Tents and Trails is a journey through India’s wild landscapes, narrated by the passionate trekker and explorer, Mr Ratheesh Menon. The book travels from the forests of Karnataka and Kerala to the mountains of Uttarakhand and Himachal. Along the way, the author shares powerful encounters with wildlife like wolves, elephants, tigers, and cobras. Nights under star-filled skies bring lessons in survival and the quiet rhythms of the forest. Beyond adventure, the book reflects on the healing and transformative power of nature, celebrating the deep bond between humans and the wild.
1. Can you tell us a little bit about your book? Why did you choose this genre and what’s the story behind the title?
The book is about my 20 years of Camping and Wildlife real stories around India from Himalayas to Kerala. I chose this genre because of my deep passion for travel, adventure, wildlife, nature and camping. I felt the stories which Jim Corbett, Ullas Karanth, Ruskin Bond, Kenneth Anderson and the likes told years before had taken a pause; so wanted to share my love for the same with people at large and convey the beauty, magic, and love of Nature with all.
The story behind the title is – Tents and Camping is the thread on which I have woven the stories, and wild trails have always intrigued me since childhood with its mysticism; the mainstay of the book is wildlife encounters, so added “Wild Camping Chronicles”.
2. What inspired you to write this story? How did you find the resources and research material for your book?
My real-life stories and people who listened were surprised and intrigued and urged me to write it as a book and share with the world. Resources from my personal travel blogs and notebook which I used to keep since years; also, the tons of traveler’s digests I have about places helped with the core content. Research material was mainly the wildlife classics of yesteryears from legendary wildlife enthusiasts.
3. What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book? How did you overcome it?
The most challenging part was working with a self-publishing house, where I needed to be behind them and following up relentlessly. The standards of self-publishing houses are still not up to the mark. I worked on my patience and overcame personal challenges like major accidents and recuperation to write this book and make it see the light of the day.
4. Are there any particular authors or books that have influenced the book?
Yes – Ruskin Bond, Jim Corbett, Kenneth Anderson, RK Narayan, Ullas Karanth.
5. What role did editing play in the writing process? How did you decide when the manuscript was ready for publication?
Editing was a real pain, because I had to self-review multiple times to bring it a decent standard. Also, had to work tirelessly with the publishing house whose services were found wanting for and not up to the mark.
6. Do you have any upcoming projects or ideas for future books that you’d like to share with your readers?
Yes, I have started working on my next book which is a historical fiction adventure thriller, set in the Himalayas.
7. In the age of digital publishing and social media, how do you engage with your readers and promote your work?
I ensure social media presence, promotions, book reviews and marketing for the same
8. How do you balance your writing career with other aspects of your life, like work and family?
It was challenging but the dream kept me going; in spite of personal, work, and family setbacks. Very thankful to my supportive wife for the love, care, and support she provided during the course of writing and further.
9. What’s the pen ultimate takeaway for readers reading your book?
Appreciation, awareness, and love for nature, wildlife and adventure, to show them that nature is the ultimate healer and mother. It has magic, miracles, stories, tales, mysticism, and wonder embedded in it like jewels on a crown (equating crown to the beautiful country Bharat). I would be more than happy if they could help conserve and preserve nature in whichever way possible.
10. What’s the one advice you’d like to share with aspiring writers of the genre?
I would say – write or pen down what you love from the heart. Let it be an outpour of true love, then whether the book becomes successful commercially or not, you would be satisfied and proud of yourself. Creativity is there in everyone, you just have to rub the lamp!
Read the adventurous travelogue ‘Tents and Trails’ now.
