If you are planning a journey to India, immersing yourself in its literature and cinema is one of the richest ways to understand the country's breathtaking complexity. At Shanti Travel, we recommend diving into these pages and films to truly prepare for your upcoming adventure—and you can explore more with our Travel to India programs designed by local experts who live and breathe the subcontinent.
Must-Read Books Before Visiting India
India’s literary landscape is as diverse as its people, geography, and customs. Here are recommended works—ranging from classic novels to contemporary fiction, as well as eye-opening travel memoirs—that will deepen your appreciation of the country before you arrive:
- R K Narayan, The Guide – An evocative story set in South India, portraying the transformation of an everyday man amidst spiritual and cultural crossroads.
- J. Krishnamurti, Freedom from the Known – An invitation to shed preconceived ideas, offering a philosophical lens on India’s role as a place of inner exploration.
- Pier Paolo Pasolini, The Scent of India – A unique outsider's view capturing India’s sensory overload and contrasts through insightful travel impressions.
- Salman Rushdie, Midnight’s Children – A magical realism epic where India's independence and partition echo against personal destinies.
- Tarun J Tejpal, The Alchemy of Desire / Far from Chandigarh – Contemporary explorations of obsessions, relationships, and rapid societal change.
- Levison Wood, Walking the Himalayas – An epic travelogue capturing both daunting Himalayan landscapes and the indomitable spirit of the people who inhabit them.
- Arundhati Roy, The God of Small Things – A masterfully crafted novel blending Kerala’s lushness, childhood memories, and the weight of social convention.
- Rabindranath Tagore, The Home and the World – Nobel laureate Tagore explores identity and shifting allegiances in colonial Bengal.
- Jhumpa Lahiri, The Lowland – A multigenerational family saga interwoven with the turbulent politics of post-independence India.
- Jean-Claude Carrière, In Search of the Mahabharata – Reflections on India’s epic stories and their ongoing resonance in daily life.
- Gregory David Roberts, Shantaram – Mumbai’s underworld and vibrant street-life come alive through the eyes of an outsider thrown into its depths.
- The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga – An unflinching, darkly comic look at class and modernity through the struggles of an ambitious driver.
- India After Gandhi by Ramachandra Guha – An authoritative account of India’s recent past, tracing its journey since independence.
- City of Djinns by William Dalrymple – A beautifully written exploration of Delhi’s living history and timeless quirks.
- Nine Lives by William Dalrymple – Deep profiles of spiritual seekers, showing India’s immense religious diversity.
- Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found by Suketu Mehta – An honest depiction of Mumbai’s relentless, teeming energy and the complexities at its heart.
- Great Indian Novel by Shashi Tharoor – A brilliant satire weaving mythology with recent political history.
- Kim by Rudyard Kipling – A literary classic traversing colonial India’s landscapes, adventures, and intrigue.
Bonus for Practical Planning
- Lonely Planet India (Travel Guide) – Reliable for logistical hints and inspiration before the trip.
- Wanderlust and Lipstick: For Women Traveling to India – Practical and empowering advice for women explorers.
Essential Documentaries & Films to Watch
The vibrancy and challenges of India are also powerfully captured in film. These documentaries and movies offer context, perspective, and a window into everyday life and national dilemmas:
- The Story of India (BBC, Michael Wood) – This six-part documentary, essential for history buffs, journeys from ancient times to contemporary India, tracing major religious, artistic, and political milestones.
- Bharat Ek Khoj – An epic 53-episode series based on Nehru’s “Discovery of India.” Unmatched for anyone craving a richer historical context.
- India Untouched: Stories of a People Apart – Candidly explores the contemporary reality of caste and untouchability—a sobering companion to understanding modern challenges.
- India’s Daughter – A confronting examination of gender violence and the ongoing fight for women’s rights.
- The Lunchbox – A touching Mumbai-set film capturing the beauty of everyday connection, Indian work culture, and the famous dabbawala lunch delivery system.
- Earth (Deepa Mehta) – Set during the Partition, this film explores personal and collective trauma with sensitivity and artistry.
- India: Nature’s Wonderland (BBC) – A visually rich series uncovering the country’s breathtaking natural and cultural diversity.
- India: Matri Bhumi – A vintage blend of documentary and narrative, observing Indian life and landscape in the mid-20th century.
Expert Tips From Shanti Travel
- Mix old and new: Reading India’s classics alongside more recent memoirs reveals the continuities and ruptures of Indian life.
- Look beyond the guidebook: Travelogues, social commentaries, and films about real people will prepare you for the everyday surprises and complexities you’ll encounter.
- Consider your interests: Whether it’s history, spirituality, cuisine, or urban chaos, there’s a unique book or film to deepen your experience.
Taking the time to immerse yourself in these stories will help you make sense of India’s endlessly fascinating contrasts before your arrival. At Shanti Travel, we believe that a well-read traveler is a prepared—and ultimately more fulfilled—traveler.
