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Landour Days: A Writer's Journal
"The habit of keeping a diary has led me into trouble more than once," writes Ruskin Bond in the introduction to this journal of a year in his hometown of Landour, Mussoorie. Filled with warmth and gentle humour, this book captures the timeless rhythm of life in the mountains, and the serene wisdom of one of India's best loved writers.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
28 people are currently reading
616 people want to read
About the author
Ruskin Bond
635 books3,557 followersRuskin Bond is an Indian author of British descent. He is considered to be an icon among Indian writers and children's authors and a top novelist. He wrote his first novel, The Room on the Roof, when he was seventeen which won John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957. Since then he has written several novellas, over 500 short stories, as well as various essays and poems, all of which have established him as one of the best-loved and most admired chroniclers of contemporary India. In 1992 he received the Sahitya Akademi award for English writing, for his short stories collection, "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra", by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters in India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 for contributions to children's literature. He now lives with his adopted family in Landour near Mussoorie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 16, 2021
'He who seeks the herb for cure, will find it half effected in the walk.'
'Landour Days' captures Ruskin's life in the beautiful mountains of Landour. He lived in a pleasant place, sensed and experienced the climate from within the heart and depicted it for us in such a way that it really feels like we are in the writer's place. This is not just a writer's journal about seasons and his daily life; but there is a lot much to learn from it. The ups and downs in his life as a teenage boy trying to publish his first novel ever was the best of all. No matter what, he never gave up on writing.
The way the author thinks about different situations in his life is just worth learning. A little jingle composed by Ruskin Bond:
I'm all right,
I'm doing my thing,
And in my own right
I'm a king!
Do not let other people put you down and you must not always care about others opinion.
There are many book recommendations in this and all of them seem to be as interesting as this one. Bond, also kindly gives some tips and advices to the budding writers and each one is really helpful and totally practical. He tells us to remember Red Smith's immortal words:
'Writing is very easy. All you have to do is just sit in front of the typewriter till little drops of blood appear on your forehead.
'The other day a young Internet surfer asked me why I preferred using a pencil instead of computer. The principal reason, I told him, was that I liked chewing on the end of my pencil. A nasty habit, but it helps me concentrate. And I find it extremely difficult to chew on a computer.'
Such a witty man! The book has many more pages of gentle humour which can bring a smile on your face even in the worst times. Ruskin's simple writing style makes his writings more realistic and engaging. The book has some kind of warmth and is exceptionally comforting.
'Landour Days' captures Ruskin's life in the beautiful mountains of Landour. He lived in a pleasant place, sensed and experienced the climate from within the heart and depicted it for us in such a way that it really feels like we are in the writer's place. This is not just a writer's journal about seasons and his daily life; but there is a lot much to learn from it. The ups and downs in his life as a teenage boy trying to publish his first novel ever was the best of all. No matter what, he never gave up on writing.
The way the author thinks about different situations in his life is just worth learning. A little jingle composed by Ruskin Bond:
I'm all right,
I'm doing my thing,
And in my own right
I'm a king!
Do not let other people put you down and you must not always care about others opinion.
There are many book recommendations in this and all of them seem to be as interesting as this one. Bond, also kindly gives some tips and advices to the budding writers and each one is really helpful and totally practical. He tells us to remember Red Smith's immortal words:
'Writing is very easy. All you have to do is just sit in front of the typewriter till little drops of blood appear on your forehead.
'The other day a young Internet surfer asked me why I preferred using a pencil instead of computer. The principal reason, I told him, was that I liked chewing on the end of my pencil. A nasty habit, but it helps me concentrate. And I find it extremely difficult to chew on a computer.'
Such a witty man! The book has many more pages of gentle humour which can bring a smile on your face even in the worst times. Ruskin's simple writing style makes his writings more realistic and engaging. The book has some kind of warmth and is exceptionally comforting.
May 13, 2019
Landour Days is beautiful, soothing, it makes you want to live in the mountains, walk beneath the trees and sit on your porch in the morning soaking up the sun.
.
Ruskin Bond’s writing has such a calming quality that takes the reader where he wants them to go, in this case; to the tiny Cantonment town of Landour, sitting with him while he writes his diary or talks to you about his life while you sip on some chai and listen.
