India is a wild, overwhelming mix of noise, sound and colour. You’ll certainly hate it when you first land in Delhi airport – the people, the pushing, the odd bit of paper you might have to give to the police after getting your bags, the shouting of taxi drivers trying to get your attention who then make up prices despite the “official” taxi rank showing fixed prices, the constant touting of hotels, guides, bags and everything else you could possibly think of.

A few days later you’ll begin to fall in love with India.

India is vast and totally different from region to region so rather than a massive single post, I’ve broken it down into sections and the routes that work.

Delhi – the capital. Mash up of cultures, castes and cash.

Manali – backpacking heaven and Indian honeymoon destination

Shimla – once the summer capital of the British India

Chandigarh – grid pattern streets and impressive Rock Garden (sculptures from recycled and industrial relics)

Amritsar – the Golden Temple, Sikhism’s holiest shrine and Wagah Border Ceremony

Jaipur – Royalty, the Pink City and the Amber Fort

Agra – the Taj Mahal (and the Agra Fort)

Varanasi – the River Ganges