The internationally bestselling author of The Anarchy returns with a sparkling, soaring history of ideas, tracing South Asia's under-recognized role in producing the world as we know it.For a millennium and a half, India was a confident exporter of its diverse civilization, creating around it a vast empire of ideas. Indian art, religions, technology, astronomy, music, dance, literature, mathematics and mythology blazed a trail across the world, along a Golden Road that stretched from the Red Sea to the Pacific. In The Golden Road, William Dalrymple draws from a lifetime of scholarship to highlight India's oft-forgotten position as the heart of ancient Eurasia. For the first time, he gives a name to this spread of Indian ideas that transformed the world. From the largest Hindu temple in the world at Angkor Wat to the Buddhism of China, from the trade that helped fund the Roman Empire to the creation of the numerals we use today (including zero), India transformed the culture and technology of its ancient world – and our world today as we know it. Read more

Stow away with Rick Steves for a glimpse into the unforgettable moments, misadventures, and memories of his 1978 journey on the legendary Hippie Trail.In the 1970s, the ultimate trip for any backpacker was the storied “Hippie Trail” from Istanbul to Kathmandu. A 23-year old Rick Steves made the trek, and like a travel writer in training, he documented everything along the way: jumping off a moving train, making friends in Tehran, getting lost in Lahore, getting high for the first time in Herat, battling leeches in Pokhara, and much more. The experience ignited his love of travel and forever broadened his perspective on the world.This book contains edited selections from Rick’s journal and travel photos with a 45-years-later preface and postscript reflecting on how the journey changed his life. Stow away with Rick Steves on the adventure of a lifetime through Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Nepal.You know Rick Steves. Now discover the adventure that made him the travel writer he is today.PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. Read more

It’s the trip of a lifetime—a textile-based tour of colorful Rajasthan, India featuring more than 200 lush photographs depicting everyday life in one of the most vibrant regions in the world.”Get lost in the beauty of the photographs in Patterns of India, a striking journey through the colorful Indian state of Rajasthan.”—BuzzFeedPatterns of India is a visual experience that offers intimate insights into the diverse and richly hued Western Indian culture. Color is the thread that binds the vast country together, defining every aspect of life from religion and politics to food and dress. Organized by the five dominant colors royal blue, sandstone, marigold, ivory, and rose, this book explores how deeply color and pattern exist in a symbiotic relationship and are woven into every part of the culture. For instance, the fuchsia found in the draping fabric of a sari is matched by the vibrant chains of roses offered at temple, and the burnt orange spices in the marketplaces are reflected in the henna tattoos given to brides and wedding guests. While every color is imbued with meaning, it is often within the details of patterns that the full story comes to light. Photographer and writer Christine Chitnis spent over a decade traveling through, getting to know, and falling in love with the intricate patterns of everyday Rajasthani life. With history and culture-based essays woven throughout the more than 200 stunning photographs of architecture, markets, cuisine, art, textiles, and everyday goings-on, Patterns of India captures the beauty and essence of this unique part of the world. Read more

Out of the heart of China into the mountains of Central Asia, across Northern Afghanistan and the plains of Iran into Kurdish Turkey, Colin Thubron undertakes a journey along the greatest land route on earth: the Silk Road. Travelling 7,000 miles in eight months, he traces the passage not only of trade and armies, but of ideas, religions and inventions. With a gift for talking to others, and of getting them to talk to him, Thubron meets some fascinating people and encounters some of the world's discontented margins, where the true boundaries are not political borders but the frontiers of tribe, ethnicity, language and religion. Read more

A landmark in travel writing, this is the incredible true story of Heinrich Harrer’s escape across the Himalayas to Tibet, set against the backdrop of the Second World War. Heinrich Harrer, already one of the greatest mountaineers of his time, was climbing in the Himalayas when war broke out in Europe. He was imprisoned by the British in India but succeeded in escaping and fled to Tibet. Settling in Lhasa, the Forbidden City, where he became a friend and tutor to the Dalai Lama, Heinrich Harrer spent seven years gaining a more profound understanding of Tibet and the Tibetans than any Westerner before him.Seven Years in Tibet was translated into 53 languages, became a best seller in the United States in 1954, and sold three million copies. Read more

Are you excited about planning your next trip? Do you want to try something new? Would you like some guidance from a local? If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, then this Greater Than a Tourist audiobook is for you. Greather Than a Tourist - Chandigarh India, by Jatin Dewan, offers the inside scoop on Chandigarh. Most travel guides tell you how to sightsee. Although there's nothing wrong with that, as a part of the Greater Than a Tourist series, this audiobook will give you tips from someone who lives at your next travel destination. You'll discover local advice that will help you throughout your trip. Travel like a local. Slow down, and get to know the people and the culture of a place. By the time you finish this audiobook, you will be eager and prepared to travel to your next destination. Read more

“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. Read more

Peeling back the layers of Delhi’s centuries-old history, City of Djinns is an irresistible blend of research and adventure.Sparkling with irrepressible wit, City of Djinns peels back the layers of Delhi's centuries-old history, revealing an extraordinary array of characters along the way--from eunuchs to descendants of great Moguls. With refreshingly open-minded curiosity, author William Dalrymple explores the seven "dead" cities of Delhi as well as the eighth city—today's Delhi. Underlying his quest is the legend of the djinns, fire-formed spirits that are said to assure the city's Phoenix-like regeneration no matter how many times it is destroyed. Entertaining, fascinating, and informative, City of Djinns is an irresistible blend of research and adventure. Read more

A Naturalist’ s Guide to the Birds of Nepal is an introductory photographic identification guide to 280 bird species commonly seen in Nepal, and is perfect for resident and visitor alike. High-quality photographs from some of India’ s top nature photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers geography and climate, vegetation and opportunities for naturalists. Also included is an all-important checklist of all of the birds of Nepal encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific name as well as its vernacular name, its status in each state as well as its global IUCN status. Read more

Don’t just see the sights—get to know the people. India's huge population of 1.2 billion is as varied and colorful as the spice markets of Old Delhi. Each region, caste, and community has its own culture, reflecting unique histories shaped by conquest, creativity, and religion. Steeped in ancient traditions, exceptionally fatalistic, and intensely passionate about their culture, the Indians are also ingenious, creative, and world leaders in cutting-edge science and technology. Show interest in their country and it will be reciprocated with genuine warmth and friendship.Culture Smart! India will make you aware of the essential values and behavioral norms, show you how to navigate often profound cultural differences and build relationships, and offer invaluable insights into this great, endlessly fascinating land.Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas. Read more

A cosmopolitan, vibrant and modern city with strong ties to its extraordinarily rich history--Mumbai has some of India's finest museums, a beautiful sea-front promenade, exceptional colonial-era architecture, spectacular ancient temples hewn into caves and an incredible culinary scene. Your DK Eyewitness Top 10 travel guide ensures you'll find your way around Mumbai with absolute ease.Our newly updated Top 10 travel guide breaks down the best of Mumbai into helpful lists of ten--from our own selected highlights to the best museums and galleries, places to eat, markets and festivals.You'll discover:Seven easy-to-follow itineraries, perfect for a day-trip, a weekend, or a weekDetailed Top 10 lists of Mumbai's must-sees, including detailed descriptions of the Gateway of India, Kala Ghoda, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Marine Drive, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the Bandstand and the Elephanta CavesMumbai's most interesting areas, with the best places for shopping, going out, and sightseeingInspiration for different things to enjoy during your trip - including children's attractions, things to do for free and hidden gems off the beaten pathA laminated pull-out map of Mumbai, plus five color area mapsStreet-smart advice: get ready, get around, and stay safeA lightweight format perfect for your pocket or bag when you're on the moveLooking for more on Mumbai's culture, history and attractions? Try our DK Eyewitness India. Read more

