We had wanted to spend a couple of weeks traveling around Rajhistan but Thailand got in the way. Maybe next time… We had 2 nights in Jaipur as there was a train (another 33hrs! this time our compartment was shared with cockroaches – hundreds of them) direct from Kolkata. “Hassle loaded” is how Lonely Planet describes it. Hmmm. Another gripe about this bloody book. DON’T BUY LP INDIA! Jaipur is actually relatively hassle free. O...

Best place in India to date. People are friendly. City easy to navigate on foot (although a map would have saved us our 3km detour). We did a walking tour that Lonely Planet details but the person who wrote it obviously never tried to walk it themselves. After asking lots of helpful people we managed to get to the river for a wee ferry trip. Very relaxing place to be in and we now feel very wise to all the tricks of the touting trade. We obviously look ...

Since we hitched a lift with a Punjab family when we were staying in McLoed we decided to visit them in Chandigarh hoping that they would show us around and give an insight into the rich Indian life. Chandigarh is also said to be the cleanest, greenest and most organised of all Indian cities. Hopes were high especially since we would be there for my birthday. Disappointed. Not least because the father of the family we met turned up with his mate and we di...

Finally made it to Amritsar after 2 failed attempts at getting the 4am bus the past two weekends. It was difficult. It was raining and I really didn't want to put my rainmac on that makes me look like a geek PLUS the bright yellow rain protector for my backpack.5 hours later we arrived into Amritsar with a fellow traveller heading to the same free accommodation. 10 rupees is the normal charge for a cycle rickshaw from the bus station to the Golden Temple. Our...

Still in McLeod Ganj after about 3 weeks. Another 1 week to go then we're heading down towards Punjab and Rajhastan. Looking forward to leaving as you need either only one week or one year here. One week will give you enough time to sample the restaurants and see the interesting things around the town and one year will make a lasting difference to any volunteer programme you are on.Weather improved a lot over the last few days. The rains have stopped (tempora...