Penguin Random House is excited to announce the release of Solo, the debut book by Indrajeet More. This captivating story follows the adventures of a 19-year-old Maharashtrian boy who travels across India, offering a fresh and honest view of the country’s landscapes, cultures, and people. In Solo, Indrajeet shares his experiences as he explores India, learning about himself and the world around him in the process.

A New Kind of Coming-of-Age Story
At just 19, Indrajeet got the chance to host a travel show about budget backpacking, which led to a year-long adventure across 13 Indian cities. His travels included everything from getting lost in Karnataka’s forests to dancing to Naga folk music, from hunting for toddy shops in Kerala to camping in the snow-covered Himalayas. These adventures helped shape his journey, both in the world and within himself.

Solo isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about discovering who you are when you’re alone in unfamiliar surroundings. Through his travels, Indrajeet shows how travel can be both exciting and challenging, helping him grow and understand the world better.

Travel Beyond Plans and Itineraries
Solo is not your typical travel book. It goes beyond sightseeing and bucket lists. Instead, it focuses on the raw and real experiences of being on the road, including the loneliness and uncertainty that often come with it. Through personal stories and reflections, Indrajeet explores how travel can change your perspective, teach you about people, and help you find a sense of belonging in a country as diverse as India.

The book is about more than just visiting new places; it’s about embracing the unexpected and finding meaning in moments that don’t always go as planned.

Travel Light, Live Big
One of the main themes of Solo is the idea of traveling light—not just in terms of packing, but in how we approach life. Indrajeet travels with only a backpack and a camera, focusing on the simplicity of the journey rather than getting caught up in complicated plans. His experiences show that sometimes, less is more. Traveling light allows for deeper, more meaningful experiences and helps you enjoy the adventure even more.

A Colorful Picture of India
Through Indrajeet’s eyes, Solo offers a lively and authentic portrayal of India. It captures the excitement, the struggles, and the quiet moments that make traveling so special. With humor and honesty, Indrajeet paints a picture of India that is full of surprises, challenges, and rewards. It’s a story about getting lost, finding your way, and truly seeing the world.

Solo is a must-read for anyone who has ever dreamed of traveling or seeking self-discovery. Indrajeet More’s debut book is not just a travel story—it’s a reminder that the best journeys often take place within.

Solo will be available for purchase starting this March.

About Author
Indrajeet More is a Mumbai-based film-maker and illustrator who loves documenting people, languages, food and cultures. In 2021, he completed his BA in philosophy from Ramnarain Ruia College. After four years of directing food shows, travel series and sketch comedies for a Marathi content platform, he transitioned to independently creating content. His works range from films, comics and writing.

From working as a bartender at a hostel in South Goa to filming the daily life of a seventy-year-old Himachali weaver, learning tango in Auroville, painting walls in Varanasi, sharing food with fellow passengers on train journeys, pretending to work in cafes and following camel herders of the Thar desert—backpacking fuels Indrajeet’s curiosity and helps him understand people with more empathy.