Agraaaa-do-do-do push pineapple shake a tree On route to Himanchal Pradesh we make a fleeting visit to Agra, home to one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. This majestic, marble dominant building has stood the test of time and looks like a picture out of a postcard. An architecturally perfect piece of art taking 22 years to build all in the name of love. She was one of three wives, the other two getting a slightly less awe inspiring piece either ...

Varanasi. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It gets it's name from the two rivers the run off the Ganga,Varuna and Asi, also the name of the first and last ghat. I used to once think of India of a place you either love, or hate. But now I know that's not true. I hate the unavoidable cow dung in the narrow alleys, I hate the occasional waft of raw sewage, I hate the poverty where bodies infuse the streets in large numbers. But then ...

Yuksum to Pelling We arrive in Yuksum, ready and prepared for a good couple of days of trekking around one of India's most beautiful states. After a refreshing nights sleep, (and a refreshingly cold shower) we wake early for a walk around the monastery, lake and town at dawn. We then set off on our hike toward the Kanchenjunga falls. We descend into the valleys armed with water, dates and a stick. The need for water and dates are obvious, the stick, that was for...

Ralang to Yuksum Our jeep drops us at Gangtok bus station. We venture no more than 100 yards to find a hotel, with Rushi who we met on the jeep. They offer us a three bed room, which we take. The owners, a slightly erratic retired couple, later decide that we are no longer allowed to share a room with a young Indian man who we just met, so kicks Rushi out of the room. With best intentions at heart, they proved to be more if a hindrance than a help, we know a goo...

Once part of an independent Sikkim, handed over to the British after their war with Nepal. Famous for it's tea and it's toy train, now a world heritage sight. Adored by locals and loved by tourists and travellers alike. It's easy to see why when from our hostel window the mighty Kanchenjunga reigns over this hilltop town that is Darjeeling. The blue sky for us meant one thing that day. Paragliding. We hike to the take off point, strap in, and run at full spee...