Cultural Explorer on a Journey to Connect Through Stories

Hi! I’m Kaynat—a passionate traveler, author, photographer, and storyteller who loves bringing cultures to life through words and images. Travel, for me, is about people and traditions, not just destinations.

In 2012, I founded Rahagiri, India’s first Hindi travel photography blog, to inspire people to explore the world in their own language. Since then, I’ve covered more than 300,000 kilometers, capturing landscapes, festivals, and heritage across India and beyond.

One of my proudest milestones was my solo photo exhibition, “Colors of India,” which showcased the country’s vibrant soul—its traditions, crafts, and cultural treasures.

I’ve authored 13 books, written countless articles, and spent over a decade working as a researcher at top institutions like Shiv Nadar University and UPES. Currently, I’m a Distinguished Fellow at the Viksit Bharat Fellowship 2025, working on a coffee table book documenting India’s heritage.

Along the way, I’ve been a three-time Fellow at IGNCA, led the Bougainvillea Art Foundation, and served as a photography expert for the Reserve Bank of India’s Local Art Committee.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Why I’m on Couchsurfing
Because travel is about people! Couchsurfing is the perfect way to connect with locals, share stories, and experience authentic cultures. I love cultural exchange—learning something new and sharing what I know.

Interests
Traveling to offbeat places

Photography & visual storytelling

Cultural heritage and traditions

Exploring local cuisines

Writing and blogging

Interests

I love traveling, I love exploration.I have traveled in India around 56,000 kms and covered 16 estates.I want to visit whole India & rest of the world. I love meeting people from different culture, community & countries. Friends let me make it very clear to u all that I'm a serious traveller. If u r looking for dating, asking phone Numbers for watsapp chat n all, I'm not the right one for the same. So stay away!!!

• photography
• reading
• long-term travel
• budget travel
• last minute travel
• travel

Music, Movies, and Books

Indian Bollywood music
Indian Bollywood movies
Indian literature

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Become a solo traveler

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: Photography tricks, Hindi phrases, and Indian cultural insights

Learn: Local customs, hidden gems, and authentic recipes

Share: Stories from my journeys, photography ideas, and good conversations

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can help in the kitchen, and I can share my travel experiences.

I can teach photography

Great company and cultural exchange

A mini photo session if you’d like

Stories, laughter, and positive vibes

Countries I’ve Visited

France, Netherlands, Sweden

Countries I’ve Lived In

India