We've all heard the stories. The poverty, the chaos, the crowds, the pollution. And they're all true. India is hectic. So why would you want to go?

I understand the hesitation. I was hesitant too until my wife convinced me to go there for the first time in 2016.

I thought I was ready for it. I'd been to big, crazy cities like Bangkok, Hong Kong and New York but the moment we stepped off the plane I knew this was next level.

India doesn't sneak up on you. It hits you over the head from day one. I didn't think I'd survive the drive from Delhi airport to my hotel. When the mini-bus driver wasn't sitting on the horn he was driving on the wrong side of the road.

And that's when I learned my first lesson. You have to lean into India. Resistance is futile.

Give in to the charms, the quirks, the heat and the cows having right of way on the roads and footpaths. After a day or so you should comfortably slip into the rhythm of daily life.

You learn it's more choreography than chaos. There is a flow. There are rules. You just have to be in it to understand it.  

India has been called a state of mind and that's pretty accurate. It can't be easily defined.

Twenty-two official languages, diversity of religions, ethnicity and food, and dramatic changes in scenery from the Himalayas in the north to the lush jungles of the south. 

I haven't done a great job of dragging out the premise of this story (apologies to my editor) so the answer is YES you should go to India.

The next question is where to start.

You learn it's more choreography than chaos. There is a flow. There are rules.

I would suggest an organised tour for your first visit. There is a lot to navigate so having a local guide, a planned itinerary and your accommodation and transportation booked will free you up from the logistics and allow you to just enjoy the experience.

I would recommend Intrepid Travel as a tour operator. I have no affiliation with them but have used them twice in India (and elsewhere) and the small group, personal nature of their trips makes you feel like an independent traveller with the added comfort of a security blanket. 

Next is where to go. If you want a "best of" type experience I would say the area known as the Golden Triangle - the region in northern India bordered by Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

It's known as the Golden Triangle because it's packed with places of historical and cultural significance including the Big One - the Taj Mahal in Agra.

The cities are only about 250kms apart so you can do a satisfying trip in about a week and really feel like you've immersed yourself in the country. 

That's not your only option. You don't even need to face a giant metropolis like Delhi or Mumbai. You could fly into somewhere like Madurai or Kerala and explore the south. Less crowded, more green with a coastal vibe. Then there's themed holidays: foodie trails and spiritual journeys. Feed your face or feed your soul.

But wherever you go and whatever you do there are some things common to everyone's experience. The friendliness of the people, the extraordinary colours of the spice markets and the women's saris. The strong sense of family and spirituality.

An ancient culture with an incredibly young population. (65 per cent of India's 1.4 billion people are under 35. So there is great energy and optimism in the air).

It's also the second biggest English speaking country in the world after the US so that's a big plus as well.

There is a surprise around every corner. Sometimes wonderful, sometimes confronting but always something memorable. 

So, if you're prepared to look a bit deeper, travel a bit farther, try a bit harder you will discover an extraordinary place that will long live with you.

John Walsh was Executive Producer of the Nine TV travel series Getaway from 1999-2024.