Beautifully written and presented on Nature and its purpose.
– Archana Santosh
Beautifully written and presented on the nature and its purpose….this book is surely an eye opener on all kinds of things that our mother earth has offered …totally loved the way this has been written by Dr. Rajani Rao…waiting more of this kind from her….still have more to read…my younger one has already started reading cultural diaries written by her…👍👍👏
An easy and enjoyable to read. Use of Sanskrit slokas to enlighten modern travellers.
– Ambuja
Travel and global warming – want to know what our ancestors did to preserve and nurture the environment which led to the development of one of the most ancient and richest cultures in the world? Should humans always exploit the nature to fullfill their unending greed without gratitude ? Dr.Rajani Rao has come out with astounding answers through her amazing journey from Karnataka’s Ashoka rock and pillar edicts to Kerala ‘s Athirathram yajna to Nashik’s panchavati and Tapovan. An easy and enjoyable to read, makes us feel proud and sad at the same time looking at the present. The author takes us along with her through out this amazing cruise describing every thing every event so vividly and colourfully that I felt as if I was the second pillion rider. Best part is the colour pictures in the book. This is one of the best books I have read on Travels and her experience can encourage even a novice to venture boldly anywhere in the world. I fully agree with her that travelling itself can make one a philosopher after reading the book. Loved the style of writing and she has made Camping look very exciting and easy. Use of Sanskrit slokas to enlighten modern travellers of what people during Vedic period thought about the environment is like icing on the cake.
These books are very useful for students and people interested in nature and travel in India.
– D. Padmanabhan
“The Travails of a Pillion Rider” by Dr. Rajani Rao is an account of her motorcycle journey across India. There are three parts to her adventures: 1. Cultural Diary; 2. Camping Diary; and 3. Coastal Diary. Cultural Diary is the author’s journey of becoming familiar with ancient Indian practices, rituals and wisdom, including yagnas and yagas. She also visits some of the locations mentioned in the Ramayana like the Dandakaranya and covers the places where we find Ashoka’s edicts. Camping Diary is more about experiencing the outdoors in India. This covers her expeditions to Ladakh, Western Ghats and Kanyakumari. She also writes about difficulties of camping, problems with riding at high altitude, perspectives on sacred groves and our ancient texts on the environment.The third and final part is about the author’s bike expedition during Navaratri along the coast which she refers to as ‘Bharat Mala’ or the ‘Necklace of India’. Apart from her actual travels, Dr. Rajani has done a lot of library research. These books are very useful for students and people interested in nature and travel in India. This is also a good reading material for all.
I am enjoying the journey and experience.
– Nandini D
The book is so engrossing and I am enjoying the journey and experience …😁😁 This book took me directly from Malaysia to beautiful places in India even during pandemic.
Bonus used to be knowledge from ancient Indian scriptures and their life style,
which influences us.
– Murali SL
I have already completed reading camping dairies and cultural dairies. I am amazed at how she captured every minute details of the journey. After working hard over the week, reading these over weekend used to be like a hassle free relaxing tour. Bonus used to be knowledge from ancient Indian scriptures and their life style, which influences us. For e.g. after going through Athirathram yajna part, I started looking and treating plants very different. Now looking forward for the weekend to start my journey around coasts of India, Thank you Rajani.
Travel journals help u to write and document about the experience.
– Bhanumathi
Travel journals help u to write and document about the experience one has had during their trips. You can include the written description of the place that u have visited, list down ur itinerary, the photos that u took during ur trip. Travel journals is one of the most popular journal amongst the different types of journals. You are more likely to commit to documenting the full experience of the trip.
The language is simple and conversational and written very humbly with an intent to inform
and enlighten.
– Sujay Shivaram
This is a unique combination of books that describes some real long journeys of the author and juxtaposes them with real gems of wisdom from the Puranas, edicts, etc. It was heartening to note that the concern for Ecology is a thread that runs through the entire book and is supported by actual quotes from the Puranas. The language is simple and conversational and written very humbly with an intent to inform and enlighten. Yet, it is an engaging read and brings out several aspects of the journeys very beautifully
Very fascinated by your travelogue. Exhilarating to see references that were very personal to find my father’s book (Prof Nikam).
