Siddhartha Kapila's 'Tripping Down the Ganga' is a memoir and a travelogue, but it is much more than a plain journalistic account of his trips to seven major pilgrimage sites along the Ganga.
It recounts his journeys—or yaatras—from his thirties (2015–2022) and earlier years. It's his quest to find God—or "meaning"—a journey inspired by his devout mother since birth. Reading his experiences was like witnessing metamorphosis of beliefs and the wholesome exploration of spirituality.
He describes himself first as a habit-based follower—believing in faith yet sometimes questioning it, like an agnostic. However, his experiences from trips to Gangotri, Kedarnath, Banaras, and beyond ultimately transformed his perspective.
His conversations with people of different nationalities, who came from different walks of life were quite an experience.
The vibrant-rustic culture of the Ganga ghats, with yogis, babas, and aghoris in Varanasi and naga babas in Prayagraj, reveals the non-duality of life, reveals the non-duality of life. His ability to weave in Indian mythology, such as the history of Gaumukh and the Kumbh Mela, the origin of kapaliks, and a vast range of topics while blending ancient and contemporary philosophies, alongside selected info from ancient texts and scripture even from buddhism is highly informative.
It is quite a lucid read as well. Like author is speaking to us like a friend only.
I admire his close relationship with his mother, who also guides him to open his mind to the universe's mysteries. The colored photographs of Gaumukh, Banaras, and babas in meditation added depth to the book.
Every chapter combines Indian history, civilization, sacred texts, and philosophy, showing that Hinduism is not just the oldest religion, not confined to a single scripture but flowing in the blood of millions. More than a faith, it is the philosophy of life to live by.
What stood out most were his inner reflections—his past memories and attempts to understand himself. These resonated with me deeply, as I, too, engage in similar inner conversations, questioning myself and seeking conclusions. For me, this book was more than a travelogue; it was a spiritual journey of the soul through the eyes of the author.
I got this gorgeous copy from Amazon.