We'll finish where we started...

You can liken a trip in India to being thrust into a washing machine on spin cycle with a mass of brightly coloured clothes, using washing powder whose smell reminds you of something between sandalwood, tikka masala, and urine, with the drone of the machine drum being replaced by Bollywood music, people shouting, and horns honking. Unlike a washing machine, though, you certainly don't come out the other end any cleaner - but you are most likely to come out dazed confused, and happy...

In truth, after our past three months spent on an island in Thailand, we felt that we were sufficiently prepared for the mayhem of Indian cities, and the dizzying speed at which life is lived, and the barrage of stimuli to each of the senses... In reality, nothing can prepare you for what a wonderfully diverse country this is - for the extreme poverty encountered everyday, the boundless smiles that greet you everywhere you go, the faded glory of ancient civilisation and recent empires, not to mention the sheer number of people all occupying one space.

This time round, though, we have a little more experience, a lot less money, and far more daring. With only a couple more months left in traveling we will make the most of our times here, and savour every moment before returning to the familiarity of home and comfort of western culture... This part of the journey will encompass the capital of the British Raj, the birthplace of Buddhism, the holiest of Hindu cities, the mighty Himalayas and the biggest festivals that India can offer. Oh, and a curry or two.