Best India Travel Books: 10 Best Indian Travel Books to Read in 2023

India is a vast nation with a variety of breathtaking scenery. The country has everything, from the Keralan coast’s white sands to Rajasthan’s desolate deserts, beautiful snow-capped Himalayas, ancient temples, and vibrant modern cities. The breathtaking country provides diverse customs, holidays, and religious practices. India is a must-visit country for all of these reasons! What better approach to comprehend and learn more about India than getting “lost” in the most incredible India travel guidebooks for an unforgettable vacation there? These travel guides are tremendous assistance when organising your vacation. These travel guides to India will help you make the most of your stay in this fascinating part of the world, no matter what you desire to discover in this ancient country.

With travel guidebooks, it is easier to travel safely within the country. Choosing the right Indian travel guidebooks can be overwhelming. Hence, to help you pick the best one for your upcoming travel to India, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best Indian travel books.

Best Indian Travel Guidebooks to Read Before You Travel to India

Essential India Travel Guide by Mohan Kapoor

Written by Mohan Kapoor, the Essential India Travel Guide book exclusively covers the cities and states with the most well-known and significant tourist sites. And each city is covered in detail, along with some interesting information on what to see, where to dine, and what to anticipate. It also teaches you how to respect each of the six major religions and avoid pickpockets and other issues.

The author’s inclusion of crucial advice is what we like most about this book. This book covers a wide range of topics, such as what to anticipate, the kinds of travel companies you can rely on, significant variations in culture, safe food options, and much more.

Additionally, he tells his narrative. Reading this book is like taking a virtual trip to places like Delhi, Goa, and Kolkata before you ever get to the gorgeous and vibrant country!

The book is ideal for

• Every kind of traveller, including a business traveller and a partygoer.

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The Essential Safety and Security Guide to Visiting India

Are you a solo traveller who wants to visit India but has been intimidated by hearsay or media coverage of the country’s violence? You may learn how to enjoy and have a fun and secure journey by reading The Essential Safety & Security Guide to Visiting in India. You’ll be prepared to live comfortably and enjoy your time in India. The author is a diplomat from India born there and has a wealth of experience and understanding about his country.

General information like geography and the weather is included in the book. Some chapters will assist you in getting ready to get started and financial preparation before you go. There is also information on acquiring local connections, insurance, and health.

Additionally, it includes engaging cultural and historical narratives. The chapter An Introduction to India contains all of this information.

The author discusses safety and security when visiting India. To ensure you enjoy your stay, he offers advice on how to behave, what to do, and how to manage unusual events. You’ll learn how to travel safely within by air and take trains securely throughout India.

Additionally, he offers advice on how to gain access to areas that are off-limits or under protection. It is also the best travel guidebook for female visitors to India since it includes recommendations tailored specifically for female tourists.

This book is ideal for

• Backpackers, adventurers, female travellers, and solo travellers.

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Culture Smart India

Whether you are travelling for business or planning a long-term trip to India, travel guidelines to India are required. It will assist you in understanding the local culture. India – Culture Smart! The Essential Guide to Customs and Culture is an excellent resource. It assists you in learning critical aspects of the country, such as the land and people, customs and traditions, and values and attitudes. There are also some dos and don’ts and taboos to be aware of. You’ll even learn about doing business in India! Becky Stephen wrote this India travel guidebook. She likes to travel and learn about different cultures. She also studied Hindi at Banaras Hindu University and spent several years in Varanasi.

With this book, you’ll understand the fundamental principles and behavioural conventions and how to meet new acquaintances and form relationships with the locals.

The book begins with an introduction and essential information about India and also covers a brief history of India and information about its geography and climate. You’ll find information on restaurants, stores, cultural activities, top places and a map of India.

This book is ideal for

• Business travellers, newly shifted residents, and travellers on short-term projects.

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Lonely Planet South India & Kerala

Lonely Planet South India & Kerala can be an ideal travel companion when visiting India’s southern part. This book provides information on India’s history and culture which becomes useful while travelling. You’ll also find up-to-date information on what to see and what not. You will find both popular and off-the-beaten-path activities, making this book one of the best references to South India and Kerala. It includes Goa, Kerala, Mumbai, the Andaman Islands, Bengaluru, and other locations. The authors have also included views and experiences in the book. It comprises the top 12 from South India and Kerala. You may select activities that fit you with this one of the top travel guidebooks on India.

The boom is ideal for

• Family travellers, Solo travellers, and backpackers.

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Insight Guides India

This travel guidebook is available in paperback and digital editions. It is one of the best Indian travel guidebooks for travellers looking for cultural experiences during their visit to India. This travel guidebook provides several stunning photographs that capture the essence of Indian culture.

