Whether it is making us fall in love with Landour or taking us through the winding roads of Mussoorie with the flip of a page, author Ruskin Bond is one of India’s most beloved travel writers. In celebration of his birthday today, we look at some of his most memorable works and dive deep into his poignant tales of hills and rains, and people and trains. By Bayar Jain
1. The Blue Umbrella
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A personal favourite, Ruskin Bond novella The Blue Umbrella traces young Binya who acquires a blue umbrella in exchange for a lucky leopard’s claw pendant, which in turn makes everyone around her envious, especially a cheekily-named shopkeeper, Ram Bharosa (literally translating to God Willing). Set in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region, this witty unconventional travel tale captures the essence of the mountain’s village life, without relying on heavy euphemisms, jargon, or complications.
2. Roads to Mussoorie
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Ruskin Bond’s fondness for Mussoorie is no secret; and his book, Roads to Mussoorie, doubles as an ode to his love. Written with an unmissable affection and nostalgia for his home, Bond uses his signature wit and humour to unravel his countless journeys to, from, and around the hill town; and reveal the daily scandals of his life at the Queen of the Hills.
3. The Great Train Journey
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The only thing better than one Ruskin Bond story is a compilation of many! The Great Train Journey—complete with 14 short tales—reignites the charm of slow travelling. Be it speeding through jungles, chugging along nondescript villages, peeking into the lives of fellow passengers or even tales of big cats seeking refuge in railway tunnels…this treasure has it all!
4. Delhi is Not Far
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Stepping away from his affection for the hills, Ruskin Bond dives deep into the small-town life of Pipalnagar in Delhi is Not Far. Often touted as the author’s most endearing novels, this gripping book paints a moving portrait of the sleepy town’s residents, each of whom wishes to ditch their mundane lives for Delhi’s thrills. An unconventional entry in travel books, this tale of ambition, love, friendship, and homecoming create optimistic imagery bow-tied by the village-life milieu.
5. All Roads Lead To Ganga
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A descriptive curation of Bond’s personal travels and experiences along river Ganga, All Roads Lead to Ganga is a travelogue unlike any other. Apart from his signature simplistic yet layered writing, the mountain-loving boy weaves in the history and intricate detailing with each page—each of which makes for a refreshing read for those caught in the chaotic cycle of urban life.
Editor’s Note: Keeping the current situation of the pandemic in mind, T+L India recommends every reader to stay safe, and take all government-regulated precautions in case travel at this time is absolutely necessary. Please follow our stories on COVID-19 for all the latest travel guidelines.
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