Monkeys, Motorcycles, and Misadventures

by N.S.Harsha Vardhan

After having recurring dreams, a man considers retracing Lord Hanuman's epic journey from India to Sri Lanka. While rationality argues against the pursuit, the dream appeals to something deeper, and he sets out with two friends on a 1200 kilometre trek across South India. The journey however, doesn’t turn out to be quite what they expected. Along the way, through encounters with evil cans of pepper spray, wise men, pimps, hellhounds, and manic elephants, they are forced to confront their personal demons. At one of their lowest moments, plagued by doubt, they lose all hope. That's when they experience a sign, the first of many, which renews their spirits and helps them push forward.

Monkeys, Motorcycles, and Misadventures, provides a candid account of the trio’s incredible journey - their misgivings, sufferings, and triumphs, all in search of faith.

242 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

Harsha is a freelance writer and the author of ‘Monkeys, Motorcycles, and Misadventures’. (MMM)

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ns.harshava...

Read MMM here:

Epub version - https://www.dropbox.com/s/v35373p91rj...

Mobi version - https://www.dropbox.com/s/26nghd9xh84...

PDF - https://www.dropbox.com/s/5ks81dqkqum...

Reviews

[Archit · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of Hope, Inspiration and going after your dreams!



Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing about.
- Benjamin Franklin

N.S.Harsha Vardhan has done the both of the above.

I just finished trekking, hiking, marching, walking, getting caught by police, patting dogs, living in haunted places, meeting new people, seeing signs, going to temples, drenching in perspiration and what not with Monkey, Motorcycles and Misadventures and I'm totally thrilled with it. (Long story short, I just read it!)

Considering the fact that I myself love traveling a lot, be it walking or going to new places to explore, and moreover mythology! I was to bound to love it!

This was my first time reading a travelogue book and it altered all my previous assumptions about these books. This book was more than what author just saw and where he traveled, it was more of a learning process, finding his faith back - the treasure!

Deep in our heart, all of us want to travel, which needs only a leap of faith and courage. This book was full of it!

When they used to go to temple to pray, I remembered how I once went to a temple with my soulmate and we both prayed. Their affection for the dogs also attracted me.

The author has my respect for dreaming and traveling the roads traveled by a few, completing it and binding the itinerary into a log, which in other terms is a work of extraordinary strength. I could imagine with every line that what amount of research had been done into making the dream into reality.

Plunged into the quotes Sam used to verbalize, specially Calvin and Hobbes ones, the signs, the dreams, voices in the head, lessons, faith to keep the journey on and 'bragging the good deeds' this part really had me.

I'm grateful to have read this book.

I want to praise the author more for this successful journey, but words escape my mind to do so!!

Verdict : If you liked The Alchemist, then it's certainly for you

P.S. I congratulate the author and wish he finds treasures like this more, but without encountering any police officers :D :D

[Vishnu Chevli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed Review Link - http://chevusread.blogspot.com/2016/0...

Firstly Congratulations on Completing Humongous task of the trekking & biking and then finishing this wonderful book. Also thanks for providing such a wonderful book describing your adventures. I would say this was one of the best giveaway book I got in last year (after multiple love stories)

Coming to 'Monkey, Motorcycles, and Misadventures' - It is the journey of Author along with his two friends Sri and Sam from Hampi (Kiskindha) to Sri Lanka (Lanka). The journey Hanuman made to locate Lanka and Sita. It took them 73 days (Walking (in India) & Biking (in Sri Lanka)) to finish their journey. But more than destination their journey was wonderful to read about. Along with story they showed many faces of people and animal they met along the journey (mostly positive incidents except 1-2 bad experience)

Journey was started with different motives for each individual and how they find answers and faith in their path is written nicely.

Except few para - where author went to self-discussion mode and get me bored I loved book. I am giving 4.25 / 5.

I will definitely refer this book to others along with multiple re-read from my side. ;)

[Peter Upton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially this is about the author who has lost his faith in God and his way in life. He then starts to have profound and repeated dreams that he should walk the ancient route of the mystical Lord Hanuman for 1200 kms through Southern India as a means to recover his faith. Persuading his two best friends to join him, they set off in the worst heat, just prior to Monsoon Season. Why didn't they go in January when the weather would be perfect for walking?

Coming from England but having travelled on my own spiritual journey through India, recounted in 'Candles on The Ganges' I loved reading this book and finding so many of their experiences resonated with me, yet at the same time it highlighted things about India that still baffle me.

Gradually as they walk the trail, the kindness of the adults and children they meet begins to enter their hearts just as it did for me. This for me was the first magical ingredient in the authors recovery of faith. Learning to relax and to open their hearts is the art of any spiritual journey and leads to a loving, non judgemental attitude of giving with love, an ancient spiritual wisdom states the truth in saying, 'In the giving you receive'. As Sri says at one point;
"I knew that he was scamming me, but it was only because he needed the money."
And I knew that feeling so well having found it on just my second day in India.
The second magical ingredient is that they pray in a temple each morning and at every one of the numerous temples they pass on their journey and then again at the end of each day. While I didn't enter so many temples I did pray and meditate morning, noon and night every day.

In the Christian Bible Jesus says;
"Knock and it will be answered. Seek and you will find."
Both they and I did this with loving hearts but it was the kindness of the Indian people that was the initial key to the door. Having asked, the mystical world opened to them in moments of synchronicity such as when the author is at a point of giving up an old man walks into the temple and without being asked gives the author the same advice as he had received in his dream. The author is so astounded that it is only after he the old man has left that he realizes that the old man's voice was the same one from his dreams. Then later in the book the author thinks his friends have shouted a warning to him but it is a voice in his head shouting that twice saves him from death.

And now to the things that baffle me. These are three basically good but different lads who bicker too much for me but they have their hearts in the right place. The author is searching for his lost faith and yet the other two carry a certain wisdom. Sri carries a quiet certitude of faith while Sam likes to appear cynical but has given to charity the 30,000 rupees he won in a tournament. He also cares very deeply about animal welfare and when life gets very dangerous exudes, calmness and faith. Yet they appear mentally cut off from the everyday realities of life for the very poor in India.

'Sri offered an old beggar woman ' some money saying, "Please take this mother." We were all shocked by her reaction; tears welled up in her eyes immediately and her earlier stoic face changed to a mixture of grief, anger, and joy'
"All my life I have taken what I had for granted and spent so much time trying to get more rather than being satisfied with what I had, and sharing it with the less fortunate. I feel like a monster."

And while they are walking the poor assume they must be walking because they have heard of a new job opportunity and keep asking in they can join the lads in their search for work. And even then it only causes the author to realize that;
'work was a privilege' that gave him 'something to look forward to every morning, a task to accomplish and when the day was done, something to look back on with satisfaction and pride.'

And while all of this may be true I couldn't believe that he hadn't seen that all of this was secondary to these poor people. They wanted to work for money for food to avoid starvation!

Moving on; these lads obviously speak perfect English and even Latin;
'Ignorantia juris non excusat.'
They can also quote numerous people such as Einstein and Emerson, yet in Southern India, in their own country, they struggle to make themselves understood because they don't speak the local language or dialect. I know there are ancient tribal regions and languages but how is the whole of India going to march together into the wealth opportunities of the new technological age when they can't even understand each other?

Thanks to the lads I now understand why having paid to ride an elephant through a Nature Reserve I was stopped 100 yards later at the entrance to the Reserve where payment was demanded again. I had always assumed it was a scam and perhaps it was, but apparently you need to buy a permit to enter. My Indian friend sorted that out for me and I didn't have to pay but if India really wants to increase tourism the Government needs to increase the training for its Park Rangers as the lads were refused entry to a Nature Reserve because they needed a permit. The Ranger had the forms but didn't know how to write one out and so denied them entry, thus solving his problem!

The lads also recounted how bad organized tourist coach trips can be in India, which I had also experienced on one from Delhi to the Taj Mahal.
'It wasn't just one problem, it was everything-timing, money, places etc. You name it and they screw it up!'
Another job for the Indian Government!

Their experiences of some filthy hotel rooms again reminded me of one that I had forgotten where there was a fine spray of dried blood next to the bed that I persuaded myself was the death throes of a fully laden vampire mosquito rather than believe that someone had been laying in this same bed and probably these same sheets while making a mess of shooting up their heroin.

Then the lads raised a major issue that I have struggled to understand about India. They were in a bar where the locals seemed to be looking at them suspiciously. The next thing they knew the Police had been called because they were suspected terrorists. After having their identification verified they were allowed to leave;
'We silently walked out of the restaurant towards the bus stand, while what seemed to be the entire town stared down the 'terrorists'. If looks could kill, we certainly would be dead. We cursed the stupid people and their stupid mob mentality under our breath, but were thankful for having escaped with our lives instead of being strung up to some random tree.'
This reminded me of walking in Haridwar one peaceful evening until a white van knocked down a woman. As she lay unconscious in the road the previously peaceful strollers were instantly transformed into a mob in full attack mode. Smashing the van's side window, the driver was dragged out to be punched, slapped and generally jostled with everyone shouting at once before someone opened the back door of the van, carried the unconscious woman inside and made the the driver take her to hospital.
What baffles me is that I found the Indian people to be the kindest, gentlest, nicest people I have ever met but where does this sudden mob violence erupt from? The same mob violence that caused so many deaths during the Partition between India and Pakistan? I really don't understand how people who appear to accept every hardship as God's will for them in this lifetime can suddenly ignite in this way.

Thanks for the walk down memory lane. A very enjoyable read although I would have preferred it without the swearing, whatever Bill Bryson may say to the contrary!

[Sarika Patkotwar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally published at The Readdicts Book Blog . For more reviews, go here.

Even though Monkeys, Motorcycles and Misadventures doesn't fall under a genre I normally prefer to read, when I first came across the book, there was something extremely intriguing about it, which is why I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a try. I was definitely pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the book, and more importantly, how much I learned from it. This was a book wherein the balance between fun and seriousness was well done and it made for a very entertaining yet enlightening read.

Monkeys, Motorcycles and Misadventures is the story of an epic trip taken by three best friends Sam, Sri and the author Harsha, after the latter has a dream in which he follows the entire path taken by Lord Hanuman on foot. I've always believed that dreaming is easy, but actually making a dream a reality is what is difficult, and people who pursue their dreams are full of bravery and courage. In spite of how ridiculous it might seem to someone on the outside, the trio go on a journey that changes them; for better or worse, that's for the reader to decide.

Throughout the book or rather the journey, emphasis is laid on faith and whether what the trio are doing actually makes sense or no. Sam, Sri and Harsha were so different from each other and that gave three different perspectives on a single thing which was very beautiful in a broadening your horizons or taking back something from it kind of way. The incessant and hilarious banter between Sam and Sri, for me, was the highlight of the book and even though the book is Harsha's story, I found myself relating the most to Sam, who seemed like my twin.

It is clear that a lot of thought and research went into writing this beautiful book because it taught me so much about our rich Indian mythology, our vast and wonderful country, people, nature and practically everything in between. I'm not the biggest fan of trekking or hiking, but this book has made me want to get out there, explore more, appreciate nature and just live and feel the moment. Besides, being an animal lover, I was touched by the many mentions they got, and major, major plus points for the concept of "dogeism" which had me smiling.

Monkeys, Motorcycles and Misadventures is about more than just an epic trip. There is so much more to it than just three friends having the time of their lives. The book is about faith, friendship, trust, courage, strength and humanity and I devoured every page of it; but most importantly, it is about not giving up. It is the kind of book with which you have to relax and take your own time to really understand how deep it is and to make yourself a part of the journey.

*Note: This book was provided by Harsha and Leadstart in exchange for an honest review. We thank them for the book.

[Ramya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a travelogue and I must say that it didn’t disappoint me. The book was a lot of fun to read with breezy narration, a smattering of quotes and some amazing references. On a quest to regain his lost faith, the author, with his friends takes you on an epic journey through the towns of south India and eventually makes his way to Sri Lanka. The book comes alive with the vivid descriptions of the places that the trio visits and the obstacles they overcome to reach their destination. What stands out is the author’s honesty as he describes his loss of faith and the inner struggle that follows. The book is funny, adventurous and a definite read if you are a fan of mythology with a dash of humour and excitement.

[Debjit Sengupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you call a group of people in pursuit of a destination, which is nearly 1200 km and that too by walk? To add to the woes, the group has to endure unknown and difficult terrain and hostile weather at times. Further some, lack of local knowledge can be even bigger obstacles. Pursuit of the task is nothing but craziness, madness and idiosyncrasy. This is impossible unless somebody prevails and shows the way how to do it. History has been witness that this is how our thought pattern is- Hitherto unachieved task is impossible unless somebody chooses to be the thought changer. All great inventions and discoveries were made by challenging the perceived impossibilities. They are trailblazers who explore Inconceivable domains. The book gives the narrative about the author adventure during the 2 month journey along with his two friends. Author would however like us to call it a misadventure.

The author desire to walk along the route that Lord Hanuman must have followed to Lanka. They identified the possible route map, gathered the required equipment and set forth their journey. The troika started from Hampi in Karnataka , all the way to Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu by walking alone before finally moving to Sri Lanka , in search of final destination. The journey was made painstaking by their falling health, some stinking lodges, occasional hostile locals and shortage of food during incessant rains at some places. Things were tattered at times. Impediments encountered were not physical alone but mental also i.e. overcoming self doubts which were appearing sporadically. They also retain their mojo and ultimately prevailed and set up a precedent for others to follow, not necessary in similar manner they did.

The mentioned obstacles irrespective of whether it’s tangible or not, did not acted stimuli to subvert their enthusiasm and passion for the goal. What has the author achieved in undertaking such a strenuous journey? Does he have a point to prove to anybody? The upshot is that though he hasn’t gain anything materially but he has definitely emerged as winner. Prior to the journey, he had apprehension about some people offering to help, even though these people have no vested interest. He came across many Samaritans who changed his perception about human being. He now believes in humanity and humility. The experience has made him do self-introspection and he has emerged as a better human being. He visited myriad number of Hanuman temples and most of the religious places has a mythological significance and has a relation to Ramayan. The group went by rules and never indulged in any sacrilegious activities. Travelling teaches a person a lot which cannot be substituted by books. The knowledge gathered from the experience has rather increased his wisdom. This is something that will stay with him for life. His faith too has increased manifold.

As an author, he has successfully managed to capture the experience in words and that too vividly. The conversation between friends at times is hilarious. The language is simple and events were mentioned in chronological order. As a reader, you too gain knowledge both on mythology and geography along the journey. The book has been packaged extremely well. The book is definitely recommended. Add it to your wish list.

[Shree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note : This review is up in my blog Book and Ink

This is the second non-fiction travelogue that I am reading and when I picked up this book I knew it would be different from the first. The first was by a female writer who visited a lot of countries. This one however is a man’s account of traversing the path that is supposed have been used by Lord Hanuman from India to Sri Lanka. The idea of “walking” and “Trekking” a long distance that too based on a dream sounded a bit incredulous to me. Much to my astonishment, they actually found the existence of such a route and took the journey.

The writer along with his two friends travelled all the way from Hampi in Karnataka to Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu and then moved on to Sri Lanka. Being a novice that I am about treks et al, this book was an eye opener. Of course, frequent business travels had seasoned me to the idea of warming up to strange food and language, yet, the prospect of trekking and walking to a far off place, crossing mountains and rivers doesn’t entice me one bit. As expected, the writer and his friends have their fair share of fun and fights, cross a lot of hurdles like shortage of food, bad weather and pathetic accommodation. In spite of going through all this, they meet people who reinstate their faith in humanity and teach them humility. I was dumbfounded by the fact the group just stuck to visiting temples without indulging in any activities that would be considered blasphemy.

The writer successfully managed to recount his experiences vividly describing the trail in detail. The account was quite extensive but not too extensive to bore the readers. Perfect editing along with simple yet interesting writing, this book was a pleasant surprise for someone who isn’t inclined to reading non-fiction. The writer by this account taught me what it means to be resilient and have that mental energy to take on a mammoth trip. Wonder why he choose to title the book so, didn’t seem like a misadventure at all to me! An adventure is an adventure no matter what!

MY SAY: One inspiring account for people who hesitate to travel

RATING: 4/5

[Kanishka Nalamalapu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regular folk dream about epic adventures such as this one, reading this book gave me the feeling as if I was a part of the journey. Which is where the author gets the credit. It is a very deep book which is written in a simple way so that anyone can understand. His journey to discover faith is transforming.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in travel, adventure, faith and knowing your own potential.

[Shyam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great imagery, solid message, breezy read - an awesome travelogue!
Wow! One of the best travelogues I've read in a while! Superbly written in a breezy style.. The imagery of the various places visited by the author is just amazing. Nice photographs inserted in the book as well. Also the core message in the book is personally close to my heart, so liked it all the more. Definitely worth a read and a double thumbs up for the author! :)

[Keerth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breezy travelogue filled with humor. A good read for anyone who is interested in trekking and faith. The best part is where the author has portrayed his inner most doubts out in the open.. Definitely recommending this book to my friends!

[Vishal Kale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books are meant to be read {your average fiction stuff}; some others are meant to be studied and analysed, learnt from {my upcoming review : Untold Stories of 20 Brands}; yet others are informative {India, Uninc, as an example}; and then are those which leave a deep impression, and provoke thought and discussion {Reforming Institutions, for example}... rare is the book that combines one or more of all of the above. The current book is one such.


This is a book which frankly defies description and categorisation. I cant call it Fiction, since the auther states it an non-fiction, and concerns a real event in the life of the author. I cant call it a travelogue, for it is far more than a travelogue. I cant call it just thought provoking, for it is full of rib-tickling ROFL anecdotes; what I can and will call it is : a complete entertainer from the first page, right from the very first page.


Catch the entire review here : https://reflectionsvvk.blogspot.in/20...

[Sagar Acharya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks a ton, Harsh for giving this free giveaway to me. +1 in Humanity for that :)

Cover of the book, font size, type, maps were clear and designed fantastically. They should appeal a reader to select that book from the shelf which they did.

It is a book based on journey of three friends retracting the path of Lord Hanuman. In the beginning, it started with some real fun when they were preparing for the trip. Then throughout the book, the text was based on how they travelled and what temples they did puja in which being an atheist, bored me like anything and I don't think would appeal to a pious man.

Occasionally, Sam cracked in some real nice jokes which was great. Main character was always looking for signs which was so boring. It made the morals(destination) more important than the sign detection(journey)

It could have been more in direct speech, characters could've been introduced at the start(over 5-6 pages say) with detailed description as in Sherlock by Sir ACD.

Moral was just awesome that people believe much more in God today than in Humanity and we need to believe in humans more and not about some abstract God.

[Rashmita Poojari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first non fiction book that I've ever read. The name itself made me curious enough to read the entire book. It actually kept me interested all the while when I was reading the book. The way the things have been described like every emotion, place etc were amazing. The pictures presented in the book were beautifully captured too. I think its worth a read! Good job! Thumbs up to the author :)

[Kalyan Panja]

A wonderful book that transports us to another dimension, in search of an answer and recounts a journey in search of ourselves that teaches us to look at reality from a different perspective, and is not a journey of faith in the religious sense of the word, but getting a broader mind through travel.

Read the full review here...http://bit.ly/1PvC5mK

[Anuradha Goyal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review, read more https://www.anuradhagoyal.com/monkeys...

[Daya4goal · Rating 3 out of 5]

book was very good. i love travelling especially religious travels. this book was mixture of all excitement we feel during transformation age . when we all move to mature level from naive.

[Razeen Muhammed rafi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monkeys, Motorcycles, and Misadventures
Book by Harsha

Road always provide us best experience in life. Travelling will help in interacting with different people who have humanity and also misanthropy, different unexpected experiences which helps us to move forward.
Author Harsha follows his dream of traveling on foot following way of Hanuman from Kishkinda to Sri Lanka. Hanuman is a Hindu God who is companion of Lord Sri Rama.
Author starts his journey with his two friends walking all the way from Kinskinda ( which is present day Hampi )to Mahendra Giri in Nagercoil. After that they travel to Sri Lanka and follows Hanuman travel by motorcycle.
Author provides details of his adventures which went wrong and also tasted success in his travel.
This also provides with some cuisines of Lanka and India like Venu's Biryani of Dindigul,Sivakasi Pakoda .
This book gave me a new information on different temples and places for egs: Rameshwaram temple's deity is Shiva and deity was installed here by Lord Rama himself which was made of sand as Hanuman got delay to bring shiv Linga from Himalayas. This Shiv Linga was installed by Rama himself to absolve him of sin of killing a Brahmin committed during the war against the Rakshasa king Ravana (who was a brahmin, son of a vedic rishi) in Sri Lanka.

[Poornima · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was unimaginable for me to read.. if some one can travel for a dream that came often by sacrificing all comforts. Amazing friends who accompanied for Author's dream to recover the faith. It kept me curious to know on what was the real purpose of the travel.

