[pecos]

Has anyone read this guide? Its out of print but I can get a used copy of it. Book was printed in 2001. Is that too old of a book to rely on? I would think its fine.

Any other recommendations for guide books?

[Salil]

I would say a 2001 publication is definitely out of date and unreliable. Get the latest copy if you must.

[pecos]

I don't think they make a newer edition. I will check. Books are rather expensive.

I did pick up a cheap one at a discount used book store for $7. Fodors: India. Its 2001.

Any recommendations on a guide book for North India?

[pecos]

My Fodors India book says.......

"Leh's infrastructure is appalling; power cuts, dirt, sewage and notoriously unhygienic food..."

Now this was written in 2001. Is the above statement still true?

[Salil]

My Fodors India book says.......

"Leh's infrastructure is appalling; power cuts, dirt, sewage and notoriously unhygienic food..."

Now this was written in 2001. Is the above statement still true?

Not at all. Powercuts, yes, since Leh gets power from very far off locations, but dirt, sewage and notoriously unhygienic food are perhaps things of the past as of now. I don't really know how things were back in 2001, but the last two years that I have been there, Leh was neat and clean. Of course may be not as spic-and-span as where you come from, but good by Indian standards.
But yes, I would admit stray dogs were a problem, harmless though.

Lonely Planet has an India edition for sure that's current. There's nothing as comprehensive as lonely planet when it comes to guide books, but there are Outlook Traveler publications that you can make use of. For maps, you have already ordered the best available (Eicher) Always refer that for maps and routes.

Though there may not be a dedicated 'North India' publication from Outlook Traveler, you can make use of thes:

Outlook Traveller-100 Holidays in the Hills

[Salil]

Also useful would be

Outlook traveller - Heritage holidays - North & central India
and
Delhi & NCR City Guide

And a word of advice. Books are damn cheap in India. If you can find a way for someone to get it for you from India, or if you can wait till you are in India to buy them, then nothing like that.

[pecos]

I was scared there for a moment. I love my indian food. So I do need to buy books that are current.

You are correct, books/maps in India are inexpensive. I pay extra in shipping.

Looks like there is a new version of Lonely Planet India coming out in September. I will wait to get that one from amazon.com.

I picked up two new maps today. After reviewing one, its no good. And the other is better but I am still missing some cities that I see folks talking about in their threads. I will just wait for the atlas to come.

I will look at the outlook traveller guides next.

[Salil]

I picked up two new maps today. After reviewing one, its no good. And the other is better but I am still missing some cities that I see folks talking about in their threads. I will just wait for the atlas to come.

Which maps did you pick up?

[hitanshu]

pick outlook traveller for about 5USD in delhi brand new

[Yogesh Sarkar]

Pecos pm me your email address I will email you a scan of a map.