India doesn’t make it easy on you – traveling independently will wear you down as you constantly deal with intrusions on privacy, scams, the searing heat and great distances. For our one month in the country, we concentrated on Rajasthan – and despite the downsides, we were rewarded with some of the best that India has to offer. Desert treks, cooking classes, river rides and ancient forts are waiting for intrepid travelers – and despite the pain of traveling, you’ll find sometimes your favorite memories are those that you had to work for. India will test you – but you’ll be glad you made it.