Land of Timur, Land of Manas : Travels in Central Asia
Contents: Introduction. 1. Central Asia - an overview. 2. History : from Alexander to the new millennium. 3. Introduction to Uzbekistan. 4. The historic silk road. 5. Arrival in Central Asia. 6. Tashkent, city of stone. 7. Samarkand and Timurid architecture. 8. Bukhara - religion and history. 9. Khorezm Viloyati and Historic Khiva. 10. Karakalpakstan : Aral sea or Aral Kum? 11. Thirteenth day of September. 12. Mountain country - Kyrgyzstan. 13. Bishkek - city of peace and quiet. 14. Lake Issyk Kul. 15. Kochkor, Naryn and Torugart Pass. 16. Lake Songkol and living in a Yurt. 17. Bishkek again. 18. Manas, Sri Ram of Kyrgyzstan. 19. Ferghana. 20. Homeward-bound. 21. Some thoughts on Central Asia. 22. Tips for visitors. 23. Revival of silk road. References. Addresses and contacts for intending visitors to Central Asia.
"Indians are fond of travelling, within the country and in foreign lands, depending on resources. The number of Indian tourists going abroad is going up by 20-25% every year and the outgoing traffic is already much larger than foreign tourists visiting this country. A large majority of Indian tourists like to visit places of historical and cultural interests and of scenic beauty, rather than for pure entertainment, adventure sports, etc. And on a limited budget Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan fill the bill admirably. But there is almost a total lack of awareness among Indians about these interesting and not-so-expensive destinations so near home.
Land of Timur, Land of Manas introduces Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia to the travelling Indians looking for new and interesting destinations. The book contains a brief account of the historical and cultural relations between India and Central Asia over the centuries and a note on the historic Silk Road as well. There is a chapter each to introduce Central Asia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan to the readers. There is detailed information about the places to visit, means of travel, accommodation available and food, and prices of all these services, local customs and practices, etc. It will be very useful for budget tourists." (jacket)