April 4, 2011
Perfect tiny book to read while sitting in the very town the book is about; I even met a fellow Mr. Bond wrote about, Professor Unniyal, who runs a guest house I was thinking of staying at in Landour. A marvelous treat. I even saw Ruskin Bond on the way down from Landour to Mussoorie and smiled at him, but didn't know who he was until I saw him on the back of a friend's book later.
June 7, 2022
The book, first published in 2002, when the author was 20 years younger, is a compilation of his diary entries and is divided into four sections – Summer, Monsoon, Autumn, and Winter. Each of these sections is then divided into different months, starting from April, May, June, and so on, before culminating in the month of March.
Now Landour is a magical place. The land of mystic mountains, quaint roads, verdant greens, timeless jungles, and flora and fauna that can put the best of forests to shame. These serene landscapes, where nature buzzes louder than mankind provide a meditative retreat for the author. His beautiful words, almost devotion-like, bear testimony to his love for a place he has called home for many decades of his life.
But Landour Days is not just that. One would be wrong to assume that the book is just about Landour and Bond’s life in Landour. It is not, for it has much more to offer to its readers.
It is about his day-to-day life, and also about his love for nature, his long walks to the hills, and his interactions with the locals and with others of his own kind (writers). It tells of his rendezvous with people, some charming, some not so welcome.
Read the detailed review on India's No. 1 book blog - https://www.bookgeeks.in/landour-days...
Now Landour is a magical place. The land of mystic mountains, quaint roads, verdant greens, timeless jungles, and flora and fauna that can put the best of forests to shame. These serene landscapes, where nature buzzes louder than mankind provide a meditative retreat for the author. His beautiful words, almost devotion-like, bear testimony to his love for a place he has called home for many decades of his life.
But Landour Days is not just that. One would be wrong to assume that the book is just about Landour and Bond’s life in Landour. It is not, for it has much more to offer to its readers.
It is about his day-to-day life, and also about his love for nature, his long walks to the hills, and his interactions with the locals and with others of his own kind (writers). It tells of his rendezvous with people, some charming, some not so welcome.
Read the detailed review on India's No. 1 book blog - https://www.bookgeeks.in/landour-days...
November 8, 2020
Ruskin Bond is a witty witty man. Collection of journal entries. Cute. Nice. Nothing earth shattering but an enjoyable read - especially while in Landour.
January 12, 2023
Ruskin Bond has such serenity to his writing, and this book brings it out like he describes a blooming flower in spring time. The curiosity and depth with which he examines the events about his own writing, about his writing buddies and about nature in the Doon valley through the different seasons was a delight! Careful - this book might make you want to leave everything aside and move to (or atleast visit) Mussoorie and Landour.
July 12, 2023
It’s lovely to read someone’s diary, and that too Ruskin Bonds. Inspired by him, I have resumed writing in mine.
February 20, 2015
Refreshing and beautiful. Ruskin Bond is an amazing writer. This book is a collection of notes from his journal and it truly "Captures the timeless rhythm of life in the mountains, and the serene wisdom of one of India's best loved writers" as described in the introduction on Goodreads. Some of my favorite lines from the book are:
"As a short story writer, I have often found that railway stations and platforms give me some of my best stories.There is nothing like an Indian railway station anywhere else in the world. We are not a melting pot of races and religions, we are a mosaic of all these things. A mosaic that is best observed from the trains that pull the glittering pieces together." - Ruskin Bond
"The Kangra Valley Railway is one of my favourite journeys. The particular railway is visible proof that the railway construction engineer can create a work, which is in complete harmony with the beauty of the surroundings. Without in anyway interfering with the grandeur of mountain and valley, the railway engineers on this line have revealed to the traveller a land of great enchantment. The graceful curves of the rails, the neatness of the culverts, the symmetrical design of the bridges, the directness of the cuttings – all these help to throw into bold relief the ruggedness of the huge crags through which the line play hide- and- seek.
By contrast, if you take the train to Shimla, you will spend half your time burrowing through the bowels of the earth with the scenic grandeur of the Himalyas blotted out from your vision and the hillsides made to resemble rabbit warrens.
