Never in my life have I been so popular. The moment I walked off the bus in Jaipur, around 10 men followed me. It was as if I was famous. 'Where are you going? I will take you, no problem,' various men shouted at me. I walked away confidently trying to get rid of them... Continue Reading →
The tranquil village Pushkar is a pilgrimage destination. It's a holy town where alcohol is banned. It is situated around a spiritual lake, which was said to have formed when Brahman dropped a lotus flower there. Walking around the lake, you must remove your shoes. Be warned that while the area is sacred you will... Continue Reading →
Lying in the Thar desert in an elaborate tent, I can't help feel sad and guilty. A group of musicians and dancers performed to us for evening entertainment. It was just two of us and a group of 6 artists. They began calmly signing. There were two young girls in the group wearing glittery, fancy... Continue Reading →
Take timings with a pinch of salt and you will never be disappointed. I bought a Jain bus ticket from hostel Moustache (super easy and very cheap). It cost 300 rupees (just over £3 from Udipur to Jodpur). The journey is 259 km and takes around 6 or 7 hours. The cost of this bus... Continue Reading →
Jodpur is the City of Kings, with spectacular palaces, forts and rolling hills. It is known as the Blue City because many of its homes are painted this colour. Traditionally, houses that were lived in by the Brahman (the highest level in the cast system) were blue. Now, any house is allowed to be painted... Continue Reading →
My alarm interrupted a dream I was having about hula hooping. Slightly dazed, I got out of bed at 5.45am. It was dark out. I threw on my running gear and headed out of the dorm room. On reaching the hostel front door I found it locked. Crumbs. I did not think this though. I... Continue Reading →
Waking up early, I was ready for some morning yoga. I went to a very strange yoga class next to the hostel costing 200 rupees - around £2. The instructor began with some basic sun salutations. He then chose some more advanced sequences, which I enjoyed. However, there were beginners in the class that were... Continue Reading →
'Chumi de de, chumi de de (kiss me),' I sung with the biggest grin on my face. I learnt this romantic Bollywood song a few days ago during Holi in Mumbai, thanks to my Indian friend Sweety. She taught me some Hindi phrases and how to dance Bollywood style. This has been of great use... Continue Reading →
At the moment I am writing this from a 17 hour overnight train journey from Mumbai to Udipur. I am in an air-conditioned two tier carriage on the upper berth. I managed to get a good night's sleep and am now awaiting my arrival. Top tips for train travel in Mumbai: Buying the ticket -... Continue Reading →
Mumbai is manic. There is never a dull moment. From walking the hectic streets to tucking into street food at a vendor's stall there is always something to do or see at all hours of the day. One evening we wanted a chai tea. It did not matter that it was late at night. We... Continue Reading →
We are going on a bear hunt 