– Shakuntala Manay
I have gone through two books out of three. I was very fascinated by your travelogue. The details that you give come to life, the scenes become picaresque, you attempt to bring awareness among lowly and high people is admirable. Most of all I was very impressed when you quote from Upanishads,Vedas, Manu Shastras that these were already there in our scriptures and culture. Coming to Edicts of Ashoka, was so exhilarating to see references that were very personal to find my father’s book, M.Hiryanaa’s books and Raimendo Panikar’s book.
Your Mentor Dr.Prpf H.L. Chandrasekar is in the dept where my father taught. I first thought let me bring this essentials to you, these being so intimate as these people were our friends visiting us and being familiar with them and their books are in my library. It was live journey for me going into past refreshing my memories which are precious to me. It so different when expressed as it has its own charm of expression and speciality of being intimate in responding in the medium of writing, which you seem to enjoy. Congratulations from many points of view, your adventures, daring qualities, try things for the first time, relishing the memorable memories that no one takes or deletes are your very own .This memorabilia is an accolade !
Her field observation makes me yearn to see her vision through my own eyes.
– Deepthi
The Travails of Pillion Riders – Cultural Diaries by Rajani Rao is an energetic and good travel writing which inspires us to get up, go out and see the world. Her field observation makes me yearn to see her vision through my own eyes. Her books are just as persuasive as an awe- inspiring or an enthusiastic word of mouth endorsement from my friend. Waiting to read many more such wonder-stuck experiences of yours.
These books are a perfect read for every kind – the wannabe traveler, seasoned or a pro.
– Sireesha R L
Penning one’s travel experiences is almost like an autobiography of the traveler persona. The author is at free will to narrate in any way bringing in their perspectives. Dr Rajani has done this in a stellar way, wherein one can flow with her travels flow in ways that feels personalized to every reader. Each time we watch a random show on NatGeo it makes us want to be a part of the adventurer’s journey. That is the best analogy I sensed as I walk the walk or in this case.. ride the ride with the author. This trilogy makes me yearn to jump rite into her shoes and discover India and its amazing natural wealth!! These books are a perfect read for every kind – the wannabe traveler, seasoned or a pro. Even better makes the couch potato to jump rite in and explore this land of ever changing landscapes, bio-diversity and cultures.
Must read for all. A book which kindles the spirit of traveling.
– Mirdhula S
A book which kindles the spirit of traveling. This book is a great guide for all those who want to trek, hike and camp to different landscape, contours and enjoy the beauty of nature. All who want to take responsibility of handing over a healthy world to our next generation should read this book. The author has made us aware of our ancient culture which emphasis on protecting, nurturing and respecting nature. It’s a great reminder that nature and God aren’t different. Quite a tedious coastal ride well accomplished with the cause of educating people about concern of plastic and how to handle it appropriately.
It’s adventurous, motivating at the same time so inspiring especially for the young and the
young at heart.
– Aparna B
This trilogy series is a charming little travelogue…I thoroughly enjoyed reading them. It’s adventurous, motivating at the same time so inspiring especially for the young and the young at heart…I totally recommend these books to all the travel enthusiasts.
Oh! What a journey, travelling, your energy and courage.
-Vasanthi
I read all three books but not digested fully because of enormous contents in it. Oh! What a journey, travelling, your energy and courage. You have successfully put forth your knowledge with travel experience in this book. Which super power guided this? When reading Leh- Ladakh, I recalled my Sikkim trip during 2014, the Himalayan range beauty is same. In Goghats, even though all are known places while reading your experience and explanation make us also feel moving in ghat section. Your Coracle Expidition make us feel thrill, your narration on this is really fine. I recollected my old experience of boat ride in Mattu (near Udupi) . Oh! I really appreciate your courage of enjoying nature in the middle of vast water. I have also seen same in Sigandoor , KRS back water, Gopalakrishna temple, jog falls, but never venture to go middle of water like you did.