Instead of boring his way through the mountains, the railway engineer in Kangra skillfully avoided running headlong into the hillside. Instead of following dizzy curves, he cleverly chose to avoid the awkward corners. He must have been a Taoist at heart, taking Natures way rather than opposing it." -Ruskin Bond
"As a short story writer, I have often found that railway stations and platforms give me some of my best stories.There is nothing like an Indian railway station anywhere else in the world. We are not a melting pot of races and religions, we are a mosaic of all these things. A mosaic that is best observed from the trains that pull the glittering pieces together." - Ruskin Bond
"The Kangra Valley Railway is one of my favourite journeys. The particular railway is visible proof that the railway construction engineer can create a work, which is in complete harmony with the beauty of the surroundings. Without in anyway interfering with the grandeur of mountain and valley, the railway engineers on this line have revealed to the traveller a land of great enchantment. The graceful curves of the rails, the neatness of the culverts, the symmetrical design of the bridges, the directness of the cuttings – all these help to throw into bold relief the ruggedness of the huge crags through which the line play hide- and- seek.
By contrast, if you take the train to Shimla, you will spend half your time burrowing through the bowels of the earth with the scenic grandeur of the Himalyas blotted out from your vision and the hillsides made to resemble rabbit warrens.
Instead of boring his way through the mountains, the railway engineer in Kangra skillfully avoided running headlong into the hillside. Instead of following dizzy curves, he cleverly chose to avoid the awkward corners. He must have been a Taoist at heart, taking Natures way rather than opposing it." -Ruskin Bond
April 1, 2015
A gentle book by a gentle writer...
Bond never assumes that he is an award winning writer(winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Shri, no less). He meanders through the many happenings of his life and subtly suggests that writing and reading are what he is made to do. The joy of reading captured him one monsoon and it was in the spooky atmosphere of his room filled with dripping water, scurrying rats and an occasional bat, that he read Wuthering Heights and Shakespeare’s Complete Works.
He never outrightly says Read my books! #amwriting, nor does he discuss every writer’s nightmare- the daily word count or lack of it. Instead he mentions how he wrote his first book The Room on the Roof, which made reading this entire book worth my while.
More here:http://blog.instascribe.com/2015/03/3...
Bond never assumes that he is an award winning writer(winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Shri, no less). He meanders through the many happenings of his life and subtly suggests that writing and reading are what he is made to do. The joy of reading captured him one monsoon and it was in the spooky atmosphere of his room filled with dripping water, scurrying rats and an occasional bat, that he read Wuthering Heights and Shakespeare’s Complete Works.
He never outrightly says Read my books! #amwriting, nor does he discuss every writer’s nightmare- the daily word count or lack of it. Instead he mentions how he wrote his first book The Room on the Roof, which made reading this entire book worth my while.
More here:http://blog.instascribe.com/2015/03/3...
September 29, 2018
All I want to do is take up train rides, watch mountains. Such a good read that I couldn't wait to pick it up at every break I got hold of during the week. I regret not reading Ruskin Bond all these years
January 3, 2018
A very uplifting & pleasant read. The non-fiction works of Ruskin Bond are timeless making the reader feel at peace with the world. Love you Ruskin Bond - then, now & forever !
March 8, 2022
We have been told that journaling is a good thing, and it really is. You get to look back on the day and scrutinize your activities. At times, it helps in venting out the emotions.
In his young years, Ruskin Bond’s father urged him to keep a journal with him always. Who knew it would be another inspiration for his readers? Many times people want to hamper privacy by reading their journal secretly, but here we are offered a glimpse of 12 months of his time in Landour.
This book comprises fragments of stories of his days in Landour. The book is divided into four seasons- summer, monsoon, autumn and winter. The book comprises of his days after being a full-time writer and reminisces about a few moments of his childhood. This book includes his interaction with the public, the stories of the ghost of Savoy Hotel, the people of Landour, the troublesome souls seeking solace in Landour and Mussorie, the names of the buildings, the meeting with new budding authors, and the advice for the young writers, and many more. The book also comprises the euphoria of his first book in print.
One of the jingles I came across and loved reading in this book-
“I’m all right,
I’m doing my thing,
And in my own right
I’m a king!”
I bought this book from Landour Bake House because the cover seemed quite pretty. The title of the book is appropriate, and the writing style is informal; the precise use of humour and the vocabulary makes this book a wholesome memoir.
In his young years, Ruskin Bond’s father urged him to keep a journal with him always. Who knew it would be another inspiration for his readers? Many times people want to hamper privacy by reading their journal secretly, but here we are offered a glimpse of 12 months of his time in Landour.
