I went for 3 weeks a couple of years ago. Flew into Delhi, then did the 'Golden Triangle' (Agra & Jaipur) as well as went to Udaipur and then flew down to Mumbai and was there for a few days and then flew home.
We started off in a 5 star hotel in Delhi, where the staff told us it was dangerous to go out without a prebooked taxi, and the food wasn't safe and we were best just staying in the compound. The food in the hotel was probably the worst I had, the arranged taxis the most expensive, and it was all a bit sterile. Once I got out, and walked around we found the people very friendly (albeit, they did try and scam us with the currency exchange scam but they only ended up with an hour of our time), the street food was OK (if it's cooked in front of you, in hot oil, then I was game to give it a go!) and the sites are stunning.
Yea, I got 'Delhi Belly'. It lasted two days or so, so I just sat in a hotel and read my book and chilled out beside the pool and got the waiter to bring me lots of G&Ts.
I found it a very safe country, with people just curious rather than threatening. Food wasn't amazing (apart from a homestay in Agra, where it was fantastic), and the beer is shocking. But, it's absolutely fine. The sights, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, etc, are stunning.
I went to a 20:20 cricket game (Mumbai Indians) in Mumbai, and I'm not a cricket fan but it's by far the best sport event I've ever been to. It was great fun!
I went with my mother, who absolutely loved it and can't wait to go back. Though she did have an issue in the hotel we stayed in in Udaipur - no one would serve her a drink. She had to get me to come up from my room (this is where I had the belly!) to order her a drink.
I have no idea why it's getting such a bad press on here, who's actually been? Happy to answer any more questions.