India is such a vibrant, colourful, chaotic and exciting country, with tons of different languages and ethnic groups, a deep and complex history and culture. Before you dive into the mayhem, I thoroughly recommend taking the time to watch and read a few books, movies or documentaries as it will give you a far better understanding of this incredible country. Here are some of my recommendations, you might like to add some more in the comments. Enjoy!
5 Invaluable Books to Read Before Traveling to India
“India After Gandhi” – Ramachandra Guha
A must-read for modern Indian history, covering India’s journey after independence in 1947.
Learn about politics, social changes, and key events shaping the country today.
“The White Tiger” – Aravind Adiga A gritty and darkly humorous novel about class struggles in modern India. Provides insight into poverty, corruption, and ambition through the story of a poor man’s rise to success.
“Shantaram” – Gregory David Roberts A semi-autobiographical novel about an Australian fugitive living in Mumbai’s underworld. Captures the chaotic beauty of India, its people, and its contrasts.
“City of Djinns” – William Dalrymple A fascinating travelogue and historical deep dive into Delhi. Blends history, mythology, and personal experiences to paint a vivid picture of India’s capital.
“The God of Small Things” – Arundhati Roy A beautifully written novel exploring family, caste, love, and social norms in Kerala. Provides a deep cultural and emotional perspective on India.
Films That Provide Historical Background on India
“Gandhi” (1982, Dir. Richard Attenborough)
A biopic of Mahatma Gandhi, covering India’s independence struggle from British rule.
A great introduction to India’s freedom movement and non-violent resistance.
“Lagaan” (2001, Dir. Ashutosh Gowariker) A Bollywood epic set in colonial India, where villagers challenge British rule through a game of cricket. A mix of history, culture, and entertainment, showcasing India under British rule.
“Jodhaa Akbar” (2008, Dir. Ashutosh Gowariker) A historical drama about the Mughal emperor Akbar and his Hindu wife, Jodhaa. Gives insight into India’s medieval history and religious harmony.
“The Lunchbox” (2013, Dir. Ritesh Batra) A modern, urban love story set in Mumbai, showcasing India’s famous dabbawala lunch delivery system. A subtle look at Indian daily life, food, and human connections.
“Earth” (1998, Dir. Deepa Mehta) A powerful film about India’s Partition in 1947, based on the novel Cracking India by Bapsi Sidhwa. Highlights the painful division of India and Pakistan through a personal story.
Best Documentaries to Watch Before Traveling to India
These documentaries provide a rich historical, cultural, and social background to help you understand India before you visit.
“Story of India” (2007, BBC – Michael Wood)
A six-part BBC series exploring India’s 5,000-year history. Covers ancient civilizations, Mughal rule, British colonization, and modern India. Best for: A comprehensive historical and cultural overview of India.
“India: Nature’s Wonderland” (2015, BBC – Sanjeev Bhaskar & Liz Bonnin)
A visually stunning documentary on India’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. Features Bengal tigers, the Himalayas, and the Thar Desert. Best for: Nature lovers & eco-conscious travelers.
“Cities of Light: The Rise and Fall of Islamic Spain” (2007, PBS) & “The Mughal Empire” (History Channel)
These documentaries explore India’s Islamic past, including the Mughal dynasty that shaped Delhi, Agra, and Rajasthan. Covers how the Mughals built iconic structures like the Taj Mahal. Best for: Travelers interested in architecture and medieval Indian history.
“Born Into Brothels” (2004, Dir. Zana Briski & Ross Kauffman)
Oscar-winning documentary about the lives of children in Kolkata’s red-light district. Offers a raw look at poverty, resilience, and hope in urban India. Best for: Understanding India’s social issues and human stories.
“Holy Cow” (2015, Dir. Imam Hasanov)
A fascinating look at India’s deep connection to cows and their cultural, religious, and economic significance. Explores the sacred status of cows in Hinduism and India’s rural life. Best for: Understanding India’s traditions and religious customs.
Visit https://www.venusadventures.travel/destinations to find out about our amazing trips to destinations like incredibe India!
Adventures of Venus 