Project Om

We arrived in Kolkata around 10:30 at night after having flown from Banglore. We spent three days exploring the city, including the nightlife, Indian Museum, Victoria Memorial, and the famous Maidon Park. We found Kolkata to be our favorite of the three major cities (Delhi & Mumbai being the other two). The city seemed relaxed in comparison and the people seemed friendlier. From Kolkata, we took at train to a small city near Darjeeling, where we then hired a share jeep (10 or more people in a jeep meant to fit 6 comfortably) and rode 3 more hours up the mountains to Darjeeling. If I were a reasonable man, a man of forethought, I would have taken pictures of the breathtaking views traveling up the mountains, as well as the wonderful views of India's largest mountain ... read more

We got to Mumbai from Aurangabad early Friday morning after our train was over five hours late arriving in Aurangabad. Instantly, we realized that Mumbai is by far the most cosmopolitan and modern city we had visited in India so far. Instead of rickshaws, there were actual taxis, plus the streets were relatively clean and the neighborhoods were very distinct and well-developed. We stayed in a hostel with people from around the world and spent most of our time doing different activities with a handful of the tourists we met. At one point, we were out in a group that consisted of two Brits, a Welshman, a Dutchmen, an Australian, two Israelians, a New Zealander, and a woman from Japan. Needless to say, our stay in Mumbai was very interesting, mainly because of the other travelers ... read more

We got to Udaipur at six in the morning after an all night train ride. We found a place to stay that was cheap and had the highest roof top with a great view. That was the perfect combination for us. We walked the streets down to the lake that the town is centered around, and stared at the Lake Palace just on the other side. The lake is low because of low rainfalls the last four years. It is still very beautiful though. We walked through the streets and realized that this town was different than the others we have been to. It's under 500,000 people. It is quieter and cleaner than the other cities. We got to our roof top to eat breakfast, and seeing the captivating city landscape, a lake right by, and ... read more

Today we awoke at 5:30; which believe it or not, was late. We had a train to make that was headed for Agra. What is in Agra you ask; the Taj Mahal of course! We took a rickshaw through the early morning traffic realizing in no uncertain terms that we were going to be late for that train; praying that it would be late as well. Our wish was fulfilled, and we made the 'Taj Express' to Agra. The train was as advertised: crowded! We quickly realized that in our hurry to get on the train we entered the wrong car. We got kicked out of our seats by some kids and were told that a man