If you have always wanted to learn Punjabi quickly but find it too overwhelming or complicated then keep reading …Punjabi is a fun language to learn, the problem is most learning materials are costly and make language learning too complicated. They start of good but then advance too quickly. Just like those dreaded language classes in school. The result, nothing sinks in, you become overwhelmed and eventually give up.We know learning a foreign language isn’t easy, it challenges both your brain and your time. Learning new concepts and setting aside time for your learning can be difficult. And if you’re studying with bad material you can end up getting stuck more than necessary, which isn’t fun.Most students feel to start learning a language you simply need to start. That’s true but it’s better to first find the right resources to help you progress smoothly. Otherwise it can be a real motivation killer.If these are problems you’ve faced, don’t worry we’re here for you. The days of difficult learning are long gone!We’ve created this book which aims to make language learning simple. We teach you language patterns and grammar structures which can be used to form your own sentences. Instead of set phrases, which aren’t very practical.No more complex learning! We keep it simple topic to topic and help you progress through Punjabi smoothly. Starting with greetings, moving to introductions, small talk and then conversations. From the very beginning you’ll be learning how to speak Punjabi. And before you know it you’ll be speaking like a true Punjabi!In this book you will discover:Simple and smooth approach to Punjabi with topics that slowly build on each other. You won’t need another grammar book after you’ve begun reading this one!Learn how to form your own sentences instead of just set phrases, allowing you to have longer more fun conversations.Essential vocabulary section with some of the most common words in Punjabi. You’ll definitely find this useful!Totally written in romanji (English characters) , we leave the reading and writing of Punjabi behind and solely focus on getting you to a conversational speaking level.And much, much more…Even if you’ve struggled to learn Punjabi for years and years, this book gives you the missing piece you need towards your fluency journey. So if you want to learn Punjabi fast and painlessly scroll up and click add to cart. Read more

Explore the three unique cities of India, popularly known as the "Golden Triangle".Whether you want to explore the terracotta-hued city of Jaipur, sample delicious Mughlai dishes in Delhi or spot tigers in North India’s national parks, your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that Delhi, Agra and Jaipur have to offer.From the spectacular Taj Mahal to the ornate Shekhawati palaces, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are packed with architectural wonders. But the "Golden Triangle" is not all about historic monuments and imposing forts. Beyond the three unique cities lies the region’s dramatic landscapes that feature sacred towns, national parks brimming with wildlife, fascinating museums and a kaleidoscope of festivals. Our updated 2023 travel guide brings Dehli, Agra and Jaipur to life. DK Eyewitness Dehli, Agra and Jaipur is your ticket to the trip of a lifetime. Inside DK Eyewitness Dehli, Agra and Jaipur you will find: -A fully-illustrated top experiences guide: our expert pick of Dehli, Agra and Jaipur’s must-sees and hidden gems.-Accessible itineraries to make the most out of each and every day.-Expert advice: honest recommendations for getting around safely, when to visit each sight, what to do before you visit, and how to save time and money.-Color-coded chapters to every part of Dehli, Agra and Jaipur and beyond, from the Red Fort to the Taj Mahal, Keoladeo Ghana National Park to Corbett National Park.-Practical tips: the best places to eat, drink, shop and stay.-Detailed maps and walks to help you navigate the region country easily and confidently.Touring the country? Try our DK Eyewitness India. Want the best of Delhi in your pocket? Try our DK Eyewitness Top 10 Delhi. Read more

