Essential India Travel Guide

Essential India Travel Guide A Must Have Guide for the Westerners I was born in Bikaner, a small but lovely city in the middle of Rajasthan, India. We left India for the U.S. when I was 13, and didn't go back till I was 23 again. 10 years is not that long of a break for most immigrant families, but for me it was a huge shock in every sense, especially since I think I left at an early age and didn't go back until I was a grown man. The little boy inside me wanted to find everything the way I left them, but that obviously was not the case. I could not even recognize most of my closest relatives. We traveled to Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi, Kolkata and I wanted to see all of Rajasthan, which we did, then we came back the U.S. and I brought back a lot of great memories along with a promise to myself that I will go back one day and see all of India. Little did I know, just three years later, I got a job offer from an Indian multinational company that I could not refuse. As I was going through my final interview, I learned that my job would require me to travel extensively throughout India! Needless to say, I was excited, delighted and eager to leave for India. Long story short, I ended up working fifteen years for that company, but only eight of those years were spent in India. I will admit that those eight years were the most glorious times of my life, I was mesmerized by the culture, the food the music, religion and the endless colorful festivals that came around every so often. I always wanted to write about India, and now that I have something I can share, I decided to take the opportunity to write about a simple but useful travel guide that can help people from all walks of life, culture, and country. To keep this book, short and to the point, I decided not to get too much into the festivals, culture or food other than the most essential parts that I thought all travelers should know. In this guide, I covered all four corners of this great country, but not every city in every state, because that would be hard to do and the size of this book may go over 1000 pages. Instead, I covered cities and States with most popular and prominent tourist attractions. Even though I was born in India but since I didn't actually grow up there, it was a steep learning curve for me at first, but at least I knew the language (a bit), and I looked like an Indian which was helpful in my case I am sure. So when I started writing this book, I thought, I can truly bring a unique perspective to this book, because I know the best of both worlds and know how and when to bring them together and when not to. I hope you will find this book valuable in more ways than one, as not only I discuss what to see in India, but how to get prepared, how to apply for a visa, what to expect, how to plan your trips from a financial point, what type of travel agencies you can trust, what modes of transportation are the best, important cultural aspects, what food choices are safe and so much more. Let me welcome you to the beautiful land of music, dance and colors we proudly call India; I know you will love visiting here. Namaste.

Written by locals, Fodor’s Essential India is the perfect guidebook for those looking for insider tips to make the most out their visit to Delhi, Mumbai, and beyond. Complete with detailed maps and concise descriptions, this India travel guide will help you plan your trip with ease. India is a country of vibrant and enticing contrasts: exquisite palaces are juxtaposed against simple temples, and modern high-tech industry coexists with ancient customs and rituals. There's much to see and do in this vast and geographically diverse country, and Fodor's Essential India covers the must-see sights better than anyone else. Fodor’s Essential India Includes: •UP-TO-DATE COVERAGE: India is changing rapidly, and this fully updated guide includes the best new hotels, restaurants, and more in its vibrant cities and stunning countryside, from Delhi and Rajasthan to Mumbai, Kerala and Goa. •ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES GUIDE: A spectacular color photo guide captures the ultimate unmissable experiences and attractions throughout India to inspire you. •DETAILED MAPS: Full-color and full-size street maps throughout will help you plan efficiently and get around confidently. •GORGEOUS PHOTOS AND ILLUSTRATED FEATURES: Full-color photos will help inspire you. The illustrated features on the iconic Taj Mahal, the holy city of Varanasi on the Ganges, and the amazing cave temples at Ajanta and Ellora will give you a deeper understanding of these historic sites. The "Understanding India" chapter, with illustrated sections on modern society, religion, food, dance, music, and shopping, provides insight into contemporary Indian life as well as the past. •ITINERARIES AND TOP RECOMMENDATIONS: Sample itineraries will help you plan and customize your own itinerary so you can make the most of your time. Includes tips on where to eat, stay, and shop as well as information about nightlife, sports and the outdoors. “Fodor’s Choice” designates our best picks in every category. •INDISPENSABLE TRIP PLANNING TOOLS: A full-color feature on getting around India includes indispensible information on buses, trains, taxis, and rickshaws, along with tipping information and an easy-to-use "Travel Times Chart." Convenient overviews show each region and its highlights, and detail-rich chapter planning sections have on-target advice and tips for planning your time and for getting around the country by car, bus, and train. •COVERS: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai, Goa, Kerala, Kolkata, The Taj Mahal, Rajastan, Beaches, and more. ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor’s has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. Planning on visiting more of Asia? Check out Fodor’s Essential Thailand and Fodor’s Essential China.

