Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of The Bharatyaan by Raghuveer Janyavula

What if your wildest travel dream — one you scribbled in a notebook between office meetings — actually came true? That’s the kind of question that kept buzzing in my head as I flipped through The Bharatyaan. Raghuveer Janyavula, an IT professional by day and a dreamer at heart, packs his life — and his wife — into an SUV and drives 10,713 kilometers across 20 Indian states and union territories. And then, he writes about it in a way that makes you feel like you’re right there, in the back seat with them. This isn’t just a travelogue. It’s a love letter to India, to partnership, and to the idea that you don’t have to quit your job to chase something extraordinary. If that doesn’t sound like a story worth reading, I don’t know what does.

So what exactly is The Bharatyaan? In essence, it’s a chronicle of a 51-day road trip through the soul of India. From the chaotic streets of Mumbai to the serene vibes of Bodh Gaya, from borderland patriotism at Wagah to unexpected monkey mayhem in Vrindavan, the book is peppered with experiences that are sometimes hilarious, sometimes deeply spiritual, and always heartfelt. And then there are the food detours. Trust me, if you weren’t craving Hyderabadi biryani before you started this book, you will be afterward.

But the real magic? It’s in the way Raghuveer balances the logistical nitty-gritty (planning routes, vehicle prep, bookings) with the heart-stirring tales that unfold on the road. It’s the kind of book that travel lovers, spreadsheet junkies, and dreamers can all equally appreciate.

Raghuveer’s style is crisp, engaging, and refreshingly down-to-earth. He doesn’t try to impress you with flowery language or pompous phrases. Instead, he lets the stories do the talking. You can sense that every word comes from a place of lived experience, and that authenticity is the book’s beating heart.

One moment, you’re laughing at a cultural miscommunication, and the next, you’re reflecting on a profound temple visit. The shifts are seamless. He even includes “interlude” tidbits — small nuggets between chapters that act like chai breaks on a long highway ride. They’re delightful.

While technically non-fiction, The Bharatyaan gives you characters to root for — Raghuveer and his wife. Their bond unfolds quietly but powerfully throughout the journey. You can feel the comfort of their companionship, the occasional tension of long hours on the road, and the joy of discovering the country together. And yes, his daughter and family get sweet mentions too, adding layers of emotion and relatability.

Each day is a chapter. Simple, right? But it works beautifully. You can pick up the book during a coffee break and read one day’s journey. Or binge ten at once like a Netflix series. It’s digestible, fluid, and always leaves you curious about the next stop.

At its core, The Bharatyaan is about freedom. Not the kind you find in quitting your job or moving to the hills — but the freedom to live fully within your everyday life. It’s also about love, exploration, spirituality, food (yes, again), and the courage to act on a long-held dream.

What moved me the most? Honestly, the simplicity. There’s no attempt to “sell” India — it just is. Raw, loud, serene, colourful, chaotic… and breathtaking. And through it all, you feel the author’s deep gratitude for every experience — good, bad, or bizarre. That spirit is infectious. The chapter with the Spanish lady in Mumbai still lingers with me. It felt like a serendipitous film scene that could only happen in real life. These little anecdotes are what make the book sparkle.

If I had to nitpick, I’d say a few transitions could be tighter, and maybe a map or visual timeline would’ve made the ride even smoother. But really, these are small bumps in an otherwise enjoyable journey.

Reading The Bharatyaan felt like peeling away the layers of my own excuses — those same old lines I keep telling myself: “I don’t have time,” “maybe next year,” “what if it doesn’t work out?” But here were Raghuveer and his wife, two everyday people, just like me — no sabbaticals, no sponsorships — who simply decided to make it happen. No waiting for the stars to align. No “someday.” They packed up their SUV and hit the road. That hit me hard. Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve daydreamed about taking a long road trip across India — driving through Ladakh’s barren beauty, tasting street food in Indore, soaking in sunrise over the ghats of Varanasi. But when it comes down to doing it? I hesitate. There’s always something — work, family routines, responsibilities. Reading this book made me pause and ask: Am I really that busy? Or just scared to break the pattern? This book didn’t just show me what a road trip looks like — it showed me what it feels like to say yes to your dreams, even with all the “what ifs” still hanging in the air. It was equal parts kick in the pants and warm hug. And now, more than ever, I want to stop postponing life for later. Because later might never come.

If you love travel, or if you love people who love travel, or if you’ve ever stood at your office window and wondered what else is out there — this book is for you. It’s a smooth, heartfelt, and quietly powerful ride across India and into the author’s life. I’m rooting for The Bharatyaan to reach many more readers, and I hope Raghuveer writes again. Who knows — maybe the next one will be “The Worldyaan”?

Highly recommended for dreamers with a backpack and an unticked bucket list.

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