Enjoying India: The Essential Handbook

"For tourists who want to be culturally sensitive-and empowered-as they travel through the subcontinent, this book is a perfect read. It was written to "fill the gaps" that traditional guidebooks might leave in their wakes, answering "hows" and "whys" instead of "whens" and "wheres." It answers whatever questions you might have, safety information to communication tricks, like how "yes" in some parts of India can actually mean "no." There are also tips you can put to use as you go about your sightseeing and shopping, like how to bargain, find a seat on crowded trains, and deal with bureaucracy. And you can rest assured this author knows what they're talking about: J.D. Viharini, an American woman who's lived in and traveled solo throughout India for eight years, truly knows the ins and outs of the country."

- KRYSTIN ARNESON Updated 12/09/19

Krystin Arneson is a writer and editor based out of Berlin, Germany. She covers an array of hotels, products and destinations for TripSavvy.

"Being an Indian myself, I can tell you that this book is an authentic account about India. It is obvious that the author is someone who has lived and traveled in India over a long period of time. India is such a vast country that it is difficult for even Indians to gain such a depth of knowledge about the country as this author has achieved.

"From the insights that the book oozes, it is evident that the author has travelled the breadth and height of India. I have read a few other accounts about India by westerners and was always disappointed by the superficial nature of those books and observations.

"However, this book was a surprise. With a very humorous point of view, it was thoroughly enjoyable and I read it in almost one sitting. It is a must for anyone to carry and read if they are visiting India even for a brief time. This book prepares you for the surprises that await here.

"The author's observations are presented without bias and prejudice. It was an open minded thesis that delved deep into the psyche of the Indian phenomenon. This is obviously an effort that should have spanned several years of unrelenting research and observation.

"Whatever it is, this certainly is not anything that falls under the genre of books that typically stereotype India. It looks beyond the usual shocking point of view of India as a country of elephants and tigers. This book is about the real contemporary India and about real Indians.

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in India. I also commend and thank the author for an unbiased view of my country that I so love."

- Satyanarayana Pamarty (Reviewed on Amazon.com)

Author: J. D. Viharini
Publisher: Tara Satara Press
Published: 05/31/2010
Pages: 306
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.91lbs
Size: 9.02h x 5.98w x 0.64d
ISBN: 9780981950303

About the Author
J.D. Viharini is a single woman who has lived and traveled alone extensively in India. With the help of fellow travelers that she has met over the years, she has learned that it's essential to travel smart and to function in harmony with the local culture. For her, living and traveling in India is a great delight. She was born in California, but has spent more than two-thirds of her life in other states and other countries. Having earned an MS in Vedic Studies in Europe, she came to India in 1980 and loved it immediately, though she had to wait a few years for her next visit. She has been living in India for several years, and has traveled extensively throughout the country. Although she has an apartment in the foothills of the Himalayas that's her home base, she tends to move around India with the seasons. At one time or another, she's spent time in nearly every part of India except the Northeast. Over the years, she has traveled around India first class, sardine class, and everything in between. From the Ritz to the pits, so to speak, she has stayed and dined in some of the most exclusive places in India and some of the least. She has stayed with families and attended their celebrations. She has rented apartments and learned how to contend with all that living here entails. She has experienced the intense, seething crowds of the Kumbha Mela and the serenity of the sparsely populated, high Himalayas. She has gone on pilgrimages and done business. She has been sick and learned how to stay well. She has made many friends (and perhaps a few enemies).


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