The High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam, H.E. Dato Paduka HJ Alaihuddin Mohd Taha, unveiled Author Varun Soni’s new book on travel to the Indian hinterland titled “India Beyond Metros: Dekho Apna Bharat” at a glittering event here on 20th November 2024. The book launch event saw a host of social celebrities, professionals, academicians, and diplomats gracing the occasion.
India Beyond Metros is Soni’s fifth book, focusing on nearly 50 Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, offering a fresh perspective on India’s heartland. Unlike typical travel guides that highlight the major metropolises, this travelogue dives deep into small-town India, providing insights into unique sights, local stays, travel tips, and shopping recommendations in each featured location. Soni’s goal is to shift the travel narrative from well-trodden destinations like Jaipur and Munnar to lesser-known gems such as Jabalpur, Hubballi, and Rajkot.
In his speech, the High Commissioner expressed his enthusiasm for the book, reflecting on his own travels across India’s diverse regions since his arrival in 2021. “India’s hinterlands hold immense cultural and natural wealth,” he said, “and Varun’s book is a fantastic guide for those eager to venture beyond the usual tourist routes.”
Varun Soni highlighted the book’s purpose: “It’s time to rediscover Bharat—the essence of India. This book is a window into the country’s hidden treasures, showcasing both history and natural beauty often overlooked in mainstream travel publications.”
About the Author
Varun Soni, a seasoned writer and journalist with a passion for storytelling, has had a diverse career that spans short stories, journalism, and books. A Delhi native with a postgraduate degree in English Literature, Soni began his career with Media Transasia in 1995 before moving on to the Press Trust of India and later The Hindustan Times and The Indian Express Group, covering a wide range of subjects from real estate to corporate strategy.
Soni’s journey as an author began with his 2007 bestseller, Living in India: Lives in Style, a coffee table book exploring celebrity homes across the nation. This was followed by the 2011 release of Luxury Resorts and Spas of India and a thought-provoking chapter in New Princesses of Alwar, a book highlighting the resilience of women in Rajasthan’s marginalized communities. In 2013, Soni published his first novel, The Downturn, delving into the real estate sector, and in 2016, he released My Family Travels, a personal travelogue that gained media attention with its launch by Bollywood actor Mahima Chaudhry.
With India Beyond Metros, Soni continues his mission to uncover the stories and landscapes of India’s heartland, encouraging readers to explore the diverse beauty and history that lies beyond the country’s bustling cities.