In your Cultural Dairies‘s four days kerala‘s interior journey, and performance of yagna ritual to purify the nature and environment is really good. Touch of ur great epic Ramayana really nice to read. Ashoka’s rock and pillar edicts inside Karnataka is historic point. Bharath Mala “Necklace of india” journey is really superb. A journey throughout india spreading the message of “ Refuse , Reduce , Reuse plastic “ . It is really a great concern for green environment for future generation. Your narration style, vocabulary in English is fantastic. The Book covers information about our Sanathana dharma. oh! all in one. There is information on different aspects and this way you included multi various subjects and concepts, indeed this has made this book educative and read worthy. Thank you very much ,keep it up , keep do continue writing. You are very much talented. You arrange some lecture programme on this to share your experience. I wholeheartedly wish that this book “pillion Rider “ become text book so as to impart knowledge and enjoyment of nature.
Even a beginner can understand about travels.
– Arpita
It’s a beautiful book, even a beginner can understand about travels and places. Must read book… happy reading to all!
This is a must read book for all you travel freaks.
– Sumedha K
Reading the book took me on a road trip I’ve been yearning for quite a while now. Rajini was riding pillion with Bali while I felt as though I’m pillion riding with her. While travelling the whole of west coast of India and slowly being guided towards the east coast, I could feel the dust, heat and rain all along and not to miss the amazing food stops. This is a must read book for all you travel freaks.
Adventure of a Pillion Rider worth reading twice.
– Santhanam MK
“Some people write books from books and some from life ” –Samuel Johnson. This writer has written this book “from the spot “. First book brings to memory the ancient Vedas and Rishis respecting nature / environment . The second one brings King Ashoka ‘s compassionate edicts with in our ” eyeing distance”. Third one with its mountain and rivers etc connected me with my childhood/ boyhood. There is something for everyone for everybody.
I was transported to the distant lands with Dr. Rajani & her friends.. A Total Must Read.
– Meera Mohan
I loved ‘Camping Diaries’ by Dr. Rajani Rao as I associate so much with Ladakh, Western Ghats & Honnemardu. Rajani has gone into the Internet of things as she explains the Panchamabhutas and all of us have to follow definitive rules to live ‘A happy & successful life’. She has explained Jainism, Buddhism and the importance of forests, rains, plants and how it’s possible to be a minimalist. It’s a guide to first timers about high altitude and AMS(Altitude Mountain Sickness). She has talked about improvising with garbage bags tied to our feet during river crossing which is common in Ladakh. She has covered Waste Management on her cycle traverse and I salute her courage & conviction on the completion of pillion riding on treacherous mountain terrain along with driving a four wheeler. Coracle adventures in Honnemardu is heavenly and brought out well here. Finally her stress on camaraderie, without which nothing is possible. I was transported to the distant lands with Dr. Rajani & her friends.. A Total Must Read.
Passion for travel. The eco conscious author’s journey gives a message to all age groups regarding the overuse of plastic.
– Shobhana S
Coastal Diaries ignited my passion of travel. The eco conscious author’s journey gives a message to all age groups regarding the overuse of plastic.The vivid description of the 52 day travel is both interesting and exciting.
Enriching Triad. Much more than a travelogue as it includes environmental concerns and brief insights into the Indian philosophical ideology.
– Chandrashekar BS
Here is a rare combination of cycling, bike and coracle expeditions taking the reader through places across India. It is much more than a travelogue as it includes environmental concerns and brief insights into the Indian philosophical ideology.The author has travelled extensively in India and abroad, and her expeditions include many connecting places to reveal the environmental concerns depicted in our ancient scriptures. The series is made up of three parts, each of which can be considered independent of the other. The readers have a choice to go through one, more or all of them together in any order they choose.
The way the travelogues have combined travel, adventure, environment and the environmental wisdom of our ancient texts is quite impressive. The vast number of references given at the end of each book reflects the sincere efforts by the author in presenting facts along with the experiences of the expeditions and facilitates readers who would like to move further. The language is apt, rich and lucid enough to ensure thorough communication. All three books filled with appropriate pictures highlight the looks and utility of the write-up. The cover pages are also very attractive and meaningful befitting the contents of the write-ups.