This book comprises fragments of stories of his days in Landour. The book is divided into four seasons- summer, monsoon, autumn and winter. The book comprises of his days after being a full-time writer and reminisces about a few moments of his childhood. This book includes his interaction with the public, the stories of the ghost of Savoy Hotel, the people of Landour, the troublesome souls seeking solace in Landour and Mussorie, the names of the buildings, the meeting with new budding authors, and the advice for the young writers, and many more. The book also comprises the euphoria of his first book in print.
One of the jingles I came across and loved reading in this book-
“I’m all right,
I’m doing my thing,
And in my own right
I’m a king!”
I bought this book from Landour Bake House because the cover seemed quite pretty. The title of the book is appropriate, and the writing style is informal; the precise use of humour and the vocabulary makes this book a wholesome memoir.
July 11, 2022
The name's Bond. Ruskin Bond.
Beautiful, beautiful. So easy to read. Such entertainment. I have visited Landour twice before and it's never enough. After reading the journal, I only want to go again and experience ALL that is mentioned first hand. Never thought reading a journal would be this much fun - what with the poems, quotes, anecdotes and recipes(!) along with the witty observations and the peace that nature brings with it... Only in true Ruskin Bond style.
Beautiful, beautiful. So easy to read. Such entertainment. I have visited Landour twice before and it's never enough. After reading the journal, I only want to go again and experience ALL that is mentioned first hand. Never thought reading a journal would be this much fun - what with the poems, quotes, anecdotes and recipes(!) along with the witty observations and the peace that nature brings with it... Only in true Ruskin Bond style.
Read
January 16, 2025"𝘐 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘐 𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘣𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨."
March 30, 2023
It's ALWAYS a pleasure to read Rusty; wherever I go, whatever I read, Rusty is where I take my breaks be it emotional or literary.
December 8, 2025
*4.5 stars*
I started reading this book when I was in Landour and finished it by the time I touched down back to my place. And what a beautiful book to read about the very place you found peace and calm. This was my first Ruskin Bond book and it won't be the last. He is funny and witty and I will be reading many more books by him in the future.
Oh, and for someone who started getting monthly flowers in 2025, I really loved Mr Bond's little monthly flowers descriptions.
And before I forget, there are cute illustrations throughout the book. I don't know if it's meant to be coloured. But I will be colouring this book for this entire weekend to re-live the time I spent in Landour, Mussorie.
There is something special about reading about the place you are staying in. It captures the essence and brings comfort. Needless to say, I enjoyed my trip wholeheartedly as well as this book and Me Bond's beautiful writing.
I started reading this book when I was in Landour and finished it by the time I touched down back to my place. And what a beautiful book to read about the very place you found peace and calm. This was my first Ruskin Bond book and it won't be the last. He is funny and witty and I will be reading many more books by him in the future.
Oh, and for someone who started getting monthly flowers in 2025, I really loved Mr Bond's little monthly flowers descriptions.
And before I forget, there are cute illustrations throughout the book. I don't know if it's meant to be coloured. But I will be colouring this book for this entire weekend to re-live the time I spent in Landour, Mussorie.
There is something special about reading about the place you are staying in. It captures the essence and brings comfort. Needless to say, I enjoyed my trip wholeheartedly as well as this book and Me Bond's beautiful writing.
June 23, 2020
A humorous collection of reflections on his home from the author. Might not carry the sentiment for someone who hasn’t visited the foothills of the Himalayas. Yet does have moments of transcendental review on the seasons of life. Truly was a sweet way for me to experience again and in a new way one of my favorite places on earth.
August 30, 2018
I picked Landour Days from the Times of India Bookstore in Mumbai, while randomly passing my time, when my friends were busy clicking pictures.
I read the synopsis at the back, which says "Ruskin Bond offers an intimate view of the workings of the mind, revealing his thoughts on other writers and on writing itself"- which itself was intriguing enough for me to pick it up!
