Customer Reviews
a rough guide .... - By: Demob Happy, 15 Nov 2007 
Despite the inferior quality of the photo reproduction I've always thought that Rough Guide is better value than Lonely Planet. It is generally more informative, more erudite, & the style is arguably geared to a wider readership, while LP leans more towards backpackers & gap-year students. I also think LP is more prone to hyperbole while Rough Guide is normally unflinchingly honest about places. It's perceived negativity is for me a bonus as it is often better to travel with lower or at least realistic expectations. As it saysin the opening gambit, many travellers head for India expecting to 'encounter a timeless ascetic wonderland & are surprised to find one of the most materialistic societies on the planet'. I think this is pretty spot-on. There is no pointin going to India & not being prepared for the filth, pollution, traffic chaos & inequality otherwise you will quickly need to reevaluate your trip on arrival.
A couple of criticisms: Rough Guide hotel information can be a little out of date by the time of your visit. Research on updating hotel email addresses & websites should be more thorough, although the publishing schedules for books of this sort make it almost impossible to keep up with the rate of changein a country like India. Also, I think that Rough Guide would benefit more from a Le Routard-style rating system for monuments & cities. Although travelling is highly subjective, more editorial guidance would be helpful for the traveller to distinguish between cities like, for instance, Jodphur & Jaipur. Empirically, there is a massive difference, Jodphur is a much calmer, better-maintained, less-polluted & more hassle-free destination, but you can't really predict this from the guide. Furthermore, this guide describes the lakes at Updaipur as "half-full" & a "trash-strewn puddle". At the time of writing the lakes had been fully replenished by monsoon rains & are certainly an essential stop on any Rajasthan itinerary. Nevertheless, this is still the best product of its kind on the market & a must for all visitors.
Better than Lonley - By: Ms. Nicola Bailey- James, 17 Jan 2007 My friends & I spent 3 monthsin India with both the Lonely Planet & the Rough Guide & 9 times out of 10 we referred to the Rough Guide. Fewer people carry the Rough Guide which means that the 'unspoilt' stuff remains less spoiled. The information is more reliable, the accomodation reviews are more accurate, & it's lighter to carry.
A comprehensive guide to India - By: P. DATTA, 31 Dec 2006 The Rough Guide to India (Rough Guide Travel Guides) is a comprehensive guide to the country. India is a country which is diverse & boosts an ancient civiliisation dating millions years ago. The country is an experience of a lifetime for anyone who wants to visit a place filled with rich history, wide natural scenery (mountains, rivers, lakes, forests, beaches), arts, varied attractions & a diverse culture. Something you will treasure as a fond memory & breathtaking experience. The country at its present state is a fine blend of traditional & contemporary features. For example the Bollywood & the booming IT industry are a crucial part of India's modern culture. The palaces & temples are a valuable part of India's rich history & heritage.
The Rough guide equipped you with much information as possible about the country, main attractions, travel tips, visas, shopping, restaurant & bars, accommodation, transport & an insight into the main areas of India. There is so much to do & seein India, as clearly indicatedin the guide. The guide is simple & well laid out with concise text, complimented by pictures & diagrams. Although English is widely spokenin India, it is useful if you can speak Hindiin India. There are useful Hindi phasesin the glosary section.
Overall, this guide proved to be a valuable aid for my trip to Indiain February 2007. All the information I need is availablein the guide. What better way to kick start a trip to India. I could not ask for any more.
The Essential Guide - By: thinkatronic bleep phreak, 11 Jan 2006 I travelin India every year & pick a new one up every time. I usually leave the old one for Indian relatives who say they're an excellent read ;)
Even if you're not travellingin India, this book is fascinating & 'unputdownable'. It covers every aspect of this complex & ancient countryin informative, readable sections ranging from history, culture, language, politics through to food, bribes, sex, drugs & Bollywood movies. From personal knowledge I can confirm that this edition has been updated to reflect recent changes (a must since India is currently one of the most rapidly transforming nations on earth) & the intelligent coverage even includes analysis of the effects of the IT & BioMedical science booms on Indian society.
There are others, but this is the essential one. I'd recommend it to anyone, from those horrid chavs one sees gurning it up at Goa nowadays to actual Indian people. Its a great one to keep on the lav & keep dipping into too!
