DK Eyewitness - India (Travel Guide)

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t The glistening lake at sacred Pushkar

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t A woman gazing over the pavilions on Sagar Lake in Udaipur.

Ancient and awe-inspiring, India has been captivating visitors for millennia. Its not hard to see why, as this country is endlessly enticing: in a single day youll encounter sizzling street food, dazzling architecture and riotous religious festivals. Whatever sights your dream trip includes, this DK Eyewitness Travel Guide is the perfect companion.

An epic country, India is bordered in the north by the peaks of the Himalayan mountains and extends down through the diverse jungles, rivers and deserts of the plains to the Indian Ocean in the south. In these landscapes, wild elephants gather at waterholes, one-horned rhinos roll in the mud, tigers prowl, and innumerable species of birds caw and crow.

Indias urban jungles are just as fascinating as its natural world. Take the capital, Delhi. Here, modern skyscrapers and centuries-old mosques push up against each other, representative of a country where past and present blend in a way that never ceases to capture the imagination. Although the crush of major cities like Delhi and Mumbai may seem overwhelming at first, take a few days to relax to the pace, and youll soon find yourself hailing down rickshaws and ordering a stuffed paratha like a seasoned hand. And youll need to be used to the crowds to brave Indias exuberant religious festivals. In this deeply spiritual country, huge numbers of people take to the streets to throw coloured powder at the start of spring for Holi, to feast at the end of Eid, and to parade at the beginning of Catholic Lent.

With so much to see and do in India, it can be hard to know where to start. Weve broken the country down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries, expert local knowledge, and colourful, comprehensive maps to help you plan the perfect visit. Whether youre staying for a weekend, a week, or longer, this Eyewitness guide will ensure that you make the most of all that the country has to offer. Enjoy the book, and enjoy India.

Keralas lush green hills.

Delhis Bahai Temple.

Frothy chai served with a dusting of cinnamon.

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India is big in every way: size, population, personality, and, of course, big-ticket attractions like the Taj Mahal. Here are some reasons why you wont be able to resist the heady pace of this ancient land.

t Join the thousands of pilgrims who line the holy Ganges in colourful to light candles and float them on the water, an act of devotion that sets the river aflame.

Discover Reasons to Love India

t Goas golden beaches are lined with shacks where you can order a feni cocktail a spirit made from cashews to sip as the sun slips into the endless horizon of the Arabian Sea.

Discover Reasons to Love India

t India is a country that loves to party, whether it is rejoicing over spring or a gods birthday. Wear your oldest clothes to Holi, where colourful powder is thrown over the crowds.

Discover Reasons to Love India

t Its unmissable, unmistakable and undeniably beautiful. The , the famous monument to romantic love, is best visited at sunrise, although its breathtaking at any hour.

Discover Reasons to Love India