Best General India Travel Guides of 2026

Dishoom: The first ever cookbook from the much-loved Indian restaurant is a love letter to Bombay told through food and stories. The book shares the secrets to their much sought-after Bombay comfort food, including their legendary black daal, bacon naan roll, okra fries, and more. The book also takes readers on a day-long tour of south Bombay, peppered with much eating and drinking. The book's beautiful photography and storytelling will transport readers to Dishoom's most treasured corners of Bombay. Overall, this cookbook is a total delight that immerses readers in the subject thoroughly and lovingly, making it a must-have for Indian cooking and food enthusiasts.

Patterns of India: A Journey Through Colors, Textiles, and the Vibrancy of Rajasthan is a stunning visual journey that explores the deep relationship between color and pattern in the culture of Western India. The book is organized by the five dominant colors that define every aspect of life in Rajasthan, and it offers intimate insights into the diverse and richly hued culture of this unique part of the world. With more than 200 lush photographs, this book captures the beauty and essence of everyday Rajasthani life, and it is a must-have for anyone who loves travel photography and exploring new cultures.

“A sumptuous whistle-stop tour of India’s diverse food ways. Maneet has penned a love letter to the best of Indian food.”—Padma Lakshmi, host and executive producer of Top Chef and Taste the NationIACP AWARD WINNER • LONGLISTED FOR THE ART OF EATING PRIZE • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE YEAR BY Food Network • Salon • Epicurious • Garden & Gun • Wired Explore the bold flavors, regional dishes, and stunning scenery of India with over 80 recipes from Chopped judge and James Beard Award-winning chef Maneet Chauhan.In Chaat, Maneet Chauhan explores India’s most iconic, delicious, and fun-to-eat foods coming from and inspired by her discoveries during an epic cross-country railway journey that brought her to local markets, street vendors, and the homes of family and friends.  From simple roasted sweet potatoes with star fruit, lemon, and spices to a fragrant layered chicken biryani rice casserole, and the flakiest onion and egg stuffed flatbreads, these recipes are varied, colorful, and expressive. Maneet weaves in personal stories and remembrances as well as historical and cultural notes as she winds her way from North to South and East to West, sharing recipes like Goan Fried Shrimp Turnovers, Chicken Momo Dumplings from Guwahati in Assam, Hyderabad's Spicy Pineapple Chaat, and Warm-Spiced Carrot and Semolina Pudding from Amritsar.  With breathtaking photography and delectable recipes, Chaat is a celebration of the diversity of India's food and people.

Lonely Planet India 19 (Travel Guide) is a comprehensive guide for anyone planning to explore India. The guide provides up-to-date information on what to see, where to go and what to skip. It also includes a pull-out passport-size 'Just Landed' card with essential information such as Wi-Fi, ATM and transport details. The book features planning tools for family travelers, insider tips, cultural insights and over 200 maps. It covers major destinations, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Kashmir, Agra, Mumbai, Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Overall, this is an excellent guide for both experienced and first-time visitors to India.

India: The Cookbook is a comprehensive guide to Indian cooking, with over 1,000 authentic recipes covering every aspect of India's rich culinary heritage. Unlike many other Indian cookbooks, it is written by an Indian culinary academic and cookbook author, ensuring the recipes are a true reflection of how traditional dishes are cooked all over India. The book is carefully edited to make the recipes simple to follow and achievable in western kitchens, with detailed information about authentic cooking utensils and ingredients. This is a must-have book for anyone who loves Indian food and wants to prepare it at home.

Fodor's Essential India is an up-to-date, full-color travel guide that covers all the must-see sights in India. With detailed maps and concise descriptions, this guidebook will help readers plan their trip with ease. The guide includes insider tips to make the most out of the visit to Delhi, Mumbai, and beyond. It features ultimate experiences guide, gorgeous photos, and illustrated features that provide insight into contemporary Indian life as well as the past. This guidebook is an indispensable tool for anyone planning to visit India, and it's highly recommended for those who want to experience the country's vibrant and enticing contrasts.

A Long Way Home: A Memoir is the remarkable true story of Saroo Brierley, who got lost on a train in India at only five years old. After surviving for weeks on the streets of Calcutta, he was adopted by a couple in Australia. Despite his gratitude, he always wondered about his origins. With the advent of Google Earth, he had the opportunity to look for his hometown and family. This moving and inspirational book celebrates the importance of hope and the strength of the human spirit. The book has also been adapted into a major motion picture called Lion, nominated for six Academy Awards.

"India - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture" is a comprehensive guide that helps readers understand the Indian culture, values, attitudes, and traditions. The book provides valuable insights into the country's history and offers tips on how to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid cultural faux pas. The author, Becky Stephen, who has a Master's in Intercultural Studies, has done an excellent job of explaining the complex and diverse Indian culture to readers. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone planning to visit India or interested in learning about the country's customs and culture."

Lonely Planet Nepal 11 (Travel Guide) is the ultimate guide to exploring Nepal. With up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, insider tips to save time and money, and essential information at your fingertips, this guidebook is perfect for any traveler. From historic temples to trekking in the shadow of Mount Everest, Lonely Planet's Nepal covers it all. The book also provides cultural insights to enhance your travel experience. Overall, this comprehensive guide immerses you in Nepalese culture and helps you discover the country's best sights and off-the-beaten-track experiences.

Ride Out! is a must-read for motorcycle enthusiasts who are always on the lookout for the best riding landscapes across the world. The book features inspiring routes, from the never-ending mountain passes to the Mediterranean Sea, and includes practical information such as the best seasons, duration, and points of interest. It's perfect for both spontaneous day trips with friends or long-haul journeys around the world on a sport bike or dual-sport. The book also contains personal experiences from two-wheeled adventurers who have explored California, South Africa, Japan, China, Patagonia, and New Zealand. Overall, Ride Out! is an excellent travel writing reference book for anyone looking to plan their next epic motorcycle adventure.