<b>India is a country of vibrant and enticing contrasts: exquisite palaces are</b><br><b>juxtaposed against simple temples, and modern high-tech industry</b><br><b>coexists with ancient customs and rituals. There's much to see and do in</b><br><b>this vast and geographically diverse country, and <i>Fodor's Essential India</i></b><br><b>covers the must-see sights better than anyone else.</b><br>EXPANDED COVERAGE: India is changing rapidly, and this guide includes the best new hotels,<br>restaurants, and more in its vibrant cities and stunning countryside, from Delhi and Rajasthan to<br>Mumbai, Kerala and Goa. New to this edition is a chapter on the vibrant city of Kolkata<br>(Calcutta), in northeastern India, known as the intellectual and artistic capital of the country.<br>ILLUSTRATED FEATURES: Full-color, illustrated features on the iconic Taj Mahal, the holy city<br>of Varanasi on the Ganges, and the amazing cave temples at Ajanta and Ellora give travelers a<br>deeper understanding of these historic sites. The &quot;Portrait of India&quot; chapter, with illustrated<br>sections on modern society, religion, food, dance, music, and shopping, provides insight into<br>contemporary Indian life as well as the past.<br>INDISPENSABLE TRIP PLANNING TOOLS: A full-color, 12-page feature on getting around<br>India includes indispensible information on buses, trains, taxis, and rickshaws, along with tipping<br>information and an easy-to-use &quot;Travel Times Chart.&quot; &quot;Great Itineraries&quot; cover the Golden<br>Triangle (Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra) and various add-ones, making trip-planning easy. Each<br>chapter contains &quot;Top Reasons&quot; to go, a spotlight on regional cuisine, and regional planning and<br>transportation advice.<br>DISCERNING RECOMMENDATIONS: <i>Fodor's Essential India </i>offers savvy advice and<br>recommendations from local writers to help travelers make the most of their time. Fodor's<br>Choice designates our best picks, from hotels to nightlife.<br>COVERAGE INCLUDES: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai, Goa, Kerala, Kolkata, and more.<br>ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's travel guide is researched and written by local<br>experts.