Are you visiting India? Do you want to know more about India before you travel? Are you looking for travel tips and unbiased information on India? Are you looking for an India travel guide but don't know which one to get? Then here's a travel guide on India that covers everything you need from places to visit to dealing with beggars and how to protect yourself while in India. The "Essential India Travel Guide: Travel Tips And Practical Information" covers everything you need to know about India. India is a great country for holiday but it can be rough at times. Sadly, many incidences and crimes do happen and many of them are directed at foreign travelers. Many foreigners end up being ripped off their hard earned money. Most people in India working in the tourism industry do not realize that even in the West, one has to work hard for their money and do not have surplus to squander around. This India travel guide shows you how to be careful with your money, how to bargain like the locals and how to deal with beggars and have a safe and pleasurable trip to India. Here's a complete list of things you will learn about your travels in India: 1. Introduction to India 2. Best time to visit India 3. Geography of India 4. Places to visit in Eastern India 5. Places to visit in Northern India 6. Places to visit in Southern India 7. Places to visit in Western India 8. Culture of India 9. Things you should bring to India 10. Vaccinations for India 11. How to deal with the heat? 12. Guide to drinking water 13. Avoiding water borne diseases 14. How to keep off mosquitoes? 15. Foods to avoid 16. Is meat and fish safe in India? 17. Guide to Indian street food 18. Travelling in India during the monsoons 19. Types of transport in India 20. How to book train tickets in India? 21. How to hire a taxi and auto-rickshaw? 22. Guide to prepaid taxis 23. Safety on Indian trains 24. Dealing with beggars 25. How to deal with touts? 26. How to be safe at the hotel? 27. How to be safe in Indian crowds? 28. How to keep your money and passport safe? 29. Safety tips for women 30. Travelling with kids in India 31. Types of places to shop 32. How to bargain? 33. What should women wear? 34. What should men wear? 35. Say no to bhang and other drugs 36. Common Hindi words and phrases 37. Message from the author

India is a country epic in proportion and personality. Whether you want to join thousands of pilgrims lighting candles at the holy Ganges, catch the Taj Mahal bathed in a golden glow at sunrise or sip a feni cocktail on Goa's golden beaches, your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that India has to offer. India's vast landscape is as diverse as it is awe-inspiring. Modern skyscrapers and centuries-old mosques push up against each in the cities, while tigers slink through the lush jungles separating the heights of the Himalayas from the sandy shores of the Keralan coast. Our newly updated guide brings India to life, transporting you there like no other travel guide does with expert-led insights and advice, detailed information on all the must-see sights, inspiring photography and our trademark illustrations. You'll discover: - our pick of India's must-sees, top experiences and hidden gems - the best spots to eat, drink, shop and stay - detailed maps and walks which make navigating the country easy - easy-to-follow itineraries - expert advice: get ready, get around and stay safe - color-coded chapters to every part of India, from Delhi to Mumbai, Kolkata to Kerala Only visiting the Golden Triangle? Try our DK Eyewitness Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

Lonely Planet: The world's number one travel guide publisher* Lonely Planet's India is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Marvel at the intricate floral designs on the Taj Mahal, watch the setting sun cast a rosy glow over the otherworldly landscape of Hampi, and listen to monks chanting in the shadow of the mighty Himalaya in Ladakh - all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of India and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet's India: Full-colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights provide a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, art, food, drink, sport, politics Covers Delhi, Rajasthan, Kashmir, Ladakh, Agra, Varanasi, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Rishikesh, West Bengal, Darjeeling, Goa, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Mumbai (Bombay), Tamil Nadu, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kerala, Andaman Islands and more. The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's India is our most comprehensive guide to India, and is perfect for discovering both popular and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Looking for more coverage? Check out Lonely Planet's South India & Kerala; Rajasthan, Delhi & Agra; or Goa & Mumbai guides for an in-depth look at what these regions and cities have to offer. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. 'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves, it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media (Australia) *Source: Nielsen BookScan: Australia, UK, USA, 5/2016-4/2017 eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash Embedded links to recommendations' websites Zoom-in maps and images Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.

The Rough Guide to India is the definitive travel guide to this captivating country. More a continent than a country, India is an overload for the senses. From the Himalayan peaks of Sikkim to the tropical backwaters of Kerala, the desert forts of Rajasthan to the mangroves of West Bengal, India's breathtaking diversity of landscapes is matched only by its range of cultures, cuisines, religions and languages. The Rough Guide to India gives you the lowdown on this beguiling country, whether you want to hang out in hyper-modern cities or explore thousand-year-old temples, track tigers through the forest or take part in age-old festivals, get a taste of the Raj or watch a cricket match. And easy-to-use maps, reliable transport advice, and expert reviews of the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops for all budgets ensure that you won't miss a thing. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to India.

With its historic cities, dramatic landscapes, rich culture and sun-soaked beaches, it's little wonder that Spain is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Be inspired to visit with our new Insight Guide Spain, a comprehensive full-colour guide to this romantic country. Inside Insight Guide Spain:A thoroughly overhauled edition by our expert authors.Stunning photography brings this exciting country and its people to life. Highlights of the country's top attractions, such as the Alhambra and Sagrada Familia, as well as in-depth features on flamenco and Spain's dazzling architecture.Descriptive region-by-region accounts cover the whole country from the glamorous Catalan city of Barcelona and the Moorish castles of Granada to blissful Balearic beaches.Detailed, high-quality maps throughout will help you get around and travel tips give you all the essential information for planning a memorable trip. About Insight Guides: Insight Guides has over 40 years' experience of publishing high-quality, visual travel guides. We produce around 400 full-colour print guide books and maps as well as picture-packed eBooks to meet different travellers' needs. Insight Guides' unique combination of beautiful travel photography and focus on history and culture together create a unique visual reference and planning tool to inspire your next adventure.

Describes the culture and history of India and provides recommendations for hotels, restaurants, shopping, sightseeing, entertainment, and holy sites.