Exclusive Interview: Salil Tripathi On Travel, Writing And His Latest Book

Salil Tripathi is one of India’s torch-bearers when it comes to exploring new frontiers and travel writing. His columns in Mint Lounge has been a source of inspiration and envy to me for as long as I remember. When I got a chance to interview him, I couldn’t possibly let it go. Tripathi talks about travel as only he can – from a high vantage point of view and tells us what we need to hear more often. Travel when you’re young, don’t go to places like Paris simply to check out famous attractions and always encourage detours. Like him, it might even end up as a book of your own.

1) Please give us a brief introduction to ‘Detours’

It is a book about my travels over the past few decades, on all continents. It is a story of journeys, seen through the eyes of writers and my own experiences.

2) What was the idea behind dividing the book into three parts?

It made intuitive sense to do so – the political, the literary, the personal.

3) Please give us some anecdotes from your early years as a travel writer.

I haven’t been a “travel writer” as such – but a writer who has travelled. There are too many anecdotes to draw on – the book is full of them. But the thrill of walking the streets that a famous writer did, or seeing a landscape a famous artist had seen, is immensely thrilling. For that reason alone, a visit to Paris is a must for anyone who likes literature.

pere lachaise cemetery paris — Take some time to visit the Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris

4) How has travel writing evolved over the years in India?

I don’t live in India, and don’t read Indian media all the time, but I have seen greater coverage of unusual journeys, which is a good thing. Accounts of visits to safaris, wildlife sanctuaries, and so on are far more interesting than description of resorts.

5) Being a travel columnist, what trends have you seen come and go in the last two decades?

To be honest, I write what I see and feel; I don’t necessarily try to follow a trend, and I don’t look for one either. But I like seeing unusual places being written about, as well as unusual experiences.

6) What are your observations on Indian travellers over the years? How have they changed?

I usually travel alone, or with a few friends or family, and not necessarily Indians; the places I go to often don’t get many Indian tourists. So I’m afraid I don’t have a view on this question.

7) In your columns you advise slow travel and look at historical context. How do you think this trait can be imbibed in Indian travellers who still prefer group tours?

It has to be an individual’s choice, frankly. Nobody should be forced to “see” or experience what s/he doesn’t want to. I hope once people have done a group tour and if they like the place well enough, they might make another trip to explore the place more deeply.

8) Tell us about some detours you were forced to take during some of your journeys.

Each trip becomes a detour – you go for a purpose – such as a conference (in Santiago) and end up seeing the homes of Pablo Neruda in Isla Negra and Valparaiso!

Salil Tripathi tells us to go further and travel when we’re young

9) What are the best places we can visit? Why?

It is so individual, isn’t it? I don’t like beaches, I prefer mountains; others may feel differently. It is good to go to places that have distinct characteristics, and not full of shops and malls you can see elsewhere. But there’s security in the familiar, and comfort too, so I don’t judge people who prefer the latter.

10) ‘Loss and Remembrance’ is a wonderful tribute to your late wife. Was it difficult to write the third part of your current book?

It was; but the support and love of my sons made me do it. And even when she wasn’t with us, in a way she was; and it was good to remember her in her absence. Thank you for asking.

11) What travel goals do you still want to achieve?

Oh, many. Travelling across Russia, China, the Patagonia, North Africa 🙂

12) How would you encourage budget travel among the youth of India?

Safety is an important factor, and people need to ensure that the places they are visiting are indeed safe. The other reason is of course the youth is the time when one has the energy to walk 100 steps to see a temple or climb a mountain – better do it when young 🙂