India & Nepal

A 5am start by train saw us arrive almost 7 hours later in Rajasthan. First stop, Pushkar.

Although the desert town offered what seemed like a great trip into the desert, we decided not to opt for it, mostly because we didn't agree with riding the camels. Nevertheless, Pushkar had a nice vibe and we did take in some interesting sites.

Just a short walk from our hotel, along streets where dogs, monkeys and cows roam freely, was Brahama Temple. This Hindu temple was built in the 14th century, and in order to visit, we had to remove our shoes and walk the crowded street to the temple entrance. Not so great for those who wore their white socks! We weren't supposed to take pictures but apparently I didn't hear this part (sorry Mani, lack of concentration as always) and snapped a picture of a stunning part of the temple.

We were also lucky enough to visit a sacred area, where many only have chance to visit on pilgrimage once in their lives - Pushkar Lake. We walked along the ghats and witnessed a beautiful sunset as it lit the Savitri Temple on the hill.

After visiting Pushkar we headed for Jaipur, the Pink City. The ride was interesting as being on a budget trip meant we journeyed by local train, of which I of course slept for the whole journey. Our accommodation on arrival was a formal palace to a Royal Family, and although it was pretty, it was also freezing cold. A common theme of Indian hotels. Something I am not enjoying about this trip.

After settling in, we ventured out to meet a friend of our tour guide, who tried (and failed) to teach us the art of kite flying. They take their kite competitions seriously, with each flier aiming to cut the string of another kite. Glass coated strings were the kites to have if you were really in it to win!Read more