Its amazing how Mr. Bond talks about his observations and experiences of day to day life in hills. The way he talks about flowers, animals that come out in rains, insects of all the seasons, ghosts, name of the places and how they get their names from, etc. Mr. Bond hardly talks about himself in his diary, but about his sensing of the things around! and as Mr. Khushwant Singh also said in last few chapters of his autobiography- if you want to be a good writer, you have to move ahead from "just talking about your own self"
Its a light, good book to read, especially when you yourself maintain a diary! It gave me an insight into how writers also have their regular mundane and exciting days and how their novels/ stories, come out from these day to day observations, mixed with huge doses of own thoughts, imagination and creativity! Read it especially if you are staying and/or holidaying in the hills.. and if not, take the book and go to the hills for a while! :)
May 30, 2021
Landour days is a very soothing book. Authors accessible vocabulary and the small illustrations make the book perfectly relaxing. If you want to imagine a life at hilly town, this book is perfect!
October 27, 2021
"I may stop loving you,but I won't stop loving the days I loved you"-Ruskin Bond
For a die-hard Ruskin bond fan like me, this book is super special. It's like finding a lost home and finding solace with it. This book is a collection of his Journal entries from his Landour days. It indeed captures the timeless rhythm of life in the mountains and the serene wisdom of Ruskin Bond himself.
I always make sure that I'm reading his books at a medium pace, I don't want to finish reading anytime sooner, not just because it's Ruskin Bond, but also for the feel it gives while reading.Because of his stories, I have always felt that I've lived in Musoorie and it's like my second home. Now, Landour Days!
It's a very pleasant and soothing read. His witty jokes and insights are indeed a treat.
After reading this book, All I wanna do is..Pick up my journal,plan a road trip, visit Mountains, catch up Trains on Hill stations and feel alive!
For a die-hard Ruskin bond fan like me, this book is super special. It's like finding a lost home and finding solace with it. This book is a collection of his Journal entries from his Landour days. It indeed captures the timeless rhythm of life in the mountains and the serene wisdom of Ruskin Bond himself.
I always make sure that I'm reading his books at a medium pace, I don't want to finish reading anytime sooner, not just because it's Ruskin Bond, but also for the feel it gives while reading.Because of his stories, I have always felt that I've lived in Musoorie and it's like my second home. Now, Landour Days!
It's a very pleasant and soothing read. His witty jokes and insights are indeed a treat.
After reading this book, All I wanna do is..Pick up my journal,plan a road trip, visit Mountains, catch up Trains on Hill stations and feel alive!
November 20, 2016
The simple structure of this book appealed to me. It’s laid out by months of the year and seasons. And the simplicity of its illustrations also drew me in. I’m not the biggest fan of Ruskin Bond’s stuff. It often tends to read as traditionally colonial in essence – the voice of an observer trying to fit in. But what I did get was a small sense of place put together by an established author who lives there during hail, sleet and snow as well as during the flowery, summery months. A good one if you’re looking for a quick read with a nostalgic feel about Hill Station-y India. It’s got a touch of that ‘old-world’ charm to it.
December 14, 2016
The first time I read a dairy was The Dairy of A Young Girl, by Anne Frank, few years ago. The second I read was Landour Days by Ruskin Bond. Being an aspiring writer myself, it was more of inspirational text from this dairyist. An apt amount of humor, facts and experience makes this book an interesting read. It is a testament that even daily life would sound interesting if the words are twisted and tweaked the right way! Thoroughly enjoyed, wandering through Landour, now a part of my bucket list of travel.
P.S. This book has given me my new year resolution. Maintain a journal. Make it interesting.
P.S. This book has given me my new year resolution. Maintain a journal. Make it interesting.
March 3, 2017
Ruskin Bond's writings have a sense of peaceful simplicity about them. If you, like me, have grown up on a diet of his immaculate prose - you need nothing to validate how beautiful his writings are. This book, of course, is no exception. It has vignettes from his journal, written across seasons. Fragments of thoughts are strewn about in a narrative which is heart-warmingly personal, sprinkled with Bond's occasional streak of humour.
There is some advice for budding writers, and subtle discouragement for the not to serious ones. There is nature. There are people. There are distant views of relationships.
That is classic Bond for you!
There is some advice for budding writers, and subtle discouragement for the not to serious ones. There is nature. There are people. There are distant views of relationships.
That is classic Bond for you!
April 27, 2025
Landour days is a refreshing book that will make you want to spend some time in the hills. It records journal enteries of one year. Flowers, birds, wind, people, animals, fruits, leaves and weather are written about. Although everything recorded is about the daily happenings around the town, yet all this creates magic around us. Divided into four sections: Summer, Monsoon, Autumn and Winter, the book brings the specialities of each season in a soothing way that is specific to Ruskin Bond. The book is full of humourous remarks that are gentle and full of warmth. It brings the pure magic of mountains in your reading room.