When her certainties crumbled, she found a fierce new truth far from home.After a shattering betrayal tore through her faith and identity, writer Lauren Cibene clung to the fragments of a life once totally defined by evangelicalism. In the wake of her betrayal, she wrestled with anxiety, borderline agoraphobia, and depression while her faith community tried to rush through her grief. That's when Cibene spontaneously abandoned the familiar for the unpredictable: India.As she journies through the riot of Kolkata, the markets of Jaipur, the sacred ghats of Varanasi, and more, she confronts the ghosts of her past, the wounds of her present, and the specter of her future. Every encounter-fumbling with a sari in a dim rest stop bathroom, staring into the flames of funeral pyres, holding the hands of people living with leprosy-puts her one step closer to reclaiming her trust in humanity, the Divine, and herself.Like Pi in Life of Pi, she finds an unlikely survival companion-her own fierce, resilient spirit, a tigress waiting to be unleashed. Tiger in a Lifeboat is an intimate, immersive, and honest testament to travel's transformative power, the reclaiming of self-trust in a world that often strips it away, and the slow, ultimately beautiful journey back to oneself. Read more

English-Persian phrasebook and 250-word mini dictionaryThe collection of "Everything Will Be Okay" travel phrasebooks published by T&P Books is designed for people traveling abroad for tourism and business. The phrasebooks contain what matters most - the essentials for basic communication. This is an indispensable set of phrases to "survive" while abroad.Some of the topics included in the phrasebook are: asking for directions, signs, transportation, buying tickets, hotel, restaurant, shopping, greetings, acquaintances, communication, gratitude, health problems, apologies, farewell, and more.You'll also find a mini dictionary with 250 useful words required for everyday communication - the names of months and days of the week, measurements, family members, and more.Take "Everything Will Be Okay" phrasebook with you on the road and you'll have an irreplaceable traveling companion who will help you find your way out of any situation and teach you to not fear speaking with foreigners.Persian phrasebook, Persian travel phrasebook, Persian phrase book, Persian travel, Persian dictionary, basic Persian, speak Persian, speaking Persian, Persian expressions, Persian phrases, travel guide Persian, Persian for travelers, Persian for travel, conversation in Persian, simple Persian Read more

WINNER OF THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER AWARD FOR BEST TRAVEL BOOKSHORTLISTED FOR THE STANFORD DOLMAN TRAVEL BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD''Monisha Rajesh has chosen one of the best ways of seeing the world. Never too fast, never too slow, her journey does what trains do best. Getting to the heart of things. Prepare for a very fine ride'' Michael PalinFrom the cloud-skimming heights of Tibet’s Qinghai railway to silk-sheeted splendour on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Around the World in 80 Trains is a celebration of the glory of train travel and a witty and irreverent look at the world. Packing up her rucksack – and her fiancé, Jem – Monisha Rajesh embarks on an unforgettable adventure that takes her from London’s St Pancras station to the vast expanses of Russia and Mongolia, North Korea, Canada, Kazakhstan, and beyond. The journey is one of constant movement and mayhem, as the pair strike up friendships and swap stories with the hilarious, irksome and ultimately endearing travellers they meet on board, all while taking in some of the earth’s most breathtaking views. Read more

The three-thousand-year-old epic Ramayana chronicles Lord Rama's physical voyage from one end of the Indian subcontinent to the other and his spiritual voyage from Man to God. In Arrow of the Blue-Skinned God, anthropologist and journalist Jonah Blank gives a new perspective to this Hindu classic -- retelling the ancient tale while following the course of Rama's journey through present-day India and Sri Lanka. Ultimately, Blank's journey -- like that of Lord Rama -- evolves into a quest: to understand the chimerical essence of India itself, in all its overwhelming beauty and paradox. "Quite possibly the most perceptive book that I have come across on India since the British Raj ended." -- Pranay Gupte, The Washington Post; "What Hollywood attempted on the big screen with casts of thousands in Gandhi and A Passage to India, Jonah Blank has achieved in 350 stylistically rich pages." -- Los Angeles Times; "This informative and entertaining book is something to be thankful for." -- The New York Times Book Review Read more

