The Bharatyaan: 51 Days, 20 States, 10,713 Kilometers of Discovery
“The Bharatyaan” is an extensive fun-filled travelogue that covers 51 days of a road trip around India by the author and his wife, in their SUV. This trip traversed across 20 Indian States/Union Territories clocking 10713 Kilometers. It talks about their meticulous planning, the riveting experiences they went through, the exquisite food stories, divine blessings, spiritual sojourns, deep life lessons, and finally, their lovable bond. It is an intriguing story of a typical IT employee who ultimately realized his dream.
In this exclusive interview with the author, we delve into the motivations, challenges, and profound experiences that shaped their odyssey.
What inspired you and your wife to embark on a 51-day road trip across India?
My wife and I share a deep enthusiasm for travel.
Whenever we had time, we used to travel to nearby places by car and to distant ones by flight or train. This 51-day trip, however, was something truly exceptional. As described in the book, a combination of factors—such as the COVID-19 outbreak that lead us to introspect deeply, Dr. Mithra Satheesh’s inspiring road trip and a desire to break away from the ordinary—led us to set out on this memorable road trip.
How did the choice of an SUV influence the travel experience?
Absolutely! If it weren’t for the Tata Harrier, we would have faced considerable challenges—be it road presence, comfort, or capability. The SUV proved to be our steadfast companion, offering unmatched comfort throughout the journey, and the sheer volume of luggage it accommodated was truly impressive. While maneuvering through narrow roads did test our skills, our beloved Harrier handled every twist and turn with confidence and ease.
What challenges did you face during your travels, and how did you overcome them?
With most of the places we explored being completely new to us, every leg of the journey came with its own twists and turns. But we had set our minds on making this trip happen, and that unwavering resolve kept us moving forward—no matter what came our way. What truly fuelled our adventure were two mantras we lived by: 'There’s no such thing as a challenge—only an experience,' and 'Everything happens for good.'"
In what ways did the road trip transform and deepen your relationship?
Fulfilling the dream of this road trip was deeply rewarding—but beyond the destinations and kilometers travelled, the true journey was within. Spending 51 days together, away from familiar faces and daily routines, offered us the rare gift of time—time to truly see each other, listen, understand, and grow together. Though we’ve shared 16 years of marriage in harmony—touch wood—this experience elevated our bond to a deeper, more soulful level.
If there’s one piece of wisdom we’d share with younger couples, it’s this: take a road trip together. When you strip away the noise of everyday life, what remains is your shared journey—and that’s where the real connection begins.
Which regional delicacy mentioned in the book would you most like to try, and why?
Laal Maas in Bikaner, Rajasthan—what a dish! It’s absolutely amazing, and I swear the taste sticks with you for months. Just take a bowl of hot rice, mix it with the spicy Laal Maas, and take your time chewing. The flavours and juices slowly hit your mouth and slide down to your stomach. By the time you’re done, you might even have tears of joy in your eyes. That’s how good it is!
How did these spiritual experiences influence your perspective on post travel?
Right from the beginning, we are both deeply spiritual and firmly believe that it is the Almighty who has blessed us with all that we have and all that we’ve achieved. This monumental journey could not have come to fruition without His grace. Throughout the trip, we visited numerous spiritual places, each leaving a profound impression on our hearts. We allowed ourselves to be fully present in those moments, savouring the experience without distraction. Now, having returned, we feel humbled and grateful for the opportunity to connect with these sacred spaces. Our perspective on life has since deepened: TRUST in the GOD and have FAITH. He will GUIDE you toward what is truly RIGHT.
When and how was it that you thought you should write this book?
I had the idea to write a book even before we started the trip. India is full of amazing stories just waiting to be shared, and since our journey was going to take us all over the country, I made sure to carry a journal with me. Every night before bed, I’d jot down everything that happened during the day. Just to be safe, I’d snap a photo of the pages and email them to myself in case I lose the journal. When we got back, I used that journal as my starting point—and it still took me about 15 months to finish the book.
Who do you think your target audience is? How and with what mindset should one pick this book and read?
This book is for all dreamers— especially for Parents who wish to share the magic of traveling in India with their children; for travel enthusiasts who are fond of road trips; for IT professionals ready to chase their visions without delay; for every husband and wife seeking to deepen their bond; and for young minds yearning to break free from the grip of their screens and truly discover the breathtaking beauty of India.
NOTE: Don’t rush through this book. Find a comfortable spot, read slowly, savour each day, and experience the journey with us—without carrying your backpacks!
Available on: Amazon.in | Flipkart | WFP StoreFrom the Editor's desk
Vanshika Gupta