I didn't really view Varanasi in the best light initially after having stumbled off the sleeper train 13 hours later after about 4 hours sleep (aided by a sleeping tablet and earplugs thanks to the loudest snoring I have ever heard). Dan however, was refreshed after his 10 hour "nap"!! We crashed at the hotel for a while which was situated away from the main centre of Varanasi and much quieter, greener and calmer thank god. Had lunch at a place called &...

After seeing the best tourist sights of India we travelled from Agra to Jhansi on the train to get to a very small town called Orccha. The idea was to experience India outside of major towns as much of India is still very rural. "Real" India if you will. Our train wasn't until 10 so we didn't have to be up right at the crack of dawn which was nice! Took advantage of the Costa Coffee to grab some breakfast, and despite it being relatively costly, it was ...

Spent our last night in Jaipur out for dinner and decided to travel in tuk-tuks, and although we had seen Indians crammed into them, we didn't expect to fit 7 of us in a single one! Certainly an experience! For dinner itself, Vipul took us to the restauant at the Narain Palace Hotel which was a former private residence and very grand. We were recommended the Lal Maans (local mutton curry) which was really good and nowhere near as spicy as we had expected real Ind...

Well, we are certainly having a cultural encounter!! Currently in Jaipur, a beautiful place known as the "Pink City" (the colour of welcome) and staying in a lovely hotel that's set all around an open air courtyard with big breezy rooms and most importantly a HUGE bed, shower and WESTERN style toilet! :o) We arrived here yesterday after a 5 hour train journey from Delhi and have since explored most of the city in cycle rickshaws/by foot. Yesterday we w...