Book Description

Trek deep into the jungles of Borneo or laze on stunning Bali beaches. Eat your way through Singapore or dance all night in buzzing Bangkok clubs. Discover ancient Angkor temples or go grass roots and volunteer in Hanoi. Whatever you seek, Lonely Planet’s yellow bible has it covered. With more than 33 years of experience, and a team of backpacking authors, our guide helps you dig deeper, stay longer, and spend less. Get ready - your Southeast Asian adventure starts here.

Click here to buy: Southeast Asia: On a Shoestring

Customer Reviews

* LP’s latest Southeast Asia on a Shoestring is more than just a current list of cheap guest houses, temples, authentic local restaurants, and transportation info. It’s a great read. Unlike other guides (including earlier editions of this book), this guidebook does a great job of making the places it covers come to life. - Shiro Maguro

* Southeast Asia Travel Guide - Southeast Asia: On a Shoestring is another great issue from the dedicated researchers, writers and readers of the practical and economic guides for world travelers. The SE Asia book is written with particular care, insight, and affection. In addition to a wealth of information on the countries of SE Asia, the guide offers some of the best practical advice for living, traveling, and surviving in Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and other countries. - Robert Cliver

* Used this book to travel in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Bali (though I finally ended up buying another book for Bali as Indonesia itself is huge). Don’t know if there is a better book that covers so many countries this well. - Norman Niemer

Click here to buy: Southeast Asia: On a Shoestring

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Book Description

The guide that shows you what other travel books only tell you!

If you are planning a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun, make sure you don’t leave home without DK’s Eyewitness Travel Guide: Japan. All aspects of modern Japan, as well as its history, art and ancient traditions are explained through informative text and spectacular photographs and illustrations. Learn about Japanese history and culture, and experience the exotic cuisine and entertainment. Over 800 full-color photographs, street-by-street maps, and aerial 3-D cutaways highlight all of Japan’s major attractions.

Book Details

    * Paperback: 416 pages
    * Publisher: DK Travel (August 20, 2007)
    * Language: English

Click here to buy: Japan (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

Customer Reviews

* This is sort of a “Japan! Wow!” type of guide, full of eye-popping graphics and catchy factoids. It is a very fun guide, and does a great job of engaging enthusiasm for Japan and its wonders. The makers definitely know their audience, and all of the weird and wild parts of the country and its culture are captured.- Zack Davisson

* This is wonderful book full of great pictures, fun facts and interesting snippits. It is very entertaining and remains interesting thru out.

Major attractions of each city/region are covered. It covers a lot of area and provides a great overview without getting to deep into any one place. It gives pricing information and as such is well done. Interesting historical and modern facts are given about locations adding to the fun.- Snow Leopard

* This series is simply one of the best travel guide series around today. I have used at least 10 other guides from this same series and have found them to be comprehensive, easy to use and up-to-date. You cannot go wrong with this book and some internet web research. Definitely worth every penny and then some.- Tarynn M. Witten

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Book Description

These two fascinating cities reflect different aspects of China - Beijing is the traditional capital, the seat of political power and home to the ancient monuments of Imperial China; Shanghai is both a financial powerhouse and a city at the cutting edge of fashion with an interesting modern history.

Book Details

Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: DK Travel (January 15, 2007)
Language: English

Customer Reviews

* As a repeat visitor, I can tell you this guide is a great outline of the major sites, map locations, and profuse illustrations and photos. The street maps are thorough, too. It is thinner and lighter than the complete DK China Guide, so it travels with you much more easily. - R. Ploehn

* A great guide to Beijing and Shanghai. Thin and light enough to fit in a shoulder bag. - S. Marino

* I brought this travel guide with me to Beijing and Shanghai and in general thought it was useful and well-written. - S. Kelly

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Book Details

Paperback: 800 pages
Publisher: Rough Guides; 9 edition (March 3, 2008)

Book Description

A comprehensive guidebook to California with full coverage of the state’s sights and attractions and detailed listings of accommodation ­– from budget to upscale - restaurants and nightlife. In-depth coverage of all the national and state parks and reserves, including Death Valley, Sequoia, Yosemite and Lassen, with detailed information on hiking, rafting, and other outdoor activities.

