asia

"Greetings from New Delhi. The city is fascinating, troubling and exhausting all at the same time." ~postcard with a picture of the Taj Mahal from a friend who seems to travel a lot lately and was very sweet to send me a postcard

I was just about to review "Eyewitness Travel Guides: India" when a postcard arrived. In a few minutes I had located "New Delhi" on a map on page 71. I've been fascinated with India since I was very young. My father used to travel to India and bring us back little trinkets and fans and tell us fascinating stories about rickshaws, exotic breads and curry. Later we moved to Africa and learned to make curry and other fascinating foods. My Indian friends taught me how to make Chai tea and even Biryani/Bryani.

This book doesn't have any recipes, but it will give you an overview of the foods you could expect to find while traveling. I highly recommend "Tandoori" anything. Naan and mint chutney are also a favorite. I also found this book useful while watching the Apu Trilogy. You can look up information about various cities and see where they are located.

Features in this Travel Guide:

Over 2,400 color photographs
Information on mythology, religion, regional food and Mughal palaces
Where to find the Tiger Reserves
Advice on Local Etiquette
Visiting Temples and Going by Rickshaw
Cutaways and Major Sights
Easy-to-Use Maps and Plans
Information on more than 3,000 sights, stores, restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues

There are all sorts of intriguing facts. Who knew the popular paisley motif was derived from the shape of the manogo fruit. Calcutta is now Kolkata and you will even find pictures of women picking tea around Darjeeling. Ever wondered what a saffron flower looks like? See page 62. The Buddhist architecture and Hindu Temples have always fascinated me and you can find diagrams and pictures on page 23. Page 24-25 explores the areas of Hindu Mythology and The Great Epic Poems that have had a lasting impact on Indian culture and philosophy. Want to brush up on the History of India? This book is an amazing overview and is so much more than just a travel guide.

I am often amazed at how one book leads to another or how you will find common threads within a number of books you just happen to be reading at the same time. After reading the paraphrase of the 30th poem in Rabindranath Tagore's The Gardener in "Love Poems," I found more information on his life in this book.

Tagore was India's ultimate Renaissance man and his influence is still felt in all branches of the arts, particularly in Bengal. ~pg. 292

If you are interested in India, this book seems to be essential reading. (...)

I have to confess up front. I love these books. I must have a dozen. I really like the Paris book, and the ones for Prague and Stockholm, and South Africa, and ... now India.

On a cold day back here in the USA (or Canada) or elsewhere, have a glass of wine and sit in a nice chair or in the garden on a warm day and read this book. For a moment you will be back in India.

The photos and descriptions and cutaway drawings are excellent. Actually when I say excellent I have to say that - words cannot really give credit to the photographs. India is rich in ancient architecture and that is brought to life by the excellent photos - a specialty of the DK books. These photos jump out of the pages with bright colors. Also there are many nature photos of rivers and mountains that look more like Switzerland or western USA something new for many travelers.

Plus you find as in other DK books history time lines tied to politics, art, culture, and details on many other things of interest. It has all the regular travel information such as hotels and maps, but again the visuals are stunning. A solid 800 page plus effort - lots of stuff to see and absorb.

You will be amazed when you get the book - 5 stars.

Jack in Toronto

DK's India is a work of joy. Very thorough and informative (including phrase books for five languages and tons of practical tips). Bought it in India and browsed through it as we visited places doubling the wonder of each experience. Written and put together by obviously a great team of writers, illustrators, art historians, photographers, editors and seasoned travellers. I am now finding that it is great for easy-chair travel around India also.
Wonderful. Shabash!