The Rough Guide to India (Rough Guide Travel Guides)

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, and the style is arguably geared to a wider readership, while LP leans more towards backpackers and 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 says in the opening gambit, many travellers head for India expecting to 'encounter a timeless ascetic wonderland and are surprised to find one of the most materialistic societies on the planet'. I think this is pretty spot-on. There is no point in going to India and not being prepared for the filth, pollution, traffic chaos and 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A couple of criticisms: Rough Guide hotel information can be a little out of date by the time of your visit.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 and 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 change in a country like India. Also, I think that Rough Guide would benefit more from a Le Routard-style rating system for monuments and cities. Although travelling is highly subjective, more editorial guidance would be helpful for the traveller to distinguish between cities like, for instance, Jodphur and Jaipur. Empirically, there is a massive difference, Jodphur is a much calmer, better-maintained, less-polluted and 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" and a "trash-strewn puddle". At the time of writing the lakes had been fully replenished by monsoon rains and are certainly an essential stop on any Rajasthan itinerary. Nevertheless, this is still the best product of its kind on the market and a must for all visitors.

Better than Lonley (17/17 people found this helpful)

My friends and I spent 3 months in India with both the Lonely Planet and the Rough Guide and 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, and it's lighter to carry.

A comprehensive guide to India (8/8 people found this helpful)

The Rough Guide to India (Rough Guide Travel Guides) is a comprehensive guide to the country. India is a country which is diverse and 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 and a diverse culture. Something you will treasure as a fond memory and breathtaking experience. The country at its present state is a fine blend of traditional and contemporary features. For example the Bollywood and the booming IT industry are a crucial part of India's modern culture. The palaces and temples are a valuable part of India's rich history and heritage.

The Rough guide equipped you with much information as possible about the country, main attractions, travel tips, visas, shopping, restaurant & bars, accommodation, transport and an insight into the main areas of India. There is so much to do and see in India, as clearly indicated in the guide. The guide is simple and well laid out with concise text, complimented by pictures and diagrams. Although English is widely spoken in India, it is useful if you can speak Hindi in India. There are useful Hindi phases in the glosary section.

Overall, this guide proved to be a valuable aid for my trip to India in February 2007. All the information I need is available in the guide. What better way to kick start a trip to India. I could not ask for any more.

The Essential Guide (41/42 people found this helpful)

I travel in India every year and 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 travelling in India, this book is fascinating and 'unputdownable'. It covers every aspect of this complex and ancient country in informative, readable sections ranging from history, culture, language, politics through to food, bribes, sex, drugs and 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) and the intelligent coverage even includes analysis of the effects of the IT and 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 and keep dipping into too!

David Abram, Devdan Sen, Nick Edwards, Mike Ford, Beth Wooldridge, Daniel Jacobs, Joshua Goodman, Anil Mulchandani, Laura Stone, Caroline Sylge

Reader Reviews:

a rough guide .... (2/2 people found this helpful)

Better than Lonley (17/17 people found this helpful)

A comprehensive guide to India (8/8 people found this helpful)

The Essential Guide (41/42 people found this helpful)

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