There are mountains, particularly in some ranges of the Indian Himalaya, that have grown taller in our minds. Many of them are made taller, tougher, and almost legendary by an intricate veil of mythology and mystery around them. Add a rich legacy of heroic explorations, epic ascents, tragic accidents and a generous dash of romanticism to that and you have Nanda Devi. For reasons known yet unexplained -plutonium or pollution, political or practical - since 1983, Nanda Devi and its sanctum sanctorum remain out of bounds. This is a narrative of mountain travel and exploration set in the backdrop of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary that offers a vigorous description of men as much as the mountains. The intertwined narrative of this book attempts to take you on a voyage into the forbidden Inner sanctuary, back to those good old days, reflecting on the prior explorations, mythology, wildlife, and the native hill tribe culture.
Travel and mountaineering expeditions demand a marvellous spirit of adventure and specific skills to accomplish the planned task. Here is a book “NANDA DEVI by Sandeep Madadi“” that is successfully engrossed the readers by taking them on a trip to mountain treks and peak tops and heights through its wise and wonderful description of their experience during a mountaineering expedition.
All of us might have read many books on this subject and watched movies covering this aspect of an adventurous task. But this book is special in a way that has included the first -hand accounts of Padma Shri Anup Sah, GK Sharma and Col Ashwin Baindur who were part of the Nanda Devi Expedition.
The author Sandeep Madadi penned the entire expedition in 14 chapters along with few images and chronology of the events. Quote at the opening of every chapter, the glossary, foot notes at various points makes the readers feel the depth of their experience and their perfectness inputting forward even the minutest details.
The major focus is not only on mountains and mountaineers, the book lays a thorough cover of the layout of the region, its people, culture and about the entire crew of the expedition. The role of porters in expedition throws light on the lives of the people of the region and their support for the mountaineers in completing their task.
Mountains are always looked up for their structure and massive look. It is always admired by people underneath it and it is used as a comparative object of a giant feature. I quote from the poem “Never place me so high” by A.B. Vajpayee
“A height
Whose touch alone
Turns water to stone,
Such height
That merely to look upon it Is to feel small,
May be deserving of praise,
An invitation to tireless climbers,
A good place to plant your flag. "
Reading this book helps the readers to know the various struggles and impediments mountaineers cross over in order to reach the desired peak rather than just being an admirers of mountaineers. The author truly expresses the dreams, the losses, and the lessons learnt, sacrifices made by the earlier mountaineers in delicate words.
While dealing with the nearby places of the Himalayan region author points out the search for sanjeevani booti, and also the Monkey God who was never forgiven by the villagers of Dronagiri along with many mythological stories.
The book excels in incorporating all the information about the Himalayan region, Nanda Devi, IMF, Eco –tourism, skiing, wildlife and above all the Nature’s act.
“In Garhwal, I met a true civilisation, for I found contentment and happiness. I saw a life that is not enslaved by the time- factor, that is not obsessed by the idea that happiness is dependent on money and materials.’’ Frank Smythe. Reading this book will make us agree with the words of Frank.
No doubt that mountains with their beauty, mystery and transcendence, can help lift our lives above the grime and dirt associated with the plains below. Till today, to conquer a mountain is seen as a human and spiritual feat. Read this book and join the band to conquer the mountains through words.
Have you ever witnessed an outstanding experience through someone’s eyes?
“Nanda Devi” by Sandeep Madadi is definitely a masterpiece, which will transport you to the beauty of the spectacular mountain views of Himalayan Ranges. This book gives you chills of heavenly peace through and through.
This book will show you the lives of many dreamers whose vision led them to accomplish something bigger. Author has shared his journey to the magnificent Nanda Devi ranges. He put down all his tribulations and excitement, with utmost bravery and humbleness towards the local deity.
The expedition to the second highest mountain of India, the realism of 7,816 m high is penned down with lots and lots of hardships. There are so many related folk tales mentioned in the book, which will surely drag your attention to know more about the beauty of Nanda Devi.
