In The Footsteps Of Rama

This book by Neelesh Kulkarni is an extraordinary exploration of the Ramayana, blending a modern-day travelogue with the ancient epic. This is the first time I read a travelogue and I can’t say how much I am impressed. The authors embark on a remarkable journey from Ayodhya to Sri Lanka, unraveling the threads that connect the mythical narrative to real-world locations, objects, and people. What sets this book apart is its unique approach to demystifying the Ramayana. The authors undertake a quest to identify and understand various places, landmarks, temples, rivers, forests, and characters mentioned in the epic. 

I was completely hooked to the story line, anticipating the next revelation or anecdote. The authors' extensive research is evident in the detailed descriptions of their experiences, whether traversing underground caves, isolated places, flowing rivers, thick forests, or encountering wild animals. I really liked the fact that author did intense research before writing this book and it takes a lot of courage to write a book like this and author did it in a remarkable way. Author’s choice of words and formulation of sentences is brilliant. The book raises thought-provoking questions about the authenticity of ancient events and the technological advancements of the past. The authors skillfully navigate through different versions of the Ramayana, providing readers with new perspectives on familiar tales. The meticulous research is complemented by the authors' encounters with knowledgeable individuals and priests, ensuring that the narrative remains grounded in both myth and reality. According to me it was very important to give the insights on such things and burst the myths which have been falsely created over time as in our culture false information gets accepted very easily and it keeps passing on to generations.

It's a must-read for anyone intrigued by mythology, cultural heritage and the enduring allure of India's rich storytelling tradition. The book stands as a remarkable achievement in connecting the dots between the ancient and the contemporary, leaving readers enlightened