Indian here.

• Public transit in India is shit. Absolutely pathetic. Avoid it. Only use Ola/Uber for travel.
• The Air quality in all cities is bad. You will have to wear an n95 mask at all times (when outside).
• If you’re a woman, don’t come alone. Always be in a group. Do not go out at night alone. Otherwise, your chances of being raped are pretty up there.
• If you’re white, you’ll be asked for pictures everywhere. You will be stared at. If you’re ok with that, then it’s cool. If you’re Asian, you’ll have to hear snide comments like, “ooo chinese”. You also may be asked for pictures. I don’t know what it’s like being a black tourist in India.

Places in India-

• South India is marginally better (cleaner, better people) than the North. The coastal cities are hot and humid though. The air quality is nicer.
• The Himalayan states are nice (Himachal Pradesh especially). Nice people there. Sikkim is nice too!
• UP is pathetic. Avoid Delhi, UP, Maharashtra and other central and northern states.
• North Eastern States are really nice as well. However, avoid going there right now due to the ongoing civil war. The people there are better though. They’re cleaner, have better civic sense, etc.

So here’s the point: Visit India only if you have visited other places in the world and are bored of them. If the above is true, then South East Asia is a much better place to visit (and cheap too).

If at all you HAVE to visit India, try sticking to the Himalayas or the South. Try coming with a group. Don’t try using Indian public transit. Stay in a good hotel where other foreigners stay.

And I think I don’t need to say this, but still- DON’T GO TO KASHMIR.