Author has started this trip with his other two not-so-mountaineer friends, which reflect so much naive innocence and the urge to fulfill a deadly dream. He has brought up the realities of trekking through dense forest, mortal gorges, river side vulnerabilities, attacks of wild animals like bears and many more issues. He showcased the endangerment of camping amidst the darkest lap of mountains. He exhibits a great sense of the traditional aura of locals and the related customs. What I loved the most is the informative details of everything, whether it's regarding “Kasturi”, or the time period when the majestic Nanda Devi expedition was prohibited for a very long time.
Apart from Nanda Devi ranges, there are also references of other major peaks under 8000 m heights, and their relevance with difficulties while climbing.
Author has also highlighted many mountaineers, who were the part of Nanda Devi expeditions, back in the days of 1980s or before, and articulated their experiences as a proud achievements of their lives.
I am in awe of the stories, where the brave hearts sacrificed their purpose on the gigantic lands of Nanda Devi. The emotional story of Devi, whose not only name was christened after this historical mountain, but her life’s end goal was dedicated to it. The native tribe culture, the mythical secrets and pious lifestyle of the region make the terrains of Indian Himalayas a mind-boggling bodily property.
Although I was reading at my place, wrapped up in a warm blanket, sipping tea, my mind had traveled along with each word to the valleys of Nanda Devi Sanctuary. And this, honestly this is the real masterstroke for any author. His writing style is very curious and comfortable. You won’t be able to disconnect even a little bit while taking a virtual journey with the author.
This is a must read for all the travel enthusiasts who are fascinated about the astounding nature, greenish heaven, colorful sunrise and sunsets. You will not regret imagining the roller-coaster tales, I bet.
Let your faith be bigger than fears. And this book perfectly captures that. Faith is about taking that one step towards your dream, towards what excites you and here Sandeep takes us on one such journey of Faith. Sandeep takes us along on a trek to the beautiful Nanda Devi Mountain in the Himalayas. He introduces us to the ‘Goddess of Bliss’ and makes the readers fall in love with its glory.
“Death is not too high a price to pay for a life fully lived.”
From sharing intriguing facts about the first three women who were successful in reaching the top of Nanda Devi in 1981 to Shipton’s exploratory instincts, Willi and Devi - the father-daughter duo who loved mountains, the book is full of inspiring journeys of all those who have taken this trek and have been there in the lap of the Goddess. The author’s spirit of completing the trek against all odds inspires readers to never give up on their dreams.
"Nanda Devi" by Sandeep Madadi is a captivating book that takes readers on a journey through the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Sandeep's fascination with Nanda Devi and his love for the mountains is evident throughout the book.
He shares his experience of exploring the forbidden inner sanctuary with his friends, providing a glimpse into the rich culture, mythology, and wildlife of the area. He shares his struggles: from navigating bad weather to spending nights in the forest while highlighting stories from other trekkers.
With a candid and absorbing writing style, Sandeep shares the rich details of the culture and the history of the region, and local beliefs. He also mentions about the confluences of rivers, villages, and camps, interspersed with personal details about the difficulties he faced during his trek, including bad weather, nights in the forest, and other challenging situations.
The book is well-written, with a crisp and descriptive narrative. With each chapter, the story gets exciting, the readers remain curious about their adventurous trek and what lies ahead. The plot shifts from the present to the past which at times breaks the flow of the story, but does not spoil the reading experience.
One of my favourite chapters from the book is Devi Darshan and The Curse of the Goddess. It gave me goosebumps. I loved Raj and Sai, Sandeep’s friends, who were with him every step of the way. The moments they share together, their different personalities, their shared joy, their humility and gratitude when meeting the Goddess, made me fall in love with the trio. The spirit of the novel lies in the unforgettable life lessons they learned during their journey.
In conclusion, “Nanda Devi” is a light, delightful read, a journey that is truly worth living and experiencing. The book is not just about trekking but also about discovering our inner selves. If you are a nature lover and an adventure lover then this book is definitely for you.
