India: A Guide to the Experience

An up-close and personal guide to the subcontinent by David Stuart Ryan who has made 7 extended visits to this most fascinating of countries.

Over 100 original photographs illustrate India, both good and bad,
beautiful and disturbing, always stunning.

The most enchanting, mysterious and enjoyable spots have been selected for both tourists and those who have some extra time to explore the country.

The on the spot commentary by the author tells you how to navigate the many cultural hurdles that will occur in any visit to
the subcontinent. You are warned of the dangers as well as the attractions.

India has become famous as a winter holiday destination and you will certainly journey down to the south to sample the
delights of the magical Indian seashore in places like Goa and Kerala.

Other stops on your journey include

* the Hindu holy city of Varanasi on the mighty Ganges river

* Kathmandu valley where the towering Himalayan mountains are a constant snow covered backdrop

* the Kumbha Mela, India's great gathering of Indian holymen
* Pushkar Lake, Rajesthan where the desert creates its own
air of mystery and magic
* the great cities of Delhi and Mumbai
* the old world atmosphere of the world heritage site at Hampi

* the incomparable beauty of the Taj Mahal

These are just some of your stops on a great sweeping tour of the subcontinent that will prepare you for your own encounter with the world's most dynamic country where the 21st century is being created as India rises to global prominence.

Isn't it time you found out more about this most ancient yet modern civilisation that will soon be affecting all our lives?

There are over 100 original photographs, all in color, in the 200 pages of the book. These give you an intimate up-close encounter with how your visit to India will be.

And this is then added to by a whole section on tips to help you avoid the dangers of an Indian journey.

These extend from whether it is safe to drink the water to how to avoid stomach bugs and food poisoning. How to treat cuts and injuries, where to obtain antibiotics, the advice you can get from local pharmacies, the benefits of eating yogurt daily (and not eating ice cream), what immunisation shots to get, how to deal with a possible rabies bite from a dog, two ways to avoid being robbed, advice on what extra protection to take for your goods such as a small padlock, the dangers of dormitory type accommodation, how to travel light and buy what you need, the dangers of riding motor bikes, how to bargain, how to reserve a train ticket.

Once you have read and studied your guide you will be ready for a great adventure, one of the most fascinating of your life, so do take the time and trouble to be prepared.

This is what 'India - a guide to the experience' can provide for you.

Reviews
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"The entire text is spread out in 28 short chapters, some of them buttressed with useful and relevant historical facts and figures (Ryan studied ancient history and philosophy at London University)..double page spreads in colour convey the ambience in the light at Pushkar, Goa and Benares..'

The Hindustan Times, India's leading newspaper.
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'A delightful book...takes readers on a journey from one end of the country to the other'

Homes and Travel
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'Breathtaking...a lovely book..the author knows the perils of travelling in India so well...

The new Kindle edition contains some of the poetry written about India, this gives you a unique taste and feel for what is a very sensual experience - India in all its wild profusion

It also includes the full write up of my meeting with the remarkable Ganesh Baba, reputed to have been one of the four spiritual rulers of India who met Winston Churchill in his youth.

David Stuart Ryan