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Chaos in a Coupe: Travelling across India with Three Dogs

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Once upon a time, there was a Divya Dugar, her partner Olivier, their tiny hooman Marius, and their three rescue streeties-Tigress, Marcopolo and Pari. They lived in Delhi. And they wanted to go to other places.

So they booked a first-class coupe with the Indian Railways that allowed them to travel with their dogs. The sixsome went on many, many train journeys. It was not just about getting to a place, be it Goa, Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, but about seeing it with new eyes-and ears and noses, which is inevitable when half your touring party is canine.

As they faced uncanny, hilarious situations and tried their best to grapple with systems designed for human convenience, the high point of the trips was often the adventures in the train compartment, which the dogs made their very own.

A witty, whimsical, wry account of those journeys, accompanied by some stunning photographs, Chaos in a Coupe is a book that travellers, pet parents and anyone who likes a good read will enjoy.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read

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Divya Dugar

3 books

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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Anushka Kalro.
1 review
October 12, 2025
A thoughtful book about a helpless, hopeless romantic. Except the true love of her life is her dogs. 🐕

Divya welcomes us into her unconventional family, describing every heart-fluffing story in such detail that you can’t help but fall in love with Tigress, Marcopolo, Pari, her human family, and the assortment of characters they collected along the way. For those of us who have the privilege of knowing the unconditional love one receives only from a pet, this book comes as resonance and warmth.

You can expect to travel to parts of India that you haven’t through her words and adventures, playing out like a movie in one’s mind. I was made nostalgic for a time when human kindness was sharing a dabba and some stories with a stranger on the Indian Railways.

Divya, what you do for the Indies is special. Thank you for being a voice of kindness in what can only be described as Ghor Kalyug. ♥️

My recommendation: Buy this book, adopt a dog. 😉
1 review
October 14, 2025
I absolutely loved this book — it touched my heart in so many ways. As a mom of four indie babies, I could relate to every emotion and adventure described. It inspired me to travel and explore more with my dogs, something I’ve always dreamed of doing. I laughed, I cried — it’s truly heartwarming and inspiring. Thank you, Divya, for creating something so special and for being such a beautiful inspiration to all dog lovers( specially indies ). ❤️

127 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2026
Chaos in a Coupe is more than just a travelogue – it's a heartwarming, humorous, and deeply human tale of traversing India with three rescued canine companions. As Divya Dugar recounts her journey, it becomes clear that the experiences gathered along the way, shaped by the antics of her furry friends, are far more significant than the destinations themselves.

As the narrative unfolds with candour and wit during a first-class coupe journey on Indian Railways, it captures the tiny triumphs, unforeseen obstacles, and touchingly tender moments that accompany pet parenting on the road. The dogs emerge as active narrators in their own right as they navigate human-centric systems and discover joy in train compartments.

This book, accompanied by stunning photographs, offers a deeply personal and intimate reading experience, much like hearing a friend share their most unforgettable adventures.



442 reviews2 followers
November 8, 2025
I really enjoyed the anecdotes, that were narrated in quite an animated manner. I love Indies, and this book is a true homage to Indies and to Indian railways and slow travel, and if you have a pet, it will definitely make you imagine a more adventurous life with them.
Profile Image for Manorama Pradhan.
16 reviews
November 3, 2025
Everyone who has ever loved and lived with a dog will find it relatable. This was a book that I was actually waiting for! I have been following the author @chaosinacoupe on Instagram for a long time. I first came across their account on Hemali Sodhi’s The book of Dog (yes, I have read that book) and found it so interesting and inspiring. I have always wanted to travel with my indies and this book inspires so much to do it. One of the best reads in 2025!
Profile Image for Avni Ajmera.
1 review22 followers
December 7, 2025
This book will make you fall in love with the blend of magical and real India it paints on every page.
The book is a dream of every pet parent or someone who has always been so intrigued about animals and how they belong in our world. Here the animals share every experience that a human traveller would and through their journey the reader gets to revel into the most surreal observations about man-animal coexistence.

You'll revisit everything that you must have seen a countless times about India - its towns and villages, Indian Railways and the diversity of culture and people. What will change this time however will be an added lens of Indie dogs and how they see us and interact with our world, and in turn how do these same people and places see dogs unexpectedly one fine day out of the blue in their everyday mundane lives and how they make adjustments to accommodate. By the end of first few chapters you'll see there are no grand adjustments strangers in these faraway places make - instead they only accept with open arms and bowlful of treats in their small houses and cars and towns.
It's a real match between humans vs dogs popularity on every journey in every chapter and undebatably the dogs win every time.
Divya has done a beautiful and meticulous job of making this book a fuzzy, vibrant tribute to her journey through singledom, partnership, motherhood and various phases in-between - all with one constant - her pack of rescued indie dogs. The book has abundant information, wit, humour, nostalgia, cultural fabric, the often ignored quintessentials of each place which every Indian can relate to.