For the discerning traveller, the journey is a transformative experience that leaves an indelible mark upon the soul. To be transported to far-off lands and exotic locales are to glimpse the infinite potential of the human spirit. And while there is nothing quite like experiencing the thrill of adventure first-hand, the next best thing is to embark upon a virtual sojourn through the halls of a museum, the magic of a travel movie, or the pages of a book that tells a beautifully crafted tale. Such books about travel and self-discovery are not merely words on a page, but vessels of wonder, carrying readers on a journey of the soul. They possess the power to inspire, enlighten and awaken the adventurer within us all. These tales of wanderlust are not only a delight to read but make for truly magnificent gifts for travellers, offering a window into a world of endless possibility and adventure.
Nanda Devi by Sandeep Madadi is a spellbinding tale that transports readers to the majestic peaks of the Indian Himalayas. The mountain range has been elevated to mythical proportions by mythology, folklore, and mysterious tales; making Nanda Devi a symbol of strength and endurance. The author skillfully weaves together a tapestry of heroic explorations, epic ascents, and tragic accidents, all set against the backdrop of Nanda Devi's forbidden Inner Sanctuary. The book provides a vivid and energetic description of the mountain, its people, and the surrounding culture. The author takes the reader on a journey through the inner sanctum of Nanda Devi, evoking images of a bygone era filled with exploration, mythology, and wildlife. The rich legacy of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary is explored in great detail, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the region.
The intricate veil of mythology and mystery surrounding Nanda Devi is explored in depth, revealing the reasons behind its out-of-bound status since 1983. The author raises questions about the reasons for this ban, whether they be political, practical, or environmental. The author uses vivid and energetic language to paint a picture of the mountain range and its surrounding culture. The narrative is rich and evocative, providing a rich tapestry of sensory details that bring the story to life. The writing style is both sophisticated and accessible, making it easy for readers to get lost in the story and become fully immersed in the world of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary.
In conclusion, Nanda Devi is a sublime and magnificent opus that whisks readers away to the mystical realm of the Indian Himalayas.
My favorite mountain range is the Himalayas, which is obvious because I belong to it. Those green and snowy mountains have had a permanent presence in my life since childhood, a tempting horizon I could always look up to and vanish to whenever I had the chance. I miss those days, and getting crisp Himalayan air, even second-hand, through literature is like connecting with the mountains.
And by reading “Sandeep Madadi” book “Nanda Devi,” I relived my days of trekking, and that book is like connecting with the people living there and their culture. A remarkable story of a trip to the Nanda Devi peak. Sandeep combines this travelogue with details on the bizarre occurrences that have taken place on his journey, from hurdles a mountaineer face to calmness and anxiety simultaneously.
The book begins with the author’s love for mountains, and soon he takes the reader on a tour of the area as he describes its geography, describing its beauty, and discussing folklore. His observations of the hardship of people living in the magnificence of the high mountains and his struggles with treacherous terrain. I am from Uttarakhand, and I appreciate the author for sharing the culture, local customs, and beliefs of mountain people with sensitivity.
Sandeep writes his experience with clarity and simplicity, conveying emotion clearly but the delight and excitement of discovering new places and the independence of being alone in the mountains. Indeed, I look at Sandeep as an explorer who wants to be familiar with the nuances of Nanda Devi and its beauty.
“Nanda Devi” presents his traveling experience and the life of mountain people brilliantly. A fantastic book that every mountain lover should read.
