What do you think?
Rate this book
The Very Best of Ruskin Bond’s Travel Writing
‘I have discovered their secret. Now I know why they look so cool, so refreshed, while we who walk the streets of Old Delhi do so with parched mouths and drooping limbs. The pigeons are the only ones who still know about the Red Well.’
From retellings of comical mishaps to attempts to put words to moments of profound appreciation for the world, travel always leaves one with stories to share. Even reading or listening to these stories can make one vicariously experience the charm of these moments, but in the hands of master storytellers, they take on a life, a magic of their own.
The Very Best of Ruskin Bond’s Travel Writing brings together the finest of the writer on the hill’s contributions to the genre. Let his scintillating prose take you down city alleys, mountain roads, railway tracks and roaring seas, so you can experience the wonder of the world through his eyes.
From retellings of comical mishaps to attempts to put words to moments of profound appreciation for the world, travel always leaves one with stories to share. Even reading or listening to these stories can make one vicariously experience the charm of these moments, but in the hands of master storytellers, they take on a life, a magic of their own.
The Very Best of Ruskin Bond’s Travel Writing brings together the finest of the writer on the hill’s contributions to the genre. Let his scintillating prose take you down city alleys, mountain roads, railway tracks and roaring seas, so you can experience the wonder of the world through his eyes.
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2025
2 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 14, 2025
The charming storytelling of Ruskin Bond is the ingredient that could make travel writing as enjoyable as this particular collection—the very best of his travel writing, as this thin book promises to be. In all of his quirky signature style, he takes the readers on a memorable journey through bustling streets, mountains, and seas.
His excellent observational skills are what make every account so compelling, as the mundane becomes so much more lively with that classic Bond touch. He comes right in time to remind us in the age of perfect vacation pictures for social media that sometimes the joy is indeed in a little bit of an imperfect journey—the unpredictable roads and all the people that we come across. Travelling, according to Bond, is not curated but a plethora of chance encounters.
I picked up a book by him after years, and it once again reminded me why he is such a beloved writer in India. It has always been evident from Ruskin Bond’s stories and other writings of the deep love that he has for this country. The stories in this collection move beyond his usual Uttarakhand settings, and it is a journey I will urge every reader to partake in. Be a lover of travelogues, Mr. Bond, or simply good writing; this is for every kind of reader out there.
His excellent observational skills are what make every account so compelling, as the mundane becomes so much more lively with that classic Bond touch. He comes right in time to remind us in the age of perfect vacation pictures for social media that sometimes the joy is indeed in a little bit of an imperfect journey—the unpredictable roads and all the people that we come across. Travelling, according to Bond, is not curated but a plethora of chance encounters.
I picked up a book by him after years, and it once again reminded me why he is such a beloved writer in India. It has always been evident from Ruskin Bond’s stories and other writings of the deep love that he has for this country. The stories in this collection move beyond his usual Uttarakhand settings, and it is a journey I will urge every reader to partake in. Be a lover of travelogues, Mr. Bond, or simply good writing; this is for every kind of reader out there.
July 24, 2025
The Very Best of Ruskin Bond’s Travel Writing is a captivating collection that took me on a memorable journey across India, all through the magic of Bond’s storytelling. What I loved most was the book’s simple yet witty narration. Ruskin Bond has a knack for painting vivid pictures of every place he visits, making the cultures, landscapes, and little-known facts come alive with every page.
I discovered so many interesting facts about places I have not been to, making me eager to travel and see them in person. What sets the book apart from just another travelog was that it was filled with anecdotes from Bond’s own fascinating life which not only added a personal touch but also made me realise, being an admirer of his works, how much influence they have in the stories he has written.
This book is a must-read for anyone who loves travel, enjoys discovering new facts about India, or simply appreciates good storytelling. It will surely inspire its readers to pack bags and explore this beautiful country!
I discovered so many interesting facts about places I have not been to, making me eager to travel and see them in person. What sets the book apart from just another travelog was that it was filled with anecdotes from Bond’s own fascinating life which not only added a personal touch but also made me realise, being an admirer of his works, how much influence they have in the stories he has written.
This book is a must-read for anyone who loves travel, enjoys discovering new facts about India, or simply appreciates good storytelling. It will surely inspire its readers to pack bags and explore this beautiful country!
August 1, 2025
Ruskin Bond's travel stories are like a gentle breeze on a summer day - soothing, refreshing, and utterly delightful. In "The Very Best of Ruskin Bond's Travel Writing", the master storyteller takes you on a journey through the winding alleys of Old Delhi, the misty mountains of Mussoorie, and the sun-kissed beaches of Goa. With his scintillating prose, Bond brings to life the sights, sounds, and smells of each place, making you feel like you're right there with him.
What sets Bond apart is his ability to find magic in the mundane. He writes about the simple pleasures of life - a cup of tea at a roadside stall, a chance encounter with a stranger, or the beauty of a sunrise over the hills. His stories are infused with a sense of wonder, curiosity, and appreciation for the world around us.