[Jonali · Rating 3 out of 5]

A round trip and a search for lost faith, Harsha Vardhan’s ‘Monkeys, Motorcycles and Misadventures’ is a breezy yet insightful read. As you’ve already guessed, this book is a travelogue charting the course that Hanuman had taken in order to rescue the kidnapped Sita from Ashok Vatika in Lanka. The writer, after having recurring dreams, considers retracing the epic journey from India to Sri Lanka. He ventures out with two friends on a 1200 kilometer trek across South India. This book is a well written and balanced journal highlighting the journey of the trio and their many experiences gathered on the way.
I being an armchair traveler enjoyed every bit the author had to offer. Of course it was a gentler, more pleasurable journey for me than it had been for the writer simply because while I enjoyed his trek sitting in the comfort of my room, he had to brave the scorching sun and adverse terrains. Harsha, not one for crowds, doesn’t feel at home with the traditional way of rushing around tourist spots. In most places he visits, there’s a sense of man and nature being in harmony – Mahendragiri being a notable exception. But it was there that his faith was restored in god.
This book is a travelogue cum memoir in which the writer, unmoored by the loss of his beloved grandmother and consequently that of his faith, seeks a resolution of some kind on a journey. It’s a joy to read. There’s right amount of humour, wit and insight. In addition, I really enjoyed the verbal exchange among the three friends. I’d recommend it to all those you enjoy reading non-fiction.

[Dr. Johnson Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading travelogues, especially those written by Indians, tend to be a pain. That is because we Indians are not often not taught the art of "describing" things in an interesting and absorbing matter. However, this travelogue turned out to be different.

This book described the 73-day-long travels of three friends who tried to retrace the path that Lord Hanuman is supposed to have taken up to Sri Lanka. As can be expected, the sojourn was full of adventure, unknowns, lost direction, and much learning and reflection. I did not keep down the book once I started reading it.

The language is very good, which was a pleasant surprise, after reading a number of Indian writers who excel at English that is atrocious. Good editing!! Please accept my endorsement in that department too!

If you love traveling and adventure -- and oh boy do I do it! -- you are sure to enjoy each and every adventure, and misadventure, of the trio. What is more, you will discover and learn much about both India as well as Sri Lanka, in addition to the info that you are going to gain about numerous well known, and not that well known, places in both countries!!

[Vibha Hegde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the author.

First of all the only thing I can tell about this book is amazing! It is this book that made me realize that not all people are bad. Most of them are generally good. If a vegetable vendor sells you tomato at higher price, its because he is desperate and has to feed his family, not because he wants to buy a new apartment. This story is the candid account of the Author's journey to restore his faith in humanity as he travels down into South India in the footsteps of Lord Hanuman. He takes the reader along with him as he travels to the high peaks and low ocean. He encounters many incidents that can be thought as illogical or even downright supernatural.
The journey is written very beautifully highlighting the details and carving in a picture before the readers eyes. I have visited most of the places described in the book and felt as though I'm looking at these places through a completely new perspective.
Overall the book is amazing and a must read for all South Indians!
For a detailed review, visit my blog:https://dreambookreviews.wordpress.co...

[Vagesha Sinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I look back,Goodreads has been a place where I always came looking for some answers for some daunting questions.And I got comforted.Always.
Being a big fan of all the "goodreads quotes", I now write my first review. I hope someone who has read this book or more importantly is still deciding to go for it or not,I say it from my heart, there surely will be important takeaways from Monkeys, Motorcycles and Misdavenrtures , a book I had with me through the most amazing time this year.

[Swagat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally well written book with a gripping story line......The story is intact and engaging until the last moment and will enthuse readers of all age groups.
Appreciate the efforts made by the author in penning down all the incidents, stories and adventures of his trip in a highly engaging story line.
Strictly recommend reading this book. Commendable job by Harsha as a debutant writer.

[Cifar · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't read if you are not interested in following the path taken by Hanauman to reach Sita through author because I am sure the path would be interesting otherwise. Read for some knowledge of places in South India and Sri Lanka. Full review : Book Review

[Bulbul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the book entertaining though there are no "real" adventures. Sure, this is based on reality and there is only so much adventure reality offers. But dramatising or fictionalising it would have helped.

Worth a read but keep your expectations low.

[Anudeep · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a well written travelogue with a quirky set of characters, interesting conversations and a strong narrative. Nothing like what I have read before. Would definitely recommend.