Mountains appeals to me greater beyond anything else because of its greatness, climate and people who live in those areas. Nanda Devi is a mountain which has been surrounded by folklores, stories and myths. The stories and myths changes from person to person and place to place. The main attraction of this book is the history and deeply researched texts of Nanda Devi expeditions through the century. The writer expertly creates a mosaic of courageous adventures, spectacular ascents, and sad catastrophes amid the landscape of Nanda Devi's restricted Inner Sanctuary. I got to know about many climbers who completed their journey to reach the top of Mountain but many died in the progress, this whole thing has a rich history. I loved “DEVI” A climber who got died in the progress of climbing Nanda Devi. The braveness of climbers and their accounts on Nanda Devi was also amazing. The writer leads the spectator on a tour inside Nanda Devi's inner sanctuary, creating pictures of a previous past rich in adventure, mythology, and wildlife. The ancient significance of the Nanda Devi Wilderness is studied in great depth, providing an intriguing peek into the region's background and culture. The starting of every chapter using a quote is my favorite thing, the author paints a description of the mountainous ranges and its accompanying civilization using colorful and dynamic words. The tale is deep and vivid, with a rich weaving of sensual elements that bring it to life. If are a lover of mountain history or want some motivation from mountain climbers, I recommend this.
Whenever someone asks whether I like mountains or the sea more, it has always mountain for me. With its mystery, serene nature, and beauty everything attracts me more than anything. In the book, the author talks about Nanda Devi, one of the most mysterious, dangerous mountain peaks, as it's hard to climb. In the book the author gives us information about the peak, the expeditions that were taken here and how it stops later, the myths around it, the people who live in different parts of the mountain, and much more.
And all through this, he peppers the stories with his own trekking journey to Nanda Devi Sanctuary, even with the story of another expedition way back from 1976. When a twenty-two-year young woman with the same name as the mountain joined the trek.
So it's a book for mountain lovers, travellers, trekkers, wanderers, or just for the people who love to read about travel stories and the adventures within the stories. The book is definitely going to give you a nudge to go for a trek like this. It certainly did for me.
This is definitely a book I recommend if you love any of the themes mentioned here, or give it a try if you're missing traveling.
This book is a world in itself; it's an account of the author's efforts to bring to light the beauty of Nanda Devi through the lenses of Anindya Mukherjee - Explorer, Mountaineer. The book is divided into two sections: the overall journey and its natural beauty. It also spins us the tale of how he managed to get into these stunning, snow-capped peaks of Nanda Devi and the sanctuary twice. Author has also put-up images of the hidden attractions that only a select few have the ability to witness. There are many chapters in this book, that describe how a group of three first started this marvellous journey of exploring the mountain. How many people failed at this, how it's always mentioned as Nanda Devi the goddess, the entire thrilling path, and his second journey thirteen years later. Everything is so well narrated. Little details like how he placed his watch there, under the flag, clearly depicted his gratitude towards the hills. As a reader, I could clearly visualise the beauty through the author's narration.
This story of mountain exploration and travel, which is set against the backdrop of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, provides a unique portrayal of both mountains and the people who set out to conquer them. The book discusses a journey into the prohibited Inner Sanctuary, reminiscing about earlier investigations, mythology, fauna, and the culture of the local hill tribes. Since 1983, Nanda Devi and her sanctum sanctorum have been off-limits for unknown but inexplicable reasons (plutonium or pollution, political or practical). What I really liked about this book is that author Sandeep Madadi included the backstory and gave a chronological order for the previous expeditions, which helped a lot to understand the importance of Nanda Devi. He also included lots of pictures, and they are so beautiful. This is such a well written book and has tickled my trekking bones… I have to pack my bags now and go for the unknown.
I love books that offer more than just a straight plot-line to its readers. A book that entertains with you with a storyline, gives you information and teaches you something new is so much more than just a book. Nanda Devi by Sandeep Madadi is one such book. It contains detailed information about the second-highest mountain in India, which is located in Uttarakhand. Nanda Devi's beauty is just incredible. The way the author has written the content of the book is admirable. The book is divided into two sections. The author has highlighted a very important topic in front of us and has also given several reasons behind all the issues. I really appreciate the author for writing a book that introduces us to a new place, culture and give a deeper insight into a part of our history that not many people know about. I loved this book.
