Chennai

After arriving, went straight out in an auto-rickshaw to meet Dr Vish and his wife - friends of Claire's Uncle - David. This was the main night of Diwali and the rickshaw ride there was like being in a war zone! Fire crackers were exploding at every turn and the air was thick with smoke. Enjoyed some delicious traditional Masala Dosas and Diwali sweets in homely surroundings before jetting off early the next day to Delhi.

Delhi

Having psyched ourselves up for extreme hustle and bustle, our initial impression of Delhi was much calmer and quieter than expected. Checked into a hotel near spacious Connaught Place - the centre of New Delhi. Then met Claire's Aunt - Mary and her friend Lesley in the sumptious surroundings of The Imperial Hotel (well if it's good enough for Princesses...) for a lovely afternoon tea. Several pastries, sandwiches, scones and a delicious glass of red wine later, we said our goodbyes. The next day, met our friend Tima (who is working here for the BBC for 6 months) in a revolving restaurant for lunch and then the following evening for dinner. Enjoyed some window shopping and soaked up the cosmopolitan feel of Delhi.

Agra

Left on the 6.15am 'fast' 2 hour train to Agra. Arrived 4 and a half hours later and sped off straight away to try and miss the queues for the Taj Mahal. Fat chance. 2 hours of queueing in the midday sun was not enjoyable but was forgotten as soon as we saw the breathtaking Taj Mahal. It met all expectations and is well worthy of its reputation. Too tired for much else in Agra, got an early night ready for another 6am train the next day.

Jaipur

Another day, another train, another delay... Arrived at the station at 5.30am only for the train to be delayed til 8am. This was our first experience of a standard 'sleeper' carriage, rather than air conditioned. These are alot more crowded and it doesn't mean as much to have a seat reservation. Not as bad as the luggage rack in Hospet however!

Jaipur - our first taste of Rajasthan - 'The Pink City', So named because of the colour of the buildings. Was filled with fabulous architecture and a whole old city full of market blocks where you could buy anything imaginable. Randomly, we ended up with a puppet which we bartered down from $20 to 50 rupees ($1), more due to the boy's persistance than our interest in puppets. This negotiation played out all the way down the hill from the exquisite Amber Fort to the bottom.

Pushkar

Went here for the day from Jaipur. Famous for its camel fair and holy lake, we wandered round and spent time watching the pilgrims bathe in the holy Ghats. Walked up to the edge of the desert to see the gathering camels and traders, before heading back to Jaipur.

Udaipur

Really enjoying this beautiful city. The 'Venice of India', better known for its starring role in the James Bond film - Octop**** (of which you are reminded by the nightly showings in every restaurant in town!) Took a boat trip around the lake yesterday. Today Claire spent the morning taking a miniature painting lesson and Simon enjoyed relaxing in front of the views of the floating palace.

N.B. Photos to follow.