About the Book
Book: India beyond metros
Author: Varun Soni
Publisher: ZORBA BOOKS
Price: Rs 299
Pages: 172
The High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam, H.E. Dato Paduka HJ Alaihuddin Mohd Taha, recently launched “India Beyond Metros: Dekho Apna Bharat”, a travelogue by Varun Soni. The book highlights India’s lesser-known Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, offering readers a fresh perspective on the country’s hidden gems beyond the metropolitan hubs, writes SAKSHI PRIYA
“India Beyond Metros: Dekho Apna Bharat”, authored by Varun Soni, is a captivating travelogue that takes readers on a journey through the lesser-known cities of India. In this, his fifth book, Soni explores around 50 Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across the country, offering an in-depth look at small-town India and the vibrant culture that often goes unnoticed by mainstream tourism.
Unlike typical travel guides that focus on major metropolitan destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, Soni’s book highlights cities such as Jabalpur, Gorakhpur, Hubballi, Kollam, Rajkot, and others. These places, though not typically featured in popular travel literature, offer a wealth of untapped history, culture, and natural beauty. Each chapter of the book is dedicated to one city, providing practical insights on what to see, where to stay, how to get there, and even what to shop for.
The book fills a significant gap in Indian travel literature by encouraging people to venture beyond the typical tourist hotspots and explore the rich diversity of India’s smaller towns and rural areas. It showcases the hidden gems of the Indian hinterland, offering readers a chance to experience the authentic essence of Bharat (India).
At the launch event, the High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam, H.E. Dato Paduka HJ Alaihuddin Mohd Taha, expressed his admiration for the book. At the book launch, He expressed his excitement, stating, “I am very glad to be here to launch a book on a topic that is a passion with me. After travelling across various parts of India, I can vouch that the hinterland has much more to offer than just the metropolitan areas. This book will serve as a helpful guide for those keen to explore these lesser-known regions.” As an avid traveller, he shared his own experiences of exploring various regions of India, including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Nagaland. He highlighted that these lesser-explored areas of India offer a different, yet equally rich, experience compared to the well-known metropolitan cities.
Author Varun Soni added, “It is time to look inward, into Bharat. This book highlights the hidden treasures in our smaller cities and towns, showcasing not only historical monuments but also the natural beauty that often goes unnoticed in mainstream travel guides.” Soni, in his address, discussed the book’s purpose of shedding light on the lesser-visited cities and towns of India. He spoke about the country’s ancient civilisation, its countless monuments and temples, and the natural beauty found in these regions. Soni’s aim with “India Beyond Metros: Dekho Apna Bharat” is to inspire readers to look inward and discover the treasures hidden in the smaller cities and villages that often go unnoticed.
Soni’s literary career spans more than 15 years, with works that include books on celebrity homes, luxury resorts, and fiction. With this latest offering, he continues his mission to share the lesser-known aspects of India, bringing attention to the often-overlooked parts of the country that are full of untold stories and cultural richness.
