New Delhi: 'The world is a book and those who do not travel read only pages'- Saint Augustine.
These words surely must be giving you an insight of what I am about to tell here. If you love traveling and want to brew your experiences of the same on a cup of coffee then ‘Kunzum Travel Café' is one such place in New Delhi you must visit.
Located outside Hauz Khas fort, the cafe reflects the new travel culture which is alluring many these days. The place is paradise for readers, writers and of course the travelers.
As soon as one enters the café, a fresh air of creativity engulfs the veins. Walls, beautifully decorated with pictures clicked by the owner of the place, cosy chairs and really creative side tables; the entire ambience seems to give a 'creative' rush.
Not so widely known, the place is full of travelers, enthusiasts and hippies who need a place where they can get time for introspection. And Kunzum is one such perfect amalgamation of intellect, fun, creativity and vibrancy.
Ajay Jain, the owner of Kunzum Travel café had started this venture in 2009. The café, which employs six people, is a place where tourists can share travel stories, inquire about the best places to stay, get sightseeing tips, and so on. And all this happens over a cup of coffee and cookies, for which guests are allowed to pay as much as they like.
Recalling how Kunzum was born, Ajay Jain says, "Kunzum.com started as a blog in 2007 by me, named after an inspiring journey across the Kunzum La (Pass) in Lahaul Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. It started evolving into an online community on the blog and social media but we felt something was missing. What we needed was a space where those who love to travel could meet face to face. Meeting online was not quite the same thing. Hence we started the Kunzum Travel Café like a face-to-face book of travel."
The most intriguing part of this cafe is that it charges you a minimal amount and it is this 'pay-what-you-like' strategy of the owner that works in his favor the most.
Located amid costly cafes and bars, this place is also meant for those who want to make the most of their day in least possible spend-out. Despite the fact that the customer will provide money as per his or her will, the employers will still serve you the coffee with smile and treat you with all hospitality.
Sharing her Kunzum experience Mani Khanna, a corporate professional says, "It not only gives me inspiration to indulge more into reading and traveling but also motivates me to rise from the hussle bussle of a busy life going outside this place."
The place also has a useful grand collection of travel books. Apart from regular activities, it also holds workshops on photography, conversations on traveling and many other interesting things that will woo you to the core. It provides you a mental peace that is very much missing in the hustle and bustle of Delhi. Visiting this place turns out to be no less than a lifetime experience.
"There is something for everyone here," says Jain.
Rishabh Shukla, 22, says “I am not into book-reading or traveling but I am passionate about films, documentaries and photographs. When I enter Kunzum I am astonished to see beautiful photographs set on the wall. I look forward to join the Kunzum club and be part of all their activities."
The place is not just a hub of reading but they even help you planning your adventurous trips.
"We provide information to the best of our knowledge and introduce travelers to travel companies. We do not provide travel services directly but yes, help where we can. We do conduct travel events in the form of day trips, heritage walks, photo tours, visits to festivals etc. These are mostly for members of Club Kunzum,” says Ajay Jain who is a travel aficionado himself.
The unique appeal of Kunzum Café has generated corporate interest as well. Many organizations conduct their workshops and seminars in this place. There is no doubt that Hauz Khas is certainly one of the few places in Delhi where we all love to chill out but Kunzum is the soul of this place.
Now, the team is planning to expand their creative venture and their target market includes Gurgaon, Bangalore and Mumbai. Ajay's plan is sky high and he and his team hope to expand Kunzum internationally from next year, with London, Singapore, San Francisco, and Seattle on their shortlist.
This little place has so much to give you! So grab some minutes from your life, visit Kunzum Travel Café in Hauz Khas and create memories that you will cherish for lifetime.
