[zakthor]

Ive been a few times, mostly for the himalaya. I cant stand tourist stuff and the domestic tourist scene has pushed everything past my hysterical point. I'd much rather hang out in some forgotten town or in the back of a roadside dhaba than visit an indian tourist site again. The real shame (as a selfish tourist) is so much cool stuff is inaccessible now because it needs to be protected from the tourist hordes - and those crowds are amazing.

But... A total cant miss is the restaurant In-Q in dehli. Their tasting menu blew my mind. 14 course indian themed modernist cuisine for $50. I would eat every dehli dinner meal there. Call ahead and request the tasting menu.

The famous 'indian accent' is at the lohdi hotel now and for the same money it isnt so amazing and that whole hotel complex gives me the creeps.

I really like staying at the imperial in dehli and their breakfast buffet + a newspaper is a wonderful way to spend the morning, especially after a strenuous trip. Their restaurants are super overpriced though and not worth it in my opinion but the people there are fabulous individuals. The other place in delhi i like to eat is Chor Bazarre but for same money as in-q its hard to justify.

I feel like overall food quality in india has fallen in past 30 years so be wary now of crappy food even at popular places. Normal restaurants are so cheap that you should feel fine to leave if the food isnt what you like - dont waste your meals on mediocre food.

Some of the best food ive had is at roadside dhabas, especially the chai.

Edit: Wrt northern india...

India is really big. I dont think youve got enough extra time to visit anything, just scratch the surface and explore dehli. If you had a week or so extra id recommend kashmir. Even right now id go. The people there are fantastic and its my favorite food. Not sure what the indian government is permitting but id still try and go.

If you had a month uttarakand is amazing and no tourists.