This book will make you realise what you are missing in life if you aren't sharing your outdoor world and life with your pets and how boring it is without them.

I recommend it 100%.
492 reviews4 followers
January 13, 2026
Chaos in a Coupe feels like a long, gentle train journey you didn’t know you needed. Following Divya Dugar, her partner Olivier, their little son Marius, and their three rescued street dogs: Tigress, Marcopolo, and Pari the book unfolds as a series of adventures across India, all contained within the small, breathing universe of a first-class railway coupe.

What makes it special is not just the places they go: Goa, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh , but the way those places are experienced. Through paws, noses, and alert ears, the ordinary becomes wondrous. Stations smell different, landscapes rush past with new meaning, and even the most rigid human systems soften when filtered through canine curiosity.

The dogs are the soul of the story. Each has a presence so vivid that the compartment begins to feel like a moving home rather than a mode of transport. Their quirks, comfort, and quiet companionship turn chaos into something tender and familiar. You find yourself smiling at their small rebellions, their patience, their unspoken understanding of what it means to belong.

Reading this book felt like therapy. There is something deeply calming about watching a family human and canine ,make space for each other in such a confined world, and still find joy, humour, and wonder. It reminds you that love does not need grand gestures; sometimes it is just shared silence, shared snacks, and a warm body curled up close as the train hums through the night.

Witty, affectionate, and beautifully observed, Chaos in a Coupe is a celebration of travel, rescue, and togetherness. It leaves you with a soft heart, a quieter mind, and an overwhelming urge to hug your dog and book a train ticket somewhere, anywhere.
5/5
Profile Image for Prerna  Shambhavee .
741 reviews7 followers
January 7, 2026
Chaos in a Coupe is that kind of book that feels like a cheerful conversation with a friend who has just returned from an unforgettable trip. It narrates the real-life story of Divya, Olivier, their young son Marius, and their three rescue dogs-Tigress, Marcopolo, and Pari-who decided to see India, not by plane or car, but by train.

The family booked a first-class railway coupe and set off on one adventure after another, from the beaches of Goa to the deserts of Rajasthan. But this isn't just a travel diary. What makes the story special is that half the travelers are dogs, and through their curious noses, alert ears, and playful spirits, ordinary journeys become extraordinary. Train compartments turn into playgrounds, and simple moments-like a sunset from the window or a stop at a small station-are seen in a new, joyful light.

This is not a book that pulls the curtain back to reveal the realities of traveling with animals in an infrastructure focused on humans. But every deterrent is overcome by patience, humor, and love. Then too, the photographs so captivate that you feel as though you’re along in the coupe with these people as they laugh and view the scenery.

Ultimately, the book "Chaos in a Coupe" is about the joy of family both human and animal that can come from traveling the world together. Whether you have a passion for animals, enjoy travel adventures, or simply wish to have a positive and uplifting experience while reading, this book is bound to make you smile and possibly plan an adventure of your own.
Profile Image for Mahi Aggarwal.
981 reviews24 followers
December 18, 2025
Chaos in a Coupe: Travelling across India with Three Dogs by Divya Dugar

"Chaos in a Coupe" is a tender, joyful account of travel seen through paws, patience, and presence. Divya Dugar invites us into her family’s world , one shaped by movement, companionship, and the everyday courage it takes to choose a life less ordinary.

What makes this book truly special is its perspective. The journeys across India are not about ticking destinations off a list, they are about slowing down and learning to see familiar places differently. With three rescue dogs sharing the train compartment, every trip becomes layered with curiosity, chaos, warmth, and unexpected humour.

Beneath the wit and lightness lies something deeper , a quiet reflection on how systems are built for convenience, and how love often asks us to adapt, negotiate, and persist. The train coupe becomes a small universe where human and canine lives intersect, creating moments of connection that feel honest and deeply lived.

The writing flows with ease, balancing laughter with reflection, while the photographs add another layer of intimacy, grounding the stories in real faces, real journeys, and real love. This is not just a travelogue or a pet book, it is a story about family, choice, and finding joy in the unpredictable.

A comforting, thoughtful read for travellers, pet parents, and anyone who believes that the best journeys are shaped by who we travel with.
Profile Image for Aarti Krishnakumar.
85 reviews7 followers
December 30, 2025
I have known Divya for years, followed her on instagram, and learnt a lot about how to travel with dogs in the train, tickets etc... and so when she launched this book, i knew i had to read it.. it was one of the most delightful, heartwarming travel reads I’ve come across in a long time.

This book follows Divya, her partner Olivier, their little one[s], and their three rescue dogs as they take on India’s vast railway network — not just to get somewhere, but to really see the country. From first-class coupe compartments to spontaneous roadside adventures, every journey becomes a story filled with humour, unexpected moments, and the kind of chaos only life with pets (and travel) can bring. Having followed her online, it was so relateable and could connect more with her...

What I loved most is how the narrative is warm, witty, and real — you feel like you’re in that train compartment with them, listening to the dogs react to every whistle and whistle-stop town. It’s about movement, yes, but also about connection, curiosity, and seeing the world through many sets of curious eyes and noses.


If you love travel stories with heart, humour, and a furry twist, this book is a joy. I’d honestly recommend it to everyone — especially fellow travellers, dog lovers, and anyone who believes the best journeys are the unexpected ones.
Profile Image for bookswithkinkita.
423 reviews4 followers
December 27, 2025
Chaos in a Coupe is more than a travel memoir; it's a heartfelt exploration of movement, love, and the courage to embrace an unconventional life. Divya Dugar takes readers into the world of the unconditional love of her pets by traveling with her three indie dogs. The narrative reveals the beautiful chaos of life unpredictable yet meaningful.

Her honesty sets this book apart. She shares the challenges of travel with pets exhaustion, delays, and the weight of responsibility as a pet parent and mother, all while maintaining a sense of calm resilience and belief in kindness. The dogs are integral to the story, honored for their personalities and fears.

This unique travelogue unfolds across India, highlighting its people, local dogs, and the comforting, chaotic nature of the Indian Railways. Through encounters, station chai, and long silences, it captures a slower, more present form of travel.

The book is an empathetic read for anyone who has felt out of place, loved an animal, or chosen a different path. It resonates deeply, leaving you with a lingering sense of truth, a quiet journey you wish would never end.
Profile Image for Sameeksha.
445 reviews16 followers
January 13, 2026
I once heard that if you really want to understand India, you need to travel across it.
This book made me rethink that.

Chaos in a Coupe feels like understanding India through train journeys, unexpected chaos, and the quiet companionship of dogs.

The book reads like a long, comforting catch-up with a friend. You’re sitting across from her as she tells you about travelling with her family and her three rescued street dogs, Tigress, Marco Polo, and Pari. There’s planning, stress, laughter, mishaps, and moments that stay with you long after the journey ends.

What I loved most is how easy the writing feels. Nothing rushed, nothing forced. Each dog has a personality of its own, and at some point, you stop reading and start feeling connected to them.

It beautifully captures pet parenthood. The constant concern, the unspoken understanding, and the kind of love dogs give without needing words. The photographs add warmth, making the experience even more intimate.

I closed this book with a full heart and a soft smile.

If you love dogs and comforting travel stories rooted in real moments, this one is worth picking up.
Profile Image for Geetika.
189 reviews10 followers
October 26, 2025
🩷Heart touching, relatable, inspiring and enjoyable read!🩷
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🐕🐾Honestly written and relatable read, (having had pet companions all my life and trying to do my humble bit for the community dogs too.)

🐕🐾Beautiful read for travellers, pet parents, animal lovers/ rescuers/feeders and those who like reading non fiction( memoirs and autobiographical content)

🐕🐾 A unique kind of travelogue, travels across India, the people, the places, the local dogs,the history and heritage, sights, sounds and smells. All the adventures.

🐕🐾There are many stunning colour photographs.

🐕🐾Tears welled up in my eyes by the epilogue.

🐕🐾I read the paperback.

🐕🐾I have been following the author's Instagram page for years now. Read The Book of Dog too.

🐕🐾P.S. Candy endorses the book and its messages too, my 4 year old Indie, adopted from a rescue shelter as a 4 month old pup. Adopt, don't shop. Adopt an Indie. Be kind. Be compassionate.

🐕🐾Suggestion : the chapters are not in chronological order, a date/ time stamp maybe considered at the start of each chapter.

🐕🐾A 4.9/5 star read for me.
Profile Image for Mhonchumi Kikon.
126 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2026
This book answers that question with humour, heart, and a whole lot of paw prints. Following Divya Dugar, her partner Olivier, their son Marius, and their three streeties, this book turns ordinary train journeys into extraordinary stories. The destinations matter; Goa, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh. But, what stays with you are the moments in between: the awkward rules, the curious co-passengers, and the dogs slowly taking over the compartment like it was always meant to be theirs.

The writing is witty, warm, and effortlessly engaging. It doesn’t try to impress, it simply invites you in. The photographs add another layer of charm, making the journeys feel intimate and real.

This is not just a travel book. It’s about slowing down, letting go of control, and seeing the world through new eyes, ears, and noses. A must-read for pet parents, slow travellers, and anyone who believes the best stories come from embracing a little chaos.
Profile Image for Aditi.
305 reviews3 followers
January 7, 2026
Reading Chaos in a Coupe feels like being invited into a moving compartment where curiosity, patience, and affection travel together. The book unfolds as a series of train journeys, but what stays with you is not the destinations, it is the act of seeing the country through bodies that respond to sound, smell, and movement before maps or plans. Divya Dugar writes with warmth and quiet humour, allowing the dogs to reshape the idea of travel itself. Systems built for human order gently unravel inside the coupe, making space for improvisation and tenderness. The photographs deepen this sense of lived experience, grounding the narrative in moments that feel both ordinary and rare. By the end, the book reads less like a travelogue and more like a meditation on shared movement, adaptation, and learning how to belong in spaces never designed for you.
Profile Image for Sindhu Vinod.
216 reviews8 followers
January 8, 2026
This book tells the story of Divya Dugar, her partner Olivier, their young son Marius, and their three adopted indie dogs—Tigress, Marcopolo, and Pari—as they journey across India by train. It’s not just about travel; it’s about redefining how we view street dogs and celebrating the bond between humans and animals.
The book chronicles over 55 train journeys with the dogs, often sneaking them into first-class compartments. The dogs’ intelligence and adaptability shine through these adventures.
Changing Perceptions: Dugar’s aim is to alter how Indians see street dogs, not as strays, but as loyal, loving family members.
Alongside the dogs, the book captures the warmth of family travel with a child, making it relatable and tender.
Through the journeys, readers get glimpses of India’s diverse landscapes, train culture, and the challenges of traveling unconventionally.
Profile Image for Priyadarshini Baral.
2 reviews
January 3, 2026
Reading this book about street dogs felt like reading pieces of my own story. I’ve spent years caring for the dogs in my neighborhood—feeding them, watching them grow, and learning from their resilience. I once even brought one home, hoping to give him a safer life, but he was so rooted in the outside world that I had to let him return to the place he understood best. He still lives happily in our apartment complex, and seeing him every day reminds me that love isn’t always about keeping—it’s about understanding.

This book strengthened that belief and also nudged me toward a new chapter: bringing a puppy home and giving it the life of safety and affection every dog deserves.

Thank you for this book inspired me a lot🙌
Profile Image for Mugdha Mahajan.
809 reviews79 followers
December 27, 2025
Chaos in a Couple feels like reading someone’s honest travel diary rather than a polished travel memoir. It’s messy, funny, frustrating, and very real.

Following a couple travelling across India with three dogs, the book captures everything that can go wrong and somehow still feels worth it. From hotel rejections to relationship stress and constant improvising, nothing feels sugar-coated.

As a dog parent, this book hit close to home. It doesn’t romanticise travel; instead, it shows the effort, chaos, and love behind it.

If you enjoy realistic travel stories, love dogs, or believe journeys are about people (and pets), this is a comforting and entertaining read.
Profile Image for Skye Cardoz.
Author 1 book9 followers
January 5, 2026
I'm currently still reading this but I've really enjoyed the journey so far. I have a dog too (adopted a teenager a few months ago) and every chapter feels like I'm learning new things! And the photogallery is so cute!
Profile Image for Arti Deshpande.
59 reviews13 followers
January 8, 2026
Chaos in a Coupe is the real life experience of Divya Dugar, her partner Olivier and their travels across India with their three rescue dogs - Tigress, Marcopolo and Pari.

It obviously doesn't need to be mentioned that this is an adventure you can't miss. The experience with the Indian Railways, getting permissions, hoping for everything to be smooth and not too challenging during the entire journey makes it a hilarious yet warm read.

The antics of the three dogs, their contrasting personalities are a lot of fun to experience.

I got to read about a lot of places that are added to my travel list. I love the calm and relaxed side of Goa that is shown in the book instead of the typical impression that is created of Goa.

The author has very beautifully shown how smartly dogs wrap us around their fingers, but it is the most rewarding experience because they make us their entire world too.

If you love street dogs, you will love them even more after reading this book. If you don't, your perspective will definitely change ♥️
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