As you read through these stories, you'll feel like you're sitting by a campfire, listening to tales of adventure and exploration. Bond's writing is engaging, witty, and insightful, making you laugh, nod your head in recognition, or simply pause to appreciate the beauty of the world.
Whether he's writing about the bustling streets of cities or the tranquility of the mountains, Bond's love for nature and humanity shines through. His stories are a reminder that travel is not just about reaching a destination, but about the journey itself - the people you meet, the experiences you have, and the memories you create.
If you're looking for a book that will transport you to different worlds, make you smile, and perhaps even inspire you to take a journey of your own, then "The Very Best of Ruskin Bond's Travel Writing" is the perfect companion. So, grab a copy, settle into your favorite chair, and let Ruskin Bond's enchanting stories take you on a journey you'll never forget.
What sets Bond apart is his ability to find magic in the mundane. He writes about the simple pleasures of life - a cup of tea at a roadside stall, a chance encounter with a stranger, or the beauty of a sunrise over the hills. His stories are infused with a sense of wonder, curiosity, and appreciation for the world around us.
As you read through these stories, you'll feel like you're sitting by a campfire, listening to tales of adventure and exploration. Bond's writing is engaging, witty, and insightful, making you laugh, nod your head in recognition, or simply pause to appreciate the beauty of the world.
Whether he's writing about the bustling streets of cities or the tranquility of the mountains, Bond's love for nature and humanity shines through. His stories are a reminder that travel is not just about reaching a destination, but about the journey itself - the people you meet, the experiences you have, and the memories you create.
If you're looking for a book that will transport you to different worlds, make you smile, and perhaps even inspire you to take a journey of your own, then "The Very Best of Ruskin Bond's Travel Writing" is the perfect companion. So, grab a copy, settle into your favorite chair, and let Ruskin Bond's enchanting stories take you on a journey you'll never forget.
September 4, 2025
In "The Very Best of Ruskin Bond’s Travel Writing," readers are invited on an enchanting journey through the diverse landscapes🏞️ of India🇮🇳, told through the lens of one of its most beloved authors. With a keen eye for detail and a heart full of nostalgia, Ruskin Bond captures the essence of travel🚉 in a collection of twenty short stories that are as much about the destinations as they are about the experiences and emotions they evoke.
Among the standout pieces are ‘The Road to Badrinath’ and ‘Flowers on the Ganga,’ which beautifully illustrate the spiritual allure of pilgrimage sites. These narratives are not just about the places themselves, but also about the introspective journeys they inspire within the traveller. Similarly, stories like ‘Walking the Streets of Delhi’ and ‘The Girl on the Train’ resonate with anyone who has ever felt the thrill of exploration, reflecting the unexpected encounters and fleeting moments that shape our understanding of the world🌏.
Ruskin Bond’s ability to weave humour😉 and poignancy into his travel writing elevates the collection, allowing readers to share in his joys and mishaps. The storytelling is intimate, almost conversational, drawing readers into his reflections and inviting them to experience the charm of India through his eyes. Overall, "The Very Best of Ruskin Bond’s Travel Writing" is a delightful anthology that showcases the author’s mastery of the genre😍🌄
Among the standout pieces are ‘The Road to Badrinath’ and ‘Flowers on the Ganga,’ which beautifully illustrate the spiritual allure of pilgrimage sites. These narratives are not just about the places themselves, but also about the introspective journeys they inspire within the traveller. Similarly, stories like ‘Walking the Streets of Delhi’ and ‘The Girl on the Train’ resonate with anyone who has ever felt the thrill of exploration, reflecting the unexpected encounters and fleeting moments that shape our understanding of the world🌏.
Ruskin Bond’s ability to weave humour😉 and poignancy into his travel writing elevates the collection, allowing readers to share in his joys and mishaps. The storytelling is intimate, almost conversational, drawing readers into his reflections and inviting them to experience the charm of India through his eyes. Overall, "The Very Best of Ruskin Bond’s Travel Writing" is a delightful anthology that showcases the author’s mastery of the genre😍🌄
December 7, 2025
'The Very Best of Ruskin Bond's Travel Writing' published by Rupa Publication, is an interesting and engaging collection of travel stories by Bond. Each chapter is a new journey, pulling the readers straight into the description. I've always loved Ruskin Bond's storytelling, and this book didn't disappoint me a bit. Reading it every afternoon made my day a bit better. This book consists of stories from various parts of the country. The feelings and emotion shared by the author felt so true. The stories and journeys are heartfelt and kept me hooked until I finished the chapter.
This book is proof that journeys are the most important and beautiful part, and not the destination. This book is appropriate for children as well as adults. I absolutely enjoyed every page of it.
This book is proof that journeys are the most important and beautiful part, and not the destination. This book is appropriate for children as well as adults. I absolutely enjoyed every page of it.
July 20, 2025
Reading this book is like reliving your childhood summer vacations days. Ruskin Bond and his penchant to mentally transport you to the mountains is endearing to millennials like me who are a sucker for nostalgia! This book will transport you from your cozy reading rooms to the diverse tapestry of Northern India where you’ll travel to the mountains, vast deserts, gushing rivers and even cities vicariously through Bond!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews