I just left India after four months of travel. I was traveling with a circus group doing free performances for kids, so my experience in india was quite unique. Most of the places we visited were far off the tourist circuit. The number one thing i learned in india is how to let go, how to surrender completely and somehow still hold on to yourself, if that makes any sense. i also learned a lot about the strength and determination of people to live, despite less than ideal conditions. I managed to stay healthy throughout my trip, had one head cold in the middle of my trip and caught another just as i was leaving Delhi. I used grapefruit seed extract and also ate curd on a regular basis.
The highlights of places i visited:
Goa - Arambol beach. Super chill and fun traveler hangout, lots of great restaurants. Samsara is a great place to hang out (hehe), the Shakshuka at Dylan's is amazing and the peanut butter balls at cookie walla's are great.
Mysore - Some of the best food i had in India, RRR banana leaf thalis for 25 rupees :) :) cute city, lots of art and music and a really wonderful Parvati temple at the top of a hill.
Khajuraho - Amazing temples, very friendly people and lots of fun kids to hang out with. Dont miss the dakini temple...
Varanasi - such a powerful place. Stay in Assi ghat its more calm, and you can eat at Ashish, the thali is amazing and cheap! Ashish is sooo friendly :) Take a boat ride early in the morning, try a vow of silence ;)
Dharamkot (near Mcloud Ganj) - Tushita meditation center www.tushita.info for intro to buddhism courses. A serene environment, wonderful teachers, very informative with great guided meditations.
Stay in Dharamkot, so many cute guesthouse up in the hills, the hike to Triund is amazing.
Kasol - Great if you want nothing to do except be in nature :) Beautiful river valley.

India has so much to offer i can see why people go back again and again, i will be back for sure!