A mere seven-and-a-half hour flight away, but you'll feel like you've entered another world when you touch down in India. Often the first stop on the Asia backpacker trail, the subcontinent is one of the most exciting countries you can visit - from the stunning Himalaya in the north, and down through the deserts and palaces of Rajasthan to the palm-swaying beaches of the south.

It's one of the cheapest places in the world to travel round, and with extensive and efficient bus and rail services, it's easy too.

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Bloggers Live! Hannah Morgans is in India right now - read all her travel adventures here... >> Idea of the month A four week environment project in some of India's most amazing national parks >> Diary update Simon from GapGuru takes us on a whistlestop tour of volunteering opportunities in India >> Travel tips & tales Stories from those who have been there and done that >>