Indian Odyssey, around the subcontinent by public transport

Christopher Portway

Published by Impact Books, softcover

India and its subcontinent is an increasingly popular destination, its `foreignness', its inexpensive offerings and comparatively close proximity a draw to many. Yet flying between regions and cities and staying in multi-star hotels detracts immensely from the fascination of this evocative part of the world.

Christopher Portway's narrative of a composite journey to, around and from India by way of Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Iraq gives a vivid picture of what travelling by public transport in these countries is like. Most of his journeying was by train, one of the most rewarding ways of seeing India, the subcontinent and its people. More than any guidebook, Indian Odyssey offers a window on conditions to be expected spiced with history and travelogue and the author's own experiences and adventures.