I've generally used wire transfers...but US banks suck for wire transfers. They look at you like you're speaking a foreign language. I've found Washington Mutual here in Mountain View to be the best about it I've ever seen (which isn't to say they're good...just better), and they're the cheapest, as well, at $20/transfer. Previous banks charged more (like $32-$40 per transfer), and acted like I was a crazy person for trying to give them a SWIFT code.

So, I hate doing wire transfers, but when PayPal and a US bank check is not an option, I've bucked up and done it. I've heard that Western Union is a reasonable option, as well, for many overseas destinations. I'm not sure if India is one of them.