTalkies.

PhotoTalkies - the monthly digital magazine full of photo stories and photography tips. Enjoy.

The June 2014 issue of PhotoTalkies

PhotoTalkies a monthly e-magazine and is all about celebrating photography, and telling stories through images. In a joint venture between ZEISS and Kunzum. Enjoy the March 2014 edition of the same. And keep coming back for more.

PhotoTalkies a monthly e-magazine and is all about celebrating photography, and telling stories through images. In a joint venture between ZEISS and Kunzum. Enjoy the March 2015 edition of the same. And keep coming back for more.

PhotoTalkies a monthly e-magazine and is all about celebrating photography, and telling stories through images. In a joint venture between ZEISS and Kunzum. Enjoy the May 2014 edition of the same. And keep coming back for more.

PhotoTalkies is a FREE monthly e-mag, brought to you in partnership between ZEISS and Kunzum. The e-mag is all about celebrating photography, bringing you stories from a different point of view. Download the current and back issues from the links below - we would love to hear your feedback and also have you share your photo stories with us. Contact us at wetravel@kunzum.com anytime. Let's click together.

PhotoTalkies is a monthly magazine celebrating photo stories including news, tips etc. It is published jointly by Kunzum and ZEISS camera lenses. Enjoy the October 2014 edition of the magazine.

PhotoTalkies is all about celebrating photo stories. Enjoy the September 2014 issue.

Welcome to the world of photography and photo stories in the December 2014 edition of PhotoTalkies e-mag.

If your job is to market travel, then you cannot ignore bloggers and other digital influencers. They are the new friends and family who travellers reach out to when making purchase decisions. The former can literally dictate market trends, and can cause major swings in customer preferences. 

 

But engaging with them is as much an art as a skill; it will test your understanding of how communication works. You will need to go back to the drawing board, unlearn some of your past knowledge and pick new, redefine your strategies and tactics and arm yourself with a new toolkit. 

 

Time to embark on a new journey - big rewards await if you find your way to your destination.