A Personal Guide to India and Bhutan

Book excerpt: India: an explosion of colour and light; of magic and chaos. A paradise for foodies and a feast for every sense. The depth and variety of food in India is incredible and this guidebook should be your starting point for your own gastronomic adventures. Indians are renowned for their generosity and hospitality, and the delights of travelling in India are infinite. You could be invited to share home-cooked food at the family table in a private house, savour delectable snacks from a street vendor, or experience the thrill of an early-morning train ride with the ubiquitous cup of chai. Each chapter contains essential sights, local eats, top places to stay and the best places to shop. This personal tour from well-loved chef Christine Manfield is the result of years exploring India, the Himalayas and Bhutan – the perfect companion for travellers who want to find the really special places to eat and stay. Chapters cover a large region of India, including most states, such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Gurjarat as well as Bhutan and the Himalayas. Many of the capital cities are also visited, like Bombay (Mumbai), Dehli, Chennai, Goa, Lucknow, Calcutta (Kolkata), as well as many more off the beaten track.