1)how long you will spend,

A week

2) how much you are prepared to spend,

Negotiable. I like value for money, but I don't mind spending $ if its worth it. Whether something is "worth it" is arbitrary. A private pool vila in Bali at $500 a night is worth it if you have a loved one with you, probably not so worth it if I were by myself.

Since I will probably be solo, so I won't want to stay/nor will I have the need for super luxe (i.e Aman type places). I don't mind roughing it in the right conditions.

Unique places are wonderful.

3) how you want to travel: plane, train

Plane. I've heard horror stories about trains in India.

4) when you plan to go.

Fall / Winter