India or bust? Stay or go… Are the amazing temples worth the crowds? Is authentic curry worth the risk of the dreaded Delhi belly? In last week's TravelBug newsletter I asked what iafrica.com readers thought about travel to India and the emails came flying in. More than a few people asked me to post the comments that came through to help them decide whether they should visit the land of 'Slumdog Millionaire'. Here are some of the best…

My five weeks in India was my best ever vacation! It was crazy mad! I can’t explain it, you have to experience it yourself — the diversity and cultures, the smells/flavours/vibe/colours were amazing! I thought for a moment I was in a movie or something — everything felt so surreal. Firstly, it was easy and affordable! We experienced the cold winters of Kashmir (-12 degrees) in the Himalayas (experiencing snow for the first time; wow!) The hectically busy streets of Delhi (busy busy and very exciting, yet no road rage from drivers), the warm holiday coastal city of Goa (felt like we were in another country!) and not forgetting the temples, open markets, restaurants. We even ventured eating the street food — the best! Guess what? We didn't experience the dreaded Delhi-belly!
Shireen

India is not for a holiday… it is a spiritual experience! And once you have the ‘bug’ you’ll go back again and again. I have been going to India on alternate years since the early 80’s and each trip opens a new vista of experience — we have had adventure, romance, R&R galore (the beaches of Goa and the mountains in Simla and the Sind), cultural (galore), and the Ayurvedic spas are incomparable. Plus the Rupee is one-fifth the value of the Rand — so we do get great value.
Nawal

My husband (65+) and I were in India for two weeks and we loved it. Stayed in tourist hotels and chose our restaurants and did not eat off the streets, washed our hands and had no illnesses. It is dirty, vibrant and fascinating. People friendly and helpful if you are sensible.
Rita

We arrived in Bombay & stayed at the Taj Mahal for only one night then flew to Kashmir for a stay on a houseboat on Lake Dal. After that we flew to Delhi to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra — a MUST see — I would have been happy to spend more time and have been yearning to return for ages. Next time around I shall spend time in Kerala with a train journey thrown in for good measure as well as a cooking session at a hotel I am staying in. One thing: Be sure to stay in the very best hotels only and do NOT drink the water. After our week in India we flew on to Kathmandu to start our trek in the foothills of the Himalayas… bliss!
Catherine

Go to India you will not be sorry. It is mystical and magical and brings you to a point where you realize we do not live in South Africa, we just exist?
Suraya

I loved India not just because I am Indian. It’s a beautiful but different country with lots of history, culture and the new India so to speak. I have been to India twice, but 10 years apart and it was so different, in a sense that there was vast improvement. I also know that it’s getting more and more westernized as well. Do yourself a favour and go at least once for the experience. I did not ride the trains nor did I go to Varanasi but there is so much more to see that I myself will have to go one more time.
Mac

I had a love affair with the idea of going to India until reading Paul Theroux’s 'The Elephantine Suite' and watching the movie 'Slumdog Millionaire'. Now I’m not so sure I want to go.
David

I went to India in 2007 and it was the most amazing place I have ever visited. I am in the travel world so have travelled extensively but have to say it ranks as my most favourite place. It is busy but there are incredible sights, sounds, smells and bright smiley faces everywhere. It is not for the faint-hearted but having said that I was not overcome by the poverty and dirt. It was incredibly spiritual and the religions and festivals are many and varied. The shopping is amazing! I sadly did not go to Varanasi, but will on the next visit which I hope will be soon. I did the Golden Triangle — Jaipur, Agra, Delhi. My first sighting of the Taj Mahal brought me instantly to tears.
Charlotte

India was the biggest assault on my senses ever! The sights and the smells are something to behold. A relaxing holiday destination India is definitely not! I have travelled the entire province of Rajhastan twice, been to Mumbai and New Delhi twice, Goa and last trip included Kerala and Chennai. Some say the beaches of Goa and Kerala are places to relax but I can honestly say unless you go five-star all the way, India is not R&R...
Karen

India is incredible - go! I've been a few times, mostly to the Golden Triangle (Delgi, Agra, Jaipur and Mumbai), but have a friend who goes every single year. We're planning a trip in 2011 renting a villa on the beach in Goa for a week, and chartering a houseboat sailing the rivers in the South for another week. It's an incredible place...you wont be sorry you went — poverty, dirt and all, but there's so much good stuff too.
Janie

India should you go or not? Don’t even think about it… get on the aircraft and go. My wife and I spent a year mostly in Mumbai it was fantastic. Like most places it’s the people who make the difference; go and enjoy it you will not be disappointed.
Eddie

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