The elevator door opens. A cow stands inside, angled diagonally to fit. It doesn’t look uncomfortable, merely impatient. “It is for the housewarming ceremony on the third floor,” explains the woman who stands behind the cow, holding it loosely with a rope. She has the sheepish look of a person caught in a strange situation who is trying to act as normal as possible. She introduces herself as Sarala and smiles reassuringly. The door closes. I shake my head and suppress a grin. It is good to be back. When Shoba Narayan—who has just returned to India with her husband and two daughters after years in the United States—asks whether said cow might bless her apartment next, it is the beginning of a beautiful friendship between our author and Sarala, who also sells fresh milk right across the street from that thoroughly modern apartment building. The two women connect over not only cows but also family, food, and life. When Shoba agrees to buy Sarala a new cow, they set off looking for just the right heifer, and what was at first a simple economic transaction becomes something much deeper, though never without a hint of slapstick.The Milk Lady of Bangalore immerses us in the culture, customs, myths, religion, sights, and sounds of a city in which the twenty-first century and the ancient past coexist like nowhere else in the world. It’s a true story of bridging divides, of understanding other ways of looking at the world, and of human connections and animal connections, and it’s an irresistible adventure of two strong women and the animals they love. Read more

In the West, we have everything we could possibly need or want—except for peace of mind.So writes Linda Leaming, a harried American who traveled from Nashville, Tennessee, to the rugged Himalayan nation of Bhutan—sometimes called the happiest place on Earth—to teach English and unlearn her politicized and polarized, energetic and impatient way of life.In Bhutan, if I have three things to do in a week, it’s considered busy. In the U.S., I have at least three things to do between breakfast and lunch.After losing her luggage immediately upon arrival, Leaming realized that she also had emotional baggage—a tendency toward inaction, a touch of self-absorption, and a hundred other trite, stupid, embarrassing, and inconsequential things—that needed to get lost as well.Pack up ideas and feelings that tie you down and send you lead-footed down the wrong path. Put them in a metaphorical suitcase and sling it over a metaphorical bridge in your mind. Let the river take them away.Forced by circumstance and her rustic surroundings to embrace a simplified life, Leaming made room for more useful beliefs. The thin air and hard climbs of her mountainous commute put her deeply in touch with her breath, helping her find focus and appreciation. The archaic, glacially paced bureaucracy of a Bhutanese bank taught her to go with the flow—and take up knitting. The ancient ritual of drinking tea brought tranquility, friendship, and, eventually, a husband. Each day, and each adventure, in her adopted home brought new insights and understandings to take back to frantic America, where she now practices the art of "simulating Bhutan." This collection of stories, impressions, and suggestions is a little nudge, a push, a leg up into the rarefied air of paradise—of bright sunlight and beautiful views. Read more

Shortlisted for the 2018 Ondaatje PrizeShortlisted for the Stanford Dolman Travel Book of the YearA masterful and entirely fresh portrait of great hopes and dashed dreams in a mythical city from a major new literary voice.Everything that could possibly be wrong with a city was wrong with Calcutta.When Kushanava Choudhury arrived in New Jersey at the age of twelve, he had already migrated halfway around the world four times. After graduating from Princeton, he moved back to the world which his immigrant parents had abandoned, to a city built between a river and a swamp, where the moisture-drenched air swarms with mosquitos after sundown. Once the capital of the British Raj, and then India's industrial and cultural hub, by 2001 Calcutta was clearly past its prime. Why, his relatives beseeched him, had he returned? Surely, he could have moved to Delhi, Bombay or Bangalore, where a new Golden Age of consumption was being born. Yet fifteen million people still lived in Calcutta. Working for the Statesman, its leading English newspaper, Kushanava Choudhury found the streets of his childhood unchanged by time. Shouting hawkers still overran the footpaths, fish-sellers squatted on bazaar floors; politics still meant barricades and bus burnings, while Communist ministers travelled in motorcades. Sifting through the chaos for the stories that never make the papers, Kushanava Choudhury paints a soulful, compelling portrait of the everyday lives that make Calcutta. Written with humanity, wit and insight, The Epic City is an unforgettable depiction of an era, and a city which is a world unto itself. Read more