In depth knowledge while reading.The author has spent a lot of time to explore the rich culture.
– Asha Sudhakar
The author has taken a lot of pains and spent a lot of time to explore the rich culture of India. She has done a lot of research to study in detail and bring out in writing in the form of a book to facilitate our reading. I wish Dr. Rajani Rao many more such ventures.
Fantastic description and account of everything.
– Lakmshmi A Das
The Travails Of a Pillion Rider: Coastal Diaries, is a fantastic description of the entire journey across the Indian coastline, a.k.a. the Bharat Mala. In this book, there is a great structure in the entire description of the journey. Starting from the essentials that were taken, to the different cultures and the different experiences and challenges that were faced, everything was excellently described. It is a must read for all those people aspiring to undertake a similar journey in the near future, and it acts as a great guide to do the same.
This book along with the other two in this series probably have created a distinct genre of their own.
– Mohan Krishna AV
This book along with the other two in this series probably have created a distinct genre of their own by fusing a travelogue with ancient Indian culture, traditions and scriptures. I was a bit wary of this concoction but by the time I finished all 3 books my perception changed completely and I felt transported to a different realm where I was experiencing all the places visited by the author and also felt enriched by imbibing all that knowledge from the scriptures and ancient Indian history and culture. The fact that our scriptures hold all the answers for leading a life that can be in complete consonance with the nature was an eye opener. I’m sure that this would’ve taken quite a bit of research from the author and her Phd would’ve also come in handy. Looking forward to reading more in this genre from Dr. Rajani.
A well researched book. A pleasure to read and also a guide book.
– Vinay Kamtikar
The author has done an excellent research and covers even the small nuances. A pleasure to read and also a guide book. Recommend it strongly.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading all the books and waiting for more from the author
– Vijay Kumar
Let me begin by saying that I was one of the teammates in a couple of adventures that the author was a part of. It was like re-living those days all over again for me, albeit from the author’s perspective. Coastal Diaries remains as my personal favourite where the author and Bali traverse along the coastline of peninsular India, hopping from one town to another, across states capturing the minutiae of everyday life; of people, food and landscape. Thoroughly enjoyed reading all the books and waiting for more from the author.
A must read for all travel buffs.
– Satish Kamtikar
A very well written book. The experience of traveling from one coast to the other of the country has been explained in the most simplistic manner. Along with the wonderful description of the different places, the culture of the local people ,their dressing, food and lifestyle, there is a carry home message of the harmful effects of plastic and how it is eroding the beaches and the environment. A must read for all travel buffs and those who want to gain first hand experience of the geography of the country and a lesson for the environmentalist. Kudos to the author for the great job
Great book. I loved reading as it covers all aspects of life.
– Prathima
I loved reading as it covers all aspects of life like mother nature, a travelogue, history and of course having fun on the go. It’s a good book and I highly recomend to buy it.
Insightful and knowledgeable view of travel.
– Meghna
The Travails of the Pillion Rider has an insightful and knowledgeable view of travel, mythology and environmental conservation. Dr. Rajani Rao has used her passion for these topics bringing to the readers a memoir of intervening stories making these books great and insightful reads.
It is a very helpful and wonderful guide to all.
– Kavitha
Hello 👋 I am happy to impart a few words on the book “The Travails of a Pillion Rider” by Dr.Rajani Rao who has described her journey revealing the facts of Our ancient history, Yaga, Yagnas, Yagnashaala’s and their benefits to Mother Earth. It is a very helpful and wonderful guide to all the traveller’s out there who are aspiring to spend time discovering the mysteries of mother nature. I am also very very lucky to have her as my cousin who stands as a benchmark to all future traveller’s and writers. KHUDOS to Dr. Rajani and women power👍👍🙏
Very interesting read.
– Natesh Rao
Very interesting in reading every pages of the books. Each and every sentence is simple so that even basic readers understood the writer minds of her journey💐👌💐👌