January 10, 2022
Marvelous writing, soothing words and indescribably charming! I've really become a fan of Bonds writing having read this beautiful compilation of his diary excerpts. It evokes a feeling of wistful nostalgia, with wonderful descriptions of Landour's natural wonders, from the flowers to the streams of waters that run through the little hill station.
Highly highly recommend!
Highly highly recommend!
December 11, 2025
With Ruskin Bond. The Man who gave me so much,,,,
This book is one of Ruskin Bond’s most intimate and revealing works—not because it tells grand secrets, but because it shows the ordinary rhythms of a writer’s life with honesty, humour, and unadorned beauty.
Structured as a journal set in the small hill town of Landour, above Mussoorie, the book reads like a slow walk through Bond’s days: observing birds, chatting with locals, watching the changing seasons, and reflecting on the craft of writing.
It is a deeply meditative, almost spiritual text—not in doctrine, but in the way it teaches readers to notice, savour, and appreciate life’s smallest pleasures.
The strength of this book lies in its simplicity. Bond does not attempt dramatic entries or philosophical revelations. Instead, he faithfully records the world around him: the movement of mist over the hillside, the chatter of monkeys at dusk, the colours of the cedar forest as light shifts through the day.
He notices people with the same attention: the shopkeepers, trekkers, retired soldiers, tourists, schoolchildren, and the locals whose lives intertwine quietly with his. This gentle observation makes the journal feel like a companion rather than a literary exercise.
Bond’s humour is particularly charming in Landour Days. His interactions with monkeys, his commentary on the quirks of hill-town life, and his reflections on ageing all carry a tone of affectionate self-deprecation. He mocks his own laziness, his love of sweets, and his irregular writing habits with such warmth that readers feel they are sharing a cup of tea with an old friend on his verandah.
There is a rare transparency here—Bond the writer, Bond the ageing bachelor, Bond the hill-dweller, and Bond the amused observer all blend into one voice.
The journal format also gives insight into Bond’s writing process. He writes about deadlines, writer’s block, bursts of inspiration, the frustrations of interruptions, and the quiet pleasure of finally completing a page.
Young writers will find these passages especially comforting; Bond’s productivity is not mechanical, but organic. He writes when something stirs within him—an image, a memory, a conversation.
This reassures readers that creativity is not a machine, but a slow-growing plant.
Nature plays a central role in this book, not as ornament but as environment and teacher. Bond’s appreciation for the hills is palpable. The forest is his constant companion: the deodars that creak in the wind, the snow that silences everything in winter, the monsoon that transforms the mountains into living green sculptures. His relationship with the natural world gives the journal emotional grounding.
Readers come away feeling calmer, more connected, more aware of the beauty around them.
One of the most striking qualities of Landour Days is its unhurried pace. Nothing dramatic happens—and that is precisely the point. In celebrating smallness, Bond makes a quiet argument against modern restlessness. He shows that a life can be full even when it is not busy, meaningful even when it is simple, and joyful even in solitude.
The entries on loneliness—subtle and reflective—remind readers that solitude is not the absence of love, but the presence of self-sufficiency.
Bond also writes about people who visit him, readers who write letters, and schoolchildren who stop by. These interactions help soften the perception of the solitary writer.
Bond is not isolated; he is part of a community. Landour is not just a place but a relationship.
This makes the journal not just a record of days, but a portrait of a life lived in harmony with place, people, and routine.
Ultimately, Landour Days reminds readers that a writer’s greatest asset is awareness.
Bond teaches us to look—to really look—at the world around us. In a time of speed, noise, and distraction, this book becomes a form of quiet resistance, a celebration of the slow, tender, observant life.
It is a journal that reads like an invitation: to breathe, to notice, and to belong.
Most recommended.
This book is one of Ruskin Bond’s most intimate and revealing works—not because it tells grand secrets, but because it shows the ordinary rhythms of a writer’s life with honesty, humour, and unadorned beauty.
Structured as a journal set in the small hill town of Landour, above Mussoorie, the book reads like a slow walk through Bond’s days: observing birds, chatting with locals, watching the changing seasons, and reflecting on the craft of writing.
