Blue Guides: Complete Cultural Guides -- The guide contains superb plans of cities, cave sites and temple complexes, as well as illustrations of architecture and sculpture. Organised state by state, each chapter includes select coverage of where to stay and eat. The depth of information and quality of research make this book the best guide for the independent cultural traveller to this extraordinarily varied country, with excellent introductory sections on India's history, religions, culture and art. Ideal as an on-site guide as well as for pre-travel reading, to help visitors plan their itinerary. Illustrations to inform rather than to decorate: maps, diagrams, floor plans, architectural details and photographs. -- "Often plagiarised by other guide writers, Blue Guides have always been a gold standard for accuracy and depth" Daily Telegraph. "Guide books in the grand tradition of thoroughness and objectivity" Georgia Review.