You can’t come to India without exploring its temples, forts and palaces – and a rural holiday here introduces you to some of the lesser known but no less impressive structures. The 12th century temple complex at Bhoramdeo, Chhattisgarh, is entirely covered in intricate carvings of gods, elephants and mythical characters. In Gujarat, spend time visiting the distinctive Jain temples, constructed in gleaming white marble. In Madhya Pradesh, stop at the ruins of Mandu – the largest concentration of forts, temples and palaces in Asia.

Homestays are a staple of rural holidays in India – although they are interspersed with nights in hotels and heritage properties to balance out the privacy and luxury. Some trips involve a night or two camping in the courtyards of village homes – putting you at the centre of local life, while retaining privacy. Eat (and drink!) with your hosts, help out with the cooking, share stories around a fire and witness the village coming to life at sunrise.

Getting out and about without a car is important when it comes to experiencing rural Indian life. Cycle from village to village, walk around them, or ride horseback through mountains and deserts to experience these places from a more typically Indian perspective. You’ll have the chance to stop and chat as you go, picking up snacks from roadside stalls, and really appreciating the stunning landscapes as you move at a slower pace.

Fixate on tigers. Many rural India holidays venture into tiger reserves, and tracking these creatures is undoubtedly thrilling. But they are elusive, so don’t let your trip be spoiled if you don’t manage a sighting. Happily, as well as this iconic species, the reserves also shelter rhinos, gaur, spotted deer, elephants and otters, as well as being incredibly beautiful in terms of scenery and vegetation. So go for the experience – not the tigers.

Fear the food. Travellers to India have long feared Delhi belly – but just because you are venturing off the tourist trail doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed. Roadside cafes called dhabas have a fast turnover of food, which means it’s generally fresh and safe. Gujarat serves mainly vegetarian cuisine – another way to avoid tummy trouble. To be on the safe side, bring precautionary medication, but with any luck you won’t need it.

Get snap happy. There are an overwhelming number of photo opportunities in India – but please don’t take photos of people without asking permission first. The wonderful thing about these rural holidays is that you will be spending time with Indian hosts, guides, weavers, potters, farmers and cooks – so there will be ample chance to get to know them and hear their stories before you bring out the camera. A lovely thing to do is to give them their photos – either get some printed in the cities, or send via your holiday company once back home.

“My wife and I went on this trip with our 17 year-old son. Even as seasoned travellers to India, we would never have been able to do this trip on our own because this part of central India really doesn't have much tourist/traveller infrastructure. Our wonderful guide, Saurabh… enabled us to visit families and villages in a way that was really rewarding and not the slightest bit 'icky'… I especially enjoyed being taught how to make herb chapatis over a fire.” – Jonathan Drori

“We expected it to be hot. But July was VERY hot... except in the Nilgiri hills where it was beautifully cool. No wonder the British spent the summer in the hills. It was manageable with the help of an air con car and accommodation but I have to admit, if you can, go in the cooler season.” – Anna Perkins in Southern India

“Be prepared for a 'total experience' – living and travelling with the hosts. It is very rewarding, but you must buy into the idea of a homestay experience.” – Rachel Batley in Southern India

“Make sure you save a couple of days off after you return home – you'll be too exhausted to go straight back to work! Be prepared to be dusty and dirty and not have many clean clothes. And don't bother wearing white or light colours during the day.” – Anthea Harvey, horse trekking in Rajasthan

“It is important for both men and women to dress quite conservatively in rural areas. It would have been better if I (older woman) had purchased some Indian clothing to wear (e.g. long shirt), but long pants and a short-sleeved shirt worked.” – Mary Vetter