12 best general india travel guides

Name: Lonely Planet India (Country Guide)
Brand: Lonely Planet
Price: 105 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (250 reviews)

A general India travel guide provides valuable information for travelers planning to visit India.It covers various aspects of the country, including its history, culture, geography, attractions, and practical tips. Here's a brief overview of what you might find in such a guide:

Geography and Regions: India is a vast and diverse country, so travel guides often begin with an overview of its geography, climate, and the different regions like North India, South India, East India, West India, and Central India.
History and Culture: India has a rich history that spans thousands of years. Travel guides usually provide an overview of India's historical and cultural heritage, including information on ancient civilizations, empires, and religions.
Tourist Attractions: Guides typically list popular tourist destinations in India, such as the Taj Mahal, Jaipur's palaces, Kerala's backwaters, and the holy city of Varanasi. They may also include lesser-known gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions.
Cuisine: Indian cuisine is diverse and famous worldwide. Travel guides often introduce readers to the various regional cuisines, street food, and dining etiquette.
Transportation: Information on transportation options within India, including domestic flights, trains, buses, and taxis, is essential for travelers. Guides may also cover tips for getting around within cities.
Accommodation: Travelers need advice on finding suitable accommodation, whether it's luxury hotels, budget hostels, or homestays. This section may include recommendations for specific cities.
Cultural Etiquette: Understanding local customs and etiquette is vital for a respectful and enjoyable visit to India. Travel guides often include tips on dress code, greetings, and behavior in temples and other cultural sites.
Visa and Documentation: Information on visa requirements and the necessary documents for entry into India is crucial for international travelers.
Safety and Health: Travel guides may provide advice on staying safe, avoiding common scams, and tips for maintaining good health during your trip.
Shopping: India is known for its vibrant markets and unique handicrafts. Guides may suggest popular shopping destinations and provide bargaining tips.
Books and Literature: If the guide includes information related to books and literature, it might recommend classic and contemporary books about India or written by Indian authors. These can offer valuable insights into the country's culture and history.
Amerindia: There is no direct connection between India and the Americas in terms of geography or history. However, some travel guides might include tips for travelers coming to India from the Americas, such as flight options, time zone differences, and cultural adjustments.

Remember that the content and depth of information in a travel guide can vary, so it's a good idea to choose a guide that aligns with your interests and needs when planning your trip to India.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best general india travel guides on the market

Lonely Planet India (Country Guide)

Lonely Planet

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Welcome to India!

A land of remarkable diversity - from ancient traditions and artistic heritage to magnificent landscapes and culinary creations - India will ignite your curiosity, shake your senses and warm your soul.

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The Rough Guide to India (Travel Guide with Free eBook) (Rough Guides)

Rough Guides

Based on 75 reviews Check latest price

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Unparalleled practical detail

Exhaustive listings and practical advice about what to see and do, how to get around, plus essential pre-departure information.

Top time-saving tips

The things not to miss, author picks, and itinerary sections help travelers make the most of their time away.

User-friendly with meticulous maps

Points-of-interest structure lists all must-see sights and off-the-beaten-track treasures with detailed color-coded maps.

Nepali People and Society | Understand Nepal and Deepen Your Travel | Country Guide by Thalby (Nepal Series)

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DK Eyewitness Slovenia (Travel Guide)

DK Eyewitness Travel

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Fodor's Essential India: with Delhi, Rajasthan, Mumbai & Kerala (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor's Travel

Based on 63 reviews Check latest price

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HELPFUL PLANNING ADVICE

Find what you need faster with color-coded category icons and easier-to-read two-column text.

GORGEOUS COLOR PHOTOS

Beautiful photos packed throughout will fuel your wanderlust.

ITINERARIES AND MAPS

Itineraries, maps, travel tips, and neighborhood guides will acquaint you with your destination and help you maximize your time.

IN-DEPTH FEATURES AND EXPLANATIONS

Learn about history, culture, and more with in-depth spotlight features

DK Eyewitness India (Travel Guide)

DK Eyewitness Travel

Based on 55 reviews Check latest price

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Welcome to India

Explore India’s kaleidoscopic markets, snowcapped mountains, historic cities, palm-fringed beaches, remote tropical islands, exuberant festivals, and so much more with the help of your DK Eyewitness guide. Whether you’re here for a quick visit or a grand tour, we’ll help you navigate the very best the region has to offer.

In-depth area-by-area guides

Our in-depth area guides make traveling across India easy, whether you want to hike the heights of the Himalayas, visit the unmissable Taj Mahal, drink tea in Darjeeling, escape to the beautiful Andaman Islands, spot tigers in their natural habitat, ride a rickshaw through the vibrant streets of Delhi or take a cruise on Kerala’s backwaters⁠—we’ve got you covered. And our selection of itineraries suggest several realistic ways to make the most of your time -⁠—whether you’re staying for two weeks or just a few days.

Be inspired

With so much to see, we’ve created expert-led special features that show how to travel throughout India your way. Across detailed page spreads, we take a look at how to immerse yourself in colorful festivals, hike through dramatic landscapes, explore national parks buzzing with wildlife, relax on a yoga retreat by the beach, walk in the footsteps of ancient civilizations, discover an eclectic array of architecture, get lost in fantastical forts and sample legendary street food.

Jordan 120 Hours What for: Hiromi Travel Report Jordan (Japanese Edition)

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Insight Guides Pakistan (Travel Guide with Free eBook)

Insight Guides

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Nanga Parbat

This awesome peak – dubbed “Killer Mountain” for being a particularly forbidding climb – marks the eastern end of the Himalayas, dominating the views from the idyllic Fairy Meadows.

Badshahi Mosque

Though no longer the largest of Pakistan’s mosques, this icon of Lahore is the grandest and most treasured of Pakistan’s Mughal monuments.

Hunza

This valley has an almost eerie beauty, its tapestry of terraced fields and irrigation channels bespeckled with poplars and dominated by the snow-covered hulk of Rakaposhi.

The Karakoram Highway

Along this legendary route – from the lowlands to Gilgit and onward to Kashgar on the old Silk Road – is some of the most impressive mountain terrain on the planet. It also links up with the even more dramatic Skardu Road.

Discover the best destinations, sights, and excursions.

It doesn’t matter where you are in Pakistan – scrambling up the final stretch of a 5,000-meter (16,500ft) pass in the Karakoram or getting lost in the hustle and bustle of some ancient bazaar – the general appeal of the country remains the same: it is a land of adventure and huge contrasts.