In this India travel book, you’ll also find top tourist attractions of the major cities of India, including information on independence, art, and architecture. The editor’s pick for the most unforgettable Indian experiences may be found here, from attending Hindu festivities to eating Indian cuisine to seeing a Rajasthan fort.

Furthermore, the book contains valuable information and travel recommendations. You’ll learn when to go and how to get there. This user-friendly India travel handbook includes valuable maps. So you may go off the beaten path.

This book is ideal for

• Every type of traveller and photographer.

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DK Eyewitness Delhi, Agra & Jaipur

Are you visiting India for the first time or migrating to the capital city of Delhi? Prepare for your trip by learning about the Golden Triangle. It comprises the most visited cities in India, including Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. These cities are well-known for their spectacular landmarks and hectic activity.

Furthermore, these areas have much to offer, including many activities in Jaipur.

Eyewitness DK: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur may be your finest India travel guidebooks for all these reasons. It’s not as heavy as most trip guides. As a result, you may carry it with you wherever you go on your journey. The book is also available on Kindle. The book’s content makes it simple to travel between the three locations.

The book has it all, whether you want to see the lovely pink Hawa Mahal or acquire the ideal image of the Taj Mahal. You will not only uncover reasons to love Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, but you will also learn about the cities.

This book is ideal for

• Backpackers, adventurers, & Solo travellers.

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Travel Fearlessly in India

The book provides unique perspectives on travelling and living securely in India. These include cultural aspects of women’s safety. You’ll find thorough advice on finding secure places to stay, how to travel safely, how to deal with potential difficulties, and what to do if you have to go to the police. Her years of expertise make the book a great pre-trip read for any female travelling to India. You’ll learn about Indian men’s mindsets and how to engage with them safely. She also discusses how to comprehend the Indian perspective on non-Indian women.

The book is ideal for

• Female group travellers and female solo travellers.

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Bradt Travel Guides: Jammu, Kashmir Valley, Ladakh & Zanskar

For the finest adventures in Ladakh, Jammu, and Kashmir, having the best travel guidebooks in India is crucial. Bradt Travel Guide Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir Valley may be your finest alternative. Though Ladakh is growing more known for its epic Himalayan grandeur, other locations, such as Kashmir Valley, Jammu, and Zanskar, remain off the beaten road. Ladakh has numerous marvels to explore and activities to do. As a result, this book is necessary for travel guidebooks in India for that particular location.

This revised edition allows you to explore the entire area. Get this paperback edition of one of the best India travel guidebooks.

The book is ideal for

• Adventurers, hikers, trekkers, and backpackers.

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Fodor’s Essential India

Get Fodor’s Essential India as your India travel guidebook. It assists you in planning the perfect vacation in India that will be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. This handbook was created by local journalists and specialist travel experts who are intimately familiar with the places. It’s ideal for those who wish to visit India but are daunted by the size of the country. The India travel guide is available for Kindle as a handbook on the move. Meanwhile, the paperback will fit in your handbag or backpack. The book contains up-to-date information. From Delhi, the capital city, via Mother House Kolkata, to Mumbai, a financial centre. It also includes the largest Indian state, Rajasthan, as well as the coasts of Kerala and Goa. It also contains information about day excursions from Delhi. Each big city offers plans, such as where to stay and what to do. Furthermore, the book includes several maps and graphics to help you make the most of your trip.

The book is ideal for

• Family, photographers, adventurers, and backpackers.

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Lonely Planet India

If you visit India frequently, Lonely Planet India is a must-have. The Indian travel guidebook is a little hefty, but it has four easy-to-use parts: Plan Your Trip, On the Road, Understand, and Survival Guide. As a result, you’ll have no trouble finding the most relevant and up-to-date information and suggestions. It contains helpful information- from what you need to know to suggested itineraries and how to travel with children. There’s also a section on guidelines for ladies and lone travellers and scams.

This book is ideal for

• Family, female solo, and business travellers.

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FAQs: Best Indian Travel Guidebooks to Read

Q1. How many days are enough for the India tour?

Ans. It is quite difficult to plan an itinerary for India. We recommend spending three weeks in India if you want to see the country, enjoy the culture, and visit a few different locations.

Q2. Which is the safest place in India to visit in 2023?

Ans. Mumbai, Coimbatore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru are among the cities included in the most recent NCRB report. On the other hand, Shillong, Puducherry, Sikkim, Kasol, Kochi, Ladakh, and Coorg are among India’s safest places for female tourists.

Q3. What are the advantages of using travel guidebooks?

Ans. When it comes to vacation planning, guidebooks provide so much more. Blogs provide a fair introduction, while guidebooks delve far further into language, history, gastronomy, and culture. And it’s all in one location. You don’t need to store a bunch of links or numerous websites because everything is in one spot.