Colorful, chaotic, crowded – all the clichés about India are true, as are the tropes of culture shock, sensory overload, and a land of contrasts. It is a vast country with diverse cultures and customs across its length and breadth. A bewildering array of sights, sounds, and smells greet you as you navigate the fast-paced cities where high-rises stand cheek by jowl with slums, and yes, there are indeed cows on (some of) the streets. However, this is also the land of majestic mountains, sandy beaches, scorching deserts, and thriving forests, not to mention opulent palaces, awe-inspiring heritage sites, pulsating cities, and enchanting villages.