India's greatest travel destination may be hidden in its books

Still scrolling Reels for your next offbeat getaway? Or asking AI to uncover destinations that haven't gone viral yet? Just FYI, there's another travel trend rewriting the itinerary: literary tourism.Literary tourism might just be the new way to find that hidden gem or explore a place with a new lens (Photo: Pexels)Mountain or beach? Where should we head to?Honestly, it’s one of the sweetest dilemmas to have.Travel has become second nature to life—and inspiration can come from almost anywhere. A Reel about a viral snack, an igloo-shaped hotel or a country known for its beauty products can spark an itinerary. Sometimes, it’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara that sends you to Spain; sometimes, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani makes trekking look cool or Udaipur even more romantic. And then there are destinations such as Lakshadweep, which find their way onto travel wish lists after trending online.Trends and movies have long shaped the way we travel. Now, books are increasingly inspiring journeys too. In an age when every trip is about experiences, literary tourism is emerging as a meaningful way to discover places, especially those off the beaten path. According to the Skyscanner Travel Trends Report 2026, 84 per cent of travellers have booked, or would consider, a trip inspired by literature. People are seeking out reading and writing retreats, iconic bookstores and libraries, while others are drawn to destinations featured in their favourite books.After all, in a digital age, there’s still something irresistible about the smell of a hardback book. About 43 per cent of travellers say they are interested in visiting book-related places they’ve discovered online, while 42 per cent are keen to explore destinations referenced in books.So, if you’re looking for your next hidden gem, literary tourism may be one of the most rewarding ways to stumble upon it.Here are a few places to start:India's literary getawaysMalgudi Days - KarnatakaRK Narayan's Malgudi Days is a cult classic that has been read across generations. You have a story about it. Your parents have a story about it. Even your grandparents have a memory of it. That's the magic. Would you like to relive the nostalgia with Swami and Friends in Malgudi? (Photo: Akash Raikar/Instagram) Published in 1943, the book was adapted into a television show in 1986, that was largely shot across Karnataka, with Arasalu railway station at its centre. Today, the Malgudi Museum stands there as a custodian of that nostalgia. You can visit the Malgudi Museum and plan an itinerary around Karnataka. (Photo: Akash Raikar/Instagram) Near Arasalu railway station and Agumbe, there are waterfalls, rainforest trails and scenic treks waiting to be explored. Pair it with Hampi, Gokarna or Coorg, and you've got yourself a Karnataka itinerary that's straight out of a storybook.And while everyone heads to Munnar or Wayanad, here's another Kerala gem to bookmark.The God of Small Things - KeralaThere's a village that perfectly fits the hidden gem idea. Aymanam, the lush Kerala village immortalised in Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things, is every bit as enchanting as the novel suggests. Just a short drive from Kumarakom, it offers serene backwaters, endless paddy fields, river walks and the timeless charm of Kerala's countryside, making it easy to blend a literary pilgrimage with a classic backwater escape. This village in Kerala is all about the slow living charm. (Representative Image: Unsplash) Rabindranath Tagore's BengalIf there's one state where literature and travel naturally go hand in hand, it's Bengal.From Rabindranath Tagore to Satyajit Ray, Bengal is home to countless stories. Santiniketan in Bolpur is one of the most popular literary destinations. Santiniketan in Bolpur, West Bengal is a popular literary getaway. (Photo: Getty) There's also Jorasanko Thakurbari, Tagore's ancestral home that's also turned into a museum; his summer retreat in Mungpoo village, and Gouripur House in Kalimpong, where he often celebrated his birthday. That's a trail right there where you get to explore different shades of Bengal with just one writer. While the Gouripur mansion is still under renovation, strolling past the iconic spot and then exploring the lanes of Kalimpong is worth the detour. (Photo: West Bengal Heritage Commission) Ruskin Bond – UttarakhandThere's something about the misty hills that makes you want to stay for long. Beyond the viral bakeries and charming homestays, seeing Landour through Ruskin Bond's eyes is an experience in itself. There's something about simply strolling down the lanes of a hill station and interacting with locals. (Photo: Pexels) And not just Bond. Several writers have written about India's hill stations. In bibliophile circles, Parimal Bhattacharya's No Path in Darjeeling Is Straight has inspired many readers to visit the hills of Bengal and explore them differently. Ever tried hill station hopping following a book trail? (Photo: AFP) Several regional authors have also written beautifully about Bengal's rivers, opening up possibilities for better and more frequent literary-inspired river cruises.While these are just a few familiar names that even non-readers might recognise, they prove that stories can be some of the best travel guides.Instead of following crowded itineraries or chasing social media trends, you follow the footsteps of stories - to forgotten railway stations, quiet hill towns, old mansions, riverside villages and winding lanes that rarely make it to glossy travel brochures.Looking for that offbeat spot or hidden gem? Maybe a book can help with your wanderlust. Because when you travel through literature, you not just discover a new place, you discover a new way of seeing it.- EndsPublished By: Jigyasa SahayPublished On: Jul 23, 2026 12:26 IST