Additional info----the name of the DVD is "The story of India" by Michael Wood---it's a PBS home video. Cost is about $35 thru PBS or you can get it at your local library.

It's a good summary of an ancient country of about 5000-7000 years back.
Hope you enjoy it.

I just saw another movie I enjoyed, "3 Idiots". Written by an IIT grad. I found it really interesting after my two week recruiting trip last December.

Hi, Julies, from your Lithuania travel "partner" (if you remember, we were there at about the same time) from 2006.

First, I'd like to recommend one of my favorite books on India, City of Djinns by William Dalrymple.

India was probably one of the most difficult places for me to wrap my head around, as there is just so much sensory overload, but it was certainly a wonderful, wonderful experience. I went independently and solo; hotels ranged from a $10 a night guesthouse in Leh to the lovely Trident Gurgaon. www.indiamike.com suggested above is an absolute must in my opinion!

Here's my trip report if you'd like a bit of a read: http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...rip-report.cfm

Like most people above I felt that India was amazing, one of our best trips ever. Like you I have/and had travelled alot. We were there last Jan for a month and I have to say that the first week was a bit overwhelming at times. And then I decided that rather than looking down at the sewage and garbage to look up at the amazing buildings and warm and genuine people. I have never been to a country where I felt so unconditionally accepted. They would stare intently and you would think they were upset that a tourist was there. But a smile and 'Namaste' was ALWAYS returned with a bigger smile and Namaste. I am hoping to go back.

I have travelled through India twice, the last time for six weeks on my own. You will do fine given where you have travelled already. What I found tough about India is that it is so crowded and noisy and 'in your face' that I needed to escape and catch my breathe every few hours. Although I liked the museums in Delhi, I was happy to leave the city. I loved Rajasthan (and you must go all the way over to Jaisalmar). The south is more laid back (Kovalam, Madura, Mysore). I took a break in Goa and at the end of the trip went north to Haridwar where the Ganges emerges from the Himalayas. India changes you!

Thanks, Jules for the book recommendation. I also enjoyed 3 Idiots and My Name is Khan (on DVD).

Patty we saw 3 idiots when we were in Jaipur and enjoyed it and everywhere we went there were posters and ads for My Name is Khan. Thanks for the reminder I will see if we can get a copy of the DVD here. Did you buy it, or did you local store rent it?

You can get "Three Idiots" on Netflix.

We loved 3 Idiots. We'll look for My Name is Khan on Netflix.

India is the best place I've ever traveled! But do your homework first . . .

Read anything by William Dalrymple, also V.S. Naipaul's "India: A Million Mutinies Now." Watch Bollywood films. Michael Wood's series about India is great . . . but all these things only scratch the surface and only give you a view of India from the point of view of a westerner. (Naipaul is from Trinidad.) Got on youtube and plug in the name of destination your're considering. You'll see on-the-scene shots of places you might want to visit. It helps to see beforehand rather than finding out it's not going to work for you.

Check with a travel doc to make sure you get the proper vaccinations and meds. Do so at least six months before your trip.

Most of all, have a wonderful trip!