It is a deeply meditative, almost spiritual text—not in doctrine, but in the way it teaches readers to notice, savour, and appreciate life’s smallest pleasures.
The strength of this book lies in its simplicity. Bond does not attempt dramatic entries or philosophical revelations. Instead, he faithfully records the world around him: the movement of mist over the hillside, the chatter of monkeys at dusk, the colours of the cedar forest as light shifts through the day.
He notices people with the same attention: the shopkeepers, trekkers, retired soldiers, tourists, schoolchildren, and the locals whose lives intertwine quietly with his. This gentle observation makes the journal feel like a companion rather than a literary exercise.
Bond’s humour is particularly charming in Landour Days. His interactions with monkeys, his commentary on the quirks of hill-town life, and his reflections on ageing all carry a tone of affectionate self-deprecation. He mocks his own laziness, his love of sweets, and his irregular writing habits with such warmth that readers feel they are sharing a cup of tea with an old friend on his verandah.
There is a rare transparency here—Bond the writer, Bond the ageing bachelor, Bond the hill-dweller, and Bond the amused observer all blend into one voice.
The journal format also gives insight into Bond’s writing process. He writes about deadlines, writer’s block, bursts of inspiration, the frustrations of interruptions, and the quiet pleasure of finally completing a page.
Young writers will find these passages especially comforting; Bond’s productivity is not mechanical, but organic. He writes when something stirs within him—an image, a memory, a conversation.
This reassures readers that creativity is not a machine, but a slow-growing plant.
Nature plays a central role in this book, not as ornament but as environment and teacher. Bond’s appreciation for the hills is palpable. The forest is his constant companion: the deodars that creak in the wind, the snow that silences everything in winter, the monsoon that transforms the mountains into living green sculptures. His relationship with the natural world gives the journal emotional grounding.
Readers come away feeling calmer, more connected, more aware of the beauty around them.
One of the most striking qualities of Landour Days is its unhurried pace. Nothing dramatic happens—and that is precisely the point. In celebrating smallness, Bond makes a quiet argument against modern restlessness. He shows that a life can be full even when it is not busy, meaningful even when it is simple, and joyful even in solitude.
The entries on loneliness—subtle and reflective—remind readers that solitude is not the absence of love, but the presence of self-sufficiency.
Bond also writes about people who visit him, readers who write letters, and schoolchildren who stop by. These interactions help soften the perception of the solitary writer.
Bond is not isolated; he is part of a community. Landour is not just a place but a relationship.
This makes the journal not just a record of days, but a portrait of a life lived in harmony with place, people, and routine.
Ultimately, Landour Days reminds readers that a writer’s greatest asset is awareness.
Bond teaches us to look—to really look—at the world around us. In a time of speed, noise, and distraction, this book becomes a form of quiet resistance, a celebration of the slow, tender, observant life.
It is a journal that reads like an invitation: to breathe, to notice, and to belong.
Most recommended.
May 14, 2020
How true is that quote! Believe me there are many more like that which will make you scream 'I relate.' 'Landour Days', as the name suggests is a book about Landour. It is a memoir of Ruskin Bond and his days spent in Landour. It is a book that captures the soul and rhythm of the mountains and presents it to you without sugar coating but in itself is so sweet that you wouldn't mind taking a bite (if possible). It captures life in the mountains in its most raw and unadulterated form and one can feel its magic. Ruskin Bond is often called India's William Wordsworth and this book shows us the striking similarities between the two. Their love for nature and mysticism are very similar and their writing too.
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'Landour Days' is divided into four parts and named as per the four seasons- Summer, Monsoon, Autumn & Winter & further in these parts there are sections which are dedicated to months where the author recollects, revisits & records his experiences in Landour during those months. There's a different flower every month- Poopy in May, Dandelion in June, Geranium in August & so on. Bond is the most old school figure I have ever come across and that is why I relate to him so much. There's a paragraph in the book which goes like- "But I would not enjoy my writing if I had to do it straight on a machine. It isn't just the pleasure of writing by hand, although that's part of it." which is so relatable.
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'Landour Days' is divided into four parts and named as per the four seasons- Summer, Monsoon, Autumn & Winter & further in these parts there are sections which are dedicated to months where the author recollects, revisits & records his experiences in Landour during those months. There's a different flower every month- Poopy in May, Dandelion in June, Geranium in August & so on. Bond is the most old school figure I have ever come across and that is why I relate to him so much. There's a paragraph in the book which goes like- "But I would not enjoy my writing if I had to do it straight on a machine. It isn't just the pleasure of writing by hand, although that's part of it." which is so relatable.