Customer Reviews

* The Rough Guide to California is a fabulous book. The writers let you in on everything they know, and they are consummate travelers. You can get major hotel information, of course, but you also get hostel and camping information, the secret sweet spots in a city, and some history and bits of information that make travel that much more enjoyable. For instance, I was not aware that more lesbians are moving over to Oakland from San Francisco these days, but I feel like I am ‘in the know’ now that I do. - Jennifer M. Wilson

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Book Description

There’s never been a better time to experience Thailand’s world-class islands and beaches, pristine sands and crystal clear waters await. Expanded coverage on remote islands; new diving & other activities special chapter; indepth history, culture and food & drink chapters; more than 85 easy to use maps.

Customer Reviews

* This book is particularly helpful as it contains many detailed maps. As well, the accomodation section is very useful for the traveler who does not have any set plans as it helps to show several different price ranges from budget to high end & includes phone numbers & websites of them frequently. - K. Brucker

* The Lonely Planet travel books are really the very best choice. This new edition of “Thailands Islands and Beaches” covers areas up to date after the tsunami. It is complete and informitive. I go to Thailand every year and always bring my Lonely Planet. - Mark Miller 

* I bought this travel guide for my upcoming trip to Thailand. I plan on spending 3 weeks, one in massage school in Bangkok and the rest at various dive sites in the South. So far this book has been very thorough on what to expect from Thai food, culture, etc. This is a great reference/guidebook. - E. Johnson

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Book Description

The DK travel guide helps you to get the most out of your trip to China, providing expert recommendations as well as detailed practical information. The opening chapter Introducing China maps the country and sets it in its historical and cultural context. Each of the seven regional sections is divided into area chapters that cover from one to three provinces each. Here you will find descriptions of the most important sights with maps, pictures and illustrations. Hotel and restaurant recommendations can be found in Travelers Needs . The Survival Guide contains practical information on everything from transport personal safety. (more…)

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It is one of India’s fifth largest state and often known as the ‘Rice Granary of India’. Consisting of fertile coastal plains, semi arid Deccan Plateau and the hill ranges of the Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh has been a seat of some of the famous dynasties as old as 300 B.C. and an important Buddhist centre. The state consists of many edifices, monuments and architectural ruins that continue to fascinate people. Furthermore, exquisite crafts, vibrant festivities, irresistible delicacies and hospitable people, make a visit to Andhra Pradesh a memorable experience.

When to visit: November to March

Airports: Hyderabad, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Vishakapatnam, Cuddapah, Rajahmundry, Ramagundam, Warangal

