BOOKS FOR THE BACKPACK
Journey across India through these books that shed light on the intriguing history, wildlife, and vibrant culture of the country.
Jim Corbett
This is a gripping chronicle of maneating tigers penned down by hunterturned-naturalist Jim Corbett. The book narrates the author’s experiences in the Kumaon region of India in 10 riveting stories about tracking and shooting fierce man-eaters from the 1900s to the 1930s. With interesting titbits about rural India thrown in, it makes for a great read.
PRICE ` 211/USD3 AVAILABLE ON flipkart.com
Paul Scott
This Booker Prize winner follows the lives of Colonel Tusker and Lucy Smalley who continue to stay in the hills of Pankot after Indian Independence deprives them of their erstwhile status. Fed up with accommodating her husband, Lucy Smalley claims independence for herself. A moving read with hilarious bits, the book talks about loneliness, rage, and stubborn affection in a marriage.
PRICE ` 450/USD6 AVAILABLE ON flipkart.com
and retreats to inspire and connect women from all over the world.
Q.
What prompted you to travel to India?
I kept reading and seeing amazing pictures of India everywhere, so I began researching all the places I wanted to see to create the perfect itinerary. This is how the idea of The MissAdventure Girl Trip was born. It was a great honour to host three women on this trip. As I had never been to the country myself, I hired a local agency, wovoyage ( wovoyage.com), to help organise the trip.
Q.
What was your first impression of India?
I had been to Sri Lanka before and expected it to be similar. I was pleasantly surprised to see the modern infrastructure in Delhi, and most roads were in stellar condition.
Q.
How did you choose the places to visit?
I knew I wanted to see the Taj Mahal, and this pretty much defined the entire itinerary. We had 10 days, so I had to plan it in such a way that my travel companions and I see as much as possible.
Q.
Which places turned out to be your favourite?
Nothing comes close to the Taj Mahal; it is truly one of a kind. When it comes to cities, Jaipur surprised me. There is so much to see and do there, and the vibe is so different.
Q.
Can you narrate one experience that stands out from your holiday in India?
The best ones were always unexpected, like the time we crashed an Indian wedding on our first night in Delhi and learned a few Bollywood songs and moves, or when we met local children who wanted to click photos with us, or
Nothing matches the beauty and allure of the Taj Mahal for Crevatini Rebsamen.
The most unique aspect of Paola Crevatini Rebsamen's Indian holiday was posing for photographs with strangers.