Baedeker is proud to welcome this brand new guide to India. At the heart of this full-colour and visually inspiring guide is a wealth of well-researched information and over 200 detailed recommendations, written by experts. From the monumental Taj Mahal and numerous festivals to the tropical jungles, spectacular mountains and India's first tiger reserve, you will find all the sights and top attractions explored in an easy-to-read A-Z format. Superb 3D laminated illustrations display the key sights in perspective and include Howrah Bridge and Ajanta, brought to life at the turn of a page. Clear and concise background texts cover India's fascinating history, tracing key events from the first Indian empire to the era of Indira Gandhi and much more. Special feature pages cover topics of particular interest that give a rare glimpse into everyday life and throughout the guide you will find answers to India's more intriguing cultural questions such as 'Do all Indians speak Hindi?' and 'How many films does Bollywood produce?'. A comprehensive 'Practicalities' chapter covers all the essential travel advice you need, including accommodation, transport, food and drink, health, shopping, money and much more, not to mention useful insider tips for travellers with disabilities and those travelling with children. It reveals when and where you can catch festivals, holidays and events throughout the year and also highlights where the best national parks and beaches can be found. There are plenty of 'Baedeker tips' alongside the relevant places and sights information, making this guide ideal for on-the-spot reference. The guide is accompanied by a large, fully indexed, pull-out map, along with 48 detailed maps and plans within the text that clearly pin-point the best places to stay and top venues to eat and drink en route. There are 6 recommended tours specially designed to ensure you see the very best of this magical and diverse country. Whether you want to follow in Buddha's footsteps and find rarely visited Hindu temples, or simply relax in the most outstanding tropical destinations of the exotic south, journeys range from 7 - 30 days, so you can choose the tour to suit you. Top sights are clearly plotted along the way with the distances marked between them. All of this invaluable information is contained within a handy plastic wallet that allows you to keep the guide and map together whilst ensuring that both will survive in all weather. Baedeker - setting a new standard in 21st century travel guide publishing.