Enjoying India: The Essential Handbook

by J.D. Viharini

The 8 Best India Travel Guide Books (#1) — TRIPSAVVY — 12/09/19 ”For tourists who want to be culturally sensitive—and empowered—as they travel through the subcontinent, this book is a perfect read. It was written to “fill the gaps” that traditional guidebooks might leave in their wakes, answering “hows” and “whys” instead of “whens” and “wheres.” It answers whatever questions you might have, safety information to communication tricks, like how "yes" in some parts of India can actually mean "no." There are also tips you can put to use as you go about your sightseeing and shopping, like how to bargain, find a seat on crowded trains, and deal with bureaucracy. And you can rest assured this author knows what they’re talking J.D. Viharini, an American woman who’s lived in and traveled solo throughout India for eight years, truly knows the ins and outs of the country.” — KRYSTIN ARNESON Updated 12/09/19 Krystin Arneson is a writer and editor based out of Berlin, Germany. She covers an array of hotels, products and destinations for TripSavvy. “Being an Indian myself, I can tell you that this book is an authentic account about India. It is obvious that the author is someone who has lived and traveled in India over a long period of time. India is such a vast country that it is difficult for even Indians to gain such a depth of knowledge about the country as this author has achieved. ”From the insights that the book oozes, it is evident that the author has travelled the breadth and height of India. I have read a few other accounts about India by westerners and was always disappointed by the superficial nature of those books and observations. ”However, this book was a surprise. With a very humorous point of view, it was thoroughly enjoyable and I read it in almost one sitting. It is a must for anyone to carry and read if they are visiting India even for a brief time. This book prepares you for the surprises that await here. ”The author's observations are presented without bias and prejudice. It was an open minded thesis that delved deep into the psyche of the Indian phenomenon. This is obviously an effort that should have spanned several years of unrelenting research and observation. ”Whatever it is, this certainly is not anything that falls under the genre of books that typically stereotype India. It looks beyond the usual shocking point of view of India as a country of elephants and tigers. This book is about the real contemporary India and about real Indians. ”I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in India. I also commend and thank the author for an unbiased view of my country that I so love.” — Satyanarayana Pamarty (Reviewed on Amazon.com)

Genres: Travel, India, Nonfiction, Reference

306 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 2010

Reviews

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good easy read. It's main problem is that it is 10 years out of date and India has changed in the meantime.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given to me by a friend, full of lots of cultural advice about India; would be more useful if I were moving there or if I was doing business, but still lots of great tips. Will be using them. A few years old, but still valid.

[A. Rosen]

Enjoying India: The Essential Handbook. I recommend this book to anyone who's expoloring India. I didn't read it until I'd already been living in the country for years. If only I'd been able to read it when I first arrived.
The author writes in a friendly, conversational style that is easy to read. And she offers many practical tips. She's lived in India long enough to understand the culture from the inside out, so you get a deeper view than if you just read a tourist guide to temples, hotels, etc.
This book appears unique--filling holes left by other travel books.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this to prep to travel to India. I found it helpful. It was written in 2012 so some aspects are dated but I’m guessing the cultural aspects remain very relevant.

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cultural information was especially interesting. Will soon find out if it's still accurate!

[T P Kennedy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some useful information in this but it would terrify anyone thinking of travelling to India. I'm fully armed with lots of information. Not much fun to this!

[Meredith Marlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember enjoying this

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good introduction to what it is like to travel in India. It explains some of the cultural differences that you're likely to run into, especially regarding the behavior of women and interactions between women and men. It gives cautionary information regarding food and water. It also explains some about trains, taxis, and flights. It even explains some of the issues you'll run into because your a tourist and people will want to take advantage of it.

I would have appreciated a bigger discussion of hotels, and what to expect. For example some discussion about the different levels of hotel rooms(deluxe, exectutive, etc) and the fact that you should always ask to see the room before you check in. The hotel experience in India is drastically different than what you'll find in Europe, the US, or even in other parts of Asia. It's possible that in my quick read of the book I missed this but I doubt it. I'll check later and update this review if that is the case.

[Frank Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is exactly the sort of book I've been looking for, in regards to being to-the-point, practical, and comprehensive advice regarding traveling in a particular country. The only thing is, it's perhaps so stringent in covering every negative possibility that it starts to be a little bit off-putting about actually traveling in India; but, it's probably better to know all of that and not be surprised, in the end.

[Peter Trivelas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book to read before traveling to India. It's written not a tourist book with things to see and do, but more as an insider's view of how to navigate the culture. The author, writing under a pen name, is an American who has lived in India for many years.

[Kely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpful tips on traveling to India. I felt I had a deeper understanding of the social customs of India.

[Kimber Burgess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful insights into India's culture; seems to make India much more conservative and strict to its rules than it may really be

[Heather]

Bookmarked so many pages to review. The more I read, the less I know

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book might be useful if you're moving to live in India full-time AND you have extremely limited experience with non-Western cultures. Otherwise, it's probably too basic for most people's needs.

[Jason Galloway · Rating 2 out of 5]

would not recommend this one

[Amie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative book for interacting in India.

[Bredo Erichsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a good and detailed introduction to the culture in India. I soon move to India, so I am glad I found this. Have not read more than half way so I will finish my review later.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sure I'll be referring to all the passages I highlighted starting next week while in India. Glad I have the digital version. Really insightful.

[Gino Filicetti]

False