Tourist Places in Andhra Pradesh

• Ahobilam: Temples.
• Alampur: Temples, Sculpture.
• Papanasam: Temples, Sculpture.
• Amravati: Buddhist Monuments, Excavations at Sankaram, Museums.
• Araku Valley: Tribal area, Forests, Scenic beauty.
• Bhadrachalam: Hindu pilgrim centre.
• Bhuminipatnam: Beach, Templs, Fort.
• Chandragiri: Fort, Temples, Ruins of Ancient Vijaynagar capital
• Chintapalle: Tribal area, Forests, Scenic beauty.
• Drasharama: Hindu pilgrim centre, Temple.
• Ethipothala: Waterfalls, Picnic site.
• Horsley Hills: Hill station.
• Hyderabad: Capital of state, Palaces, Mosques, Museums, Gardens, Parks, Zoological Park (With Lion Safari), outstanding Handicrafts, Planetarium, Race-courses, Lake.
• Himayat Sagar: Lake, Picnic spot.
• Kondapur: Excavations.
• Mahavir Harin Vanasthali: Deer Park, Natural vegetation.
• Osman Sagar: Dam-site picnic spot.
• Karimnagar: Bird Sanctuary, Seasons- October to February.
• Kondapalle: Hand-crafted woolen toys.
• Kuchipudi: Birthplace of Kuchipudi dance, Dance Academy.
• Lepakshi: Temples, Frescoes, Excavations, largest Nandi in India.
• Machilipatnam: Kalamkari Textiles, Antiques.
• Machkund: Waterfalls, Gateway to Araku Vally.
• Mahanandi: Picnic spot, Mineral springs, Hindu pilgrim centre.
• Maipadu: Beach.
• Manginipudi: Beach.
• Mantralayam: Hindu pilgrim centre.
• Medak: Cathedral, Fort.
• Kukhalingam: Temples, Hindu pilgrim centre.
• Nagarjuna Sagar: Dam-site holiday resort, Boating, Buddhist, University, Wildlife Sanctuary stretching to Srisailam-a vast lake, the 110 km stretch boatable during June to February, Tiger reserve, variety of animals, Season- October to june.
• Nagarjunakonda: Buddhist ruins, reconstructed monuments, islands, Museum.
• Nirmal: Handicrafts.
• Nizam Sagar: Dam-site picnic spot.
• Pakhal: Lake, wildlife sanctuary, Fishing, Season- November to June.
• Palampet: Ramappa Temple and Lake, Sculpture.
• Papi Kondalu: Magnificent Gorge and scenery, Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Bison Range, Season – November to June.
• Penukonda: Vijaynagar ruins, Mosques, Fort, Hill station.
• Puttaparti: Pilgrim centre.
• Rajamundry: Temples, Hindu pilgrim centre, second longest railway bridge in India over the Godavari River.
• Sri Kalahasti: Temples, Hindu pilgrim centre.
• Tirumala- Tirupati: Major Hindu Pilgrim centre, Temples, nearby waterfalls, Picnic spot, city of seven hills, one of the richest Temples in the world, Wooden Toys.
• Udayagiri: Ruins of Mosques.
• Mangalagiri: Pilgrim centre, Temple with the tallest tower in Andhra.
• Vishakhapatnam: Seaport, Beaches, Promontories.
• Warangal: Temples, Forts and Ancient Capital, Carpets.
• Yadagiri Gutta: Temple, Hindu Pilgrim centre.
• Yanam: Part of the Union Territory of Pondicherry, old French India.

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Andaman and Nicobar Islands

When to visit: December to April (Entry permits required for foreigners; Indians need them for the Nicobar Island)

Airport: Port Blair

Tourist Places in Andaman and Nicobar

• Car Nicobar: Tropical paradise, Beaches, Tribals
• Great Nicobar: Tribals
• Labyrinth Islands: Beaches, Coral reefs
• Little Andaman: Tribals, Beach
• Mayabander: Beach
• Nancowry: Beach, Coral reefs
• Port Blair: Capital of the Union Territory, historic Penal settlement where the Cellular Jail has been made a National Shrine. Beaches, Boating excursions, Marine Park, Museum, Fishing, Elephant nursery
• Ross Island: Ruins of British administrative mansions. Wildlife reserve
• South Andaman: Tribals
• South Sentinel: Fauna (green turtle and giant crab)

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Funerary Monuments

The best and the most famous funerary architecture in India is Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The Gol Gumbad in Bijapur, Karnataka, built in the seventeenth century has the largest dome in the world.

Akbar’s tomb at Sikandarabad, tomb of Etmad-ud-Daula in Agra, Sher Shah’s tomb in Sasaram, Bihar, and Humayun’s tomb in Delhi are some of the fine examples of tombs.

Memorial stones include hero-stones, barselas, menhirs, etc. Megaliths, meaning big stones, are of different types. These are found mainly in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, parts of Maharashtra, Vindhya region of Madya Pradesh, some areas of Uttaranchal and Kashmir valley, Mizoram and Meghalaya. These have been dated differently in different regions.

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There are four main dhams (Most Sacred Hindu Pilgrimage in India):
 
- Rameshwaram
- Puri
- Dwarka
- Badarinath

 There are number of other holy places all over the country.

India’s heritage is very rich, vast and varied and forms a colorful cultural mosaic. It is this cultural mosaic that gives a distinct character to this country.

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