What to expect rural India vacation

“My wife and I went on this trip with our 17 year-old son. Even as seasoned travelers to India, we would never have been able to do this trip on our own because this part of central India really doesn't have much tourist/traveler infrastructure. Our wonderful guide, Saurabh… enabled us to visit families and villages in a way that was really rewarding and not the slightest bit 'icky'… I especially enjoyed being taught how to make herb chapatis over a fire.” – Jonathan Drori

“We expected it to be hot. But July was VERY hot... except in the Nilgiri hills where it was beautifully cool. No wonder the British spent the summer in the hills. It was manageable with the help of an air con car and accommodation but I have to admit, if you can, go in the cooler season.” – Anna Perkins in Southern India

“Be prepared for a 'total experience' – living and traveling with the hosts. It is very rewarding, but you must buy into the idea of a homestay experience.” – Rachel Batley in Southern India

“Make sure you save a couple of days off after you return home – you'll be too exhausted to go straight back to work! Be prepared to be dusty and dirty and not have many clean clothes. And don't bother wearing white or light colours during the day.” – Anthea Harvey, horse trekking in Rajasthan

“It is important for both men and women to dress quite conservatively in rural areas. It would have been better if I (older woman) had purchased some Indian clothing to wear (e.g. long shirt), but long pants and a short-sleeved shirt worked.” – Mary Vetter

“Take a universal sink plug – they were a rarity. Take travel wash, because although washing services are universal and cheap, one is rarely in one place long enough to employ them, and we were reliably informed that in any case the dhobi wallah will smash your buttons on the rock!” – Kate & Adrian Parker