I've been having a hard time trying to decide which bike to buy. I'm looking for a somewhat affordable, entry-level hardtail MTB. Please note that, since I'm from India, the choices are somewhat limited and also the prices vary a lot.
Here are a few bikes that I have shortlisted, and by looking at them, you'll get an idea about my budget too.

• Giant Talon 3
• GT Avalanche Comp 29er
• Trek Marlin 6

Which one do you think is the best among these three bikes? Please feel free to suggest any other bikes that you think might be better than the listed three.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Difficult to say the GT I like the drive train but the giant has a better fork. Consider going to the Giant Talon 2 looked like it had a little better drive train and fork for the same price as the GT.

You first need to choose what wheelsize you want. 29ers will generally be faster and roll over terrain better, but not be as lively. The giant you mentioned is 27.5 wheras the other two are 29.
I'd probably go for the giant or GT out of those three due to the slightly better forks.

Doesn't Decathlon have a good presence in India? If so might be worth adding some of their bikes to this list to consider. Personally I put components before brand but if everything else was equal I'd go the Giant route as they make pretty much the best frames in the world.

Couldn't Agree more. at this price range you'd probably get a lot more for your money going for a lesser brand. here in the uk the likes of decathlon and go-outdoors are way ahead when it comes to value for money with entry level bikes.