Got my tickets today. Calgary to Hyderbad, $1,600 return.
Visiting an Indian friend. He's planning side trips to Goa, Agra (he's never seen the Tah Mahal), Koonoor (tea country) and some other places. Helps to have a local 'guide' who knows the customs and speaks the language.
Hope I can handle the poverty and squalor. When suggesting I come he said "Kumquat, I'll show you the real India, you won't like it". My friend is betting I can't and I suspect he's right so I'll be taking a lot of Rupees to hand out. Don't know if it will help, but it won't hurt and I don't think I can play blind.