Author Sandeep Madadi described Nanda Devi… Some mountain ranges, especially those in the Indian Himalayan range, have become taller in our mindsduer to the elaborate web of folklore and mystery surrounding them. These lores & tales make them seem taller, tougher, and practically legendary. Nanda Devi is the result of a long history of brave explorations, challenging ascents, terrible mishaps, and liberal amounts of romanticism. I was beyond intrigued with the way the author talked about a mountain and decided to give this book a try. I usually prefer romantic books, and this book is also a love story, a love story between the author and his love, Nanda Devi. The language and penning style are brilliant and easy to grasp, especially for readers who are not well versed in mountains. I really enjoyed reading this book.
'Books lets us travel the world without even moving a feet' this quote is something that we all would have heard at some or the other point, even I did. But then after reading this book, I felt it.
The story of Nanda Devi is superb. By no means is it a short read, but it won't feel like a long one. The pace of the story is very good and it keeps you hooked throughout.
The main thing which I loved in this story was the way in which the characters are depicted. I personally am a beach lover but reading this book evoked a mountain lover in me.
The book covers a lot of situations and events. And as such it felt good to read about all the emotions and struggles of the lives that were involved and touched upon.
The cover of the book is amazing. It completely gives the gist of the story.
Overall, loved the book and would highly recommend it to everyone!
I am probably the most non-sporty person you will ever know. I am lazy. Trekking and hiking are definitely not my kind of activities. Hence, I usually don’t read books about such experiences.
A few days ago, I had a terrible day and decided to go out for coffee with Nanda Devi in my hand. For the next few hours, all I had was a flat white and a picture painted with words.
What a book it is. So informative, yet not at all boring. How author Sandeep Madadi penned his experience of the Nanda Devi expedition simply gave me goosebumps.
I have never been to the Himalayas. After reading this book, I am tempted to venture into the Himalayas - trekking or no trekking!
Such an amazing and unique read for me, and a refreshing break from my thrillers.
Nanda Devi by Sandeep Madadi explores the mystery and the reality surrounding the magnificent mountain peaks of the same name.
Closed of to public in 1983, the Nanda Devi mountains has been a mystery that I was aware of but didn't know much details about it. This book changed that. The author has explored the mythological mysteries as well as the scientific parts and also the reality of what might be happening there among the Nanda Devi peaks.
It is gloriously packed with facts and stories, making it a very good blend of fiction and non fiction together.
I was thoroughly hooked to the book and loved every bit of it.
Will recommend it to those who want to know more about the Nanda Devi mountains.
Mountains have their own ambiance that creates a mystical aura. From childhood, while reading stories lingering around mountain tops, I have always been fascinated to know more about it. So, recently had my hand in a book that opened new dimensions of the mountain world. With an impressive title, Nanda Devi, the book showcases a realistic image The flawless narration and impressive writing style gave me a handy reading experience. Was totally mesmerised by beauty of printed words used to weave the story that offered an extraordinary reading experience. The book is a great one to dive in to experience adventure and thrilling experiences.
My first mountaineering read and I think this was precisely what I needed. the mountaineer that I am feels as if I a sitting right there. My father and I cried reading the 22years old Nanda, a girl the same as my age. I have had my share of mountaineering experience and this book is somewhat inspiring me to write about it.
If you are a traveler, wanderer, or just love mountains in general, you would definitely enjoy the book. If you are not one of them, reading this book is going will make you fall in love with the mountains for sure. So do not miss this book, detail review here https://www.tuggunmommy.com/nanda-dev...
Set in the backdrop of the Himalayas, the book revolves around the realm and depth that surrounds the mystical yet magnificent mountain range that not many have been able to climb. The book , begins with the chronology of events from previous expeditions, and a route map to the Base camp, and is divided into 2 sections.
The author discusses various aspects like wildlife, prior expeditions along with food, culture and religious beliefs of the native tribes. The chapters are short and can be finished reading quickly. The footnotes that are included helps us to know in detail, the places or events mentioned. Also the images of the mountains gives us a glimpse of the mesmerizing beauty of the snow capped twin peaks, that not everyone can see.
The book covers intricate details about the Nanda Devi Sanctuary that is informative and will help the future generations to plan their trek effectively. Overall an intriguing read.