If you are things of travelling to India for any length of time then books are something that you are going to want to think about seriously. In fact, if you are travelling anywhere then books are definitely something that you are going to want to take with you. There are shed loads of India travel books out there, most of which carry roughly the same amount of information.. of course here I am talking about guides and, despite their usefulness, they can offer only so much entertainment. You are also going to want to think about books to read before you go, to get you in the mood and of course books when you’re out there to keep you entertained and to help you see deeper into Indian culture and the Indian way of life. In this article I would like to recommend to you some classic India travel books both to help you with your journey and to keep you entertained.
Travel Guides
If you’re heading out to India with intentions of travelling bits of both the North and the South then I would suggest taking the ‘Lonely Planet India’ travel guide. Despite being the size and weight of a small child the books has become known as the travellers bible as it really does give you everything you need.. Information, inspiration, safety advice and warnings. The same goes for all the lonely planet books; Lonely planet South India, North India, Mumbai, Rajasthan, Kerala, etc. Top be honest, where ever you are thinking of travelling in India there is a travel guide for it. Follow the link for more information on India travel books. The ‘Rough Guide’ range also offer a fantastic selection of books covering India with little difference in the quality of the information bar the minor fact that usually the lonely plane range is often more up to date.
Travel Literature
Reading both fiction and no fiction books is a great way to get yourself motivated before you travel to India. ‘Shantaram’ is favourite amongst India first timers as follows the true story of an a fugitives life in the mecca of Mumbai, run by Mafia and warlords. The entertainment factor is priceless and reading the books goes a long way into understanding the delicate fabric of such a this magical place. Other books might include the ‘A Fine Balance’ by Rohinton Mistry. Perhaps one to read while you are out there, the books follows the separate lives of a woman struggling with the backward laws and customs of Indian family life and then the story of two brothers struggling to survive and make their way in the Mumbai slums. The book is enthralling, uplifting and heartbreaking all at the same time. ‘Eat Love pray’ is another classic India read, recently made into a film, the book encompasses many of the reasons why people travel to India in the first place as it follows one woman’s journey through Italy, India and Indonesia over the course of a year in search of her soul. If you have ever been anywhere before then you will know that reading is a great way to pass the time, get involved and stay calm. When you are India these three things become all to prominent as you travel without air conditioning, on uncomfortable seats with mosquitoes on an overcrowded bus for 15 hours. Choosing the right selection of India travel books is vital to survival!
