Should you go to India?

I keep hearing horrific stories of people traveling in India. At the other end of the spectrum, there are people who absolutely love India. How is it that one place could be loved and hated so much?

I am an Indian and having lived in Europe for ~10 years, I can safely say that I can see both points of views. These are three things you should NOT do if you are considering to go to India.

1. Expect anything: There is one simple rule to live/ travel in India- to let go. All the people I have met, the hater kinds, were control freaks. You can not control the system, the system will control you. Even basic rules of conduct are not the same- people will push you while getting on the train, gawk at you, honk right behind you, and there will be no information centres. But don’t let the bad stuff bother you because the forts are amazing, the history is deep, the Himalayas are huge, and the food is great. 
2. Be cheap: If you try to travel (almost for free), and stay at cheap hotels, and eat cheap street food, you will get robbed and you will get diarrhea. Book a good hotel, ask them to arrange a taxi, and live like a king (or queen)- because you can afford it.
3. Ask for directions: you may think you are being very clear but the average Indian will have difficulty understanding you (and vice versa). You would think they are stupid and they think you are stupid. Always ask your hotel to arrange trips for you/ ask well dressed people in cities (higher probability of ccommunicating well in English) if you have to, and trust no one.

It’s a trip to another world, a crazy, mystical, full of life and chaos, one; like eating a spicy curry. You will enjoy it if you know how to take it the right way.

p.s. I am happy to answer any questions via comments/ email.