August 2, 2021
You have to see Bond’s World from his perspective to be able to understand it. I am currently reading Gibson’s The Peripheral, and boy it can be a frustrating read at times, especially when days are super busy. On a rainy Sunday gone by, I wanted to give the avant garde sci-fi a break, and pick up a lighter read. Bond’s Landour Days, freshly arrived from Amazon, was looking at me from all possible corners as though “Pick me up, I will add to your lovely rainy Sunday”. And what a lovely Sunday it was. The book is a journal format, typical of Bond’s writing and is beautiful. His recounts are simple, everyday memories. This may not appeal to many readers, but will greatly appeal to day dreamers like me, who love observing birds, shape of a flower, colours of the tiniest insect…you know pretty “pointless” yet joyful things. His writing always brings a smile to my face and resonates with me, and I guess that is enough. If these things interest you less, then I will suggest don’t buy this work and instead go for his famous ones only. If the slow life is of interest to you, then each of Bond’s writing will be valuable to you. Sunday was lovely!!
March 8, 2024
“I feel drawn to little temples on lonely hilltops. With the mist swirling round them, and the wind humming in the stunted pines, they absorb some of the magic and mystery of their surroundings and transmit it to the questing pilgrim.”
-Ruskin Bond, Landour Days: A Writer's Journal
Landour Days is a book filled with memories and warmth. The book is a part of Ruskin Bond's journal over the years. The journals are presented in summer, winter, spring, and autumn.
Bond talks about the serenity of Landour and its people. He recollects simple moments in the tranquility of nature.
All of Bond's interactions with the people of Landour are genuine and warm. He talks about the writers who inspired him and the whole world. His anecdotes make the entire reading process very beautiful and subtle.
To experience his story in his words is nothing less than bliss. Landour Days is a perfect book that will make you long for a perfect life in the mountains.
Read more about Landour Days here:
https://theindianbookclub.com/readers...
-Ruskin Bond, Landour Days: A Writer's Journal
Landour Days is a book filled with memories and warmth. The book is a part of Ruskin Bond's journal over the years. The journals are presented in summer, winter, spring, and autumn.
Bond talks about the serenity of Landour and its people. He recollects simple moments in the tranquility of nature.
All of Bond's interactions with the people of Landour are genuine and warm. He talks about the writers who inspired him and the whole world. His anecdotes make the entire reading process very beautiful and subtle.
To experience his story in his words is nothing less than bliss. Landour Days is a perfect book that will make you long for a perfect life in the mountains.
Read more about Landour Days here:
https://theindianbookclub.com/readers...
July 28, 2023
The best way to enjoy this book is during winter sitting on the veranda soaking in the morning sun with a hot cup of chai❤️🤌While reading You will feel you are sitting with Ruskin Bond & listening to his daily logs while sipping the hot chai.
Landour day is a memoir of Ruskin bond. It's basically a recording of his days spent in Landour amongst nature & mountains, his interactions with people he had lived with. Filled with warmth & humour, Bond captures subtly every moment & life in the mountains.
Landour days are divided into 4 parts summer, Monsoon, winter & Autumn. Each month he recollects all the memories & his experiences during those months. And for each month he dedicated a flower & talks about it. Poppy for May, Dandelion for June and so on.
He talks about his experiences as a writer, about other writers from Landour, wild nature, stories behind the names of the landour Houses, insect musicians so on. I'm sure you will get a fair knowledge of every topic and his witty jokes are indeed a treat.
Landour day is a memoir of Ruskin bond. It's basically a recording of his days spent in Landour amongst nature & mountains, his interactions with people he had lived with. Filled with warmth & humour, Bond captures subtly every moment & life in the mountains.
Landour days are divided into 4 parts summer, Monsoon, winter & Autumn. Each month he recollects all the memories & his experiences during those months. And for each month he dedicated a flower & talks about it. Poppy for May, Dandelion for June and so on.
He talks about his experiences as a writer, about other writers from Landour, wild nature, stories behind the names of the landour Houses, insect musicians so on. I'm sure you will get a fair knowledge of every topic and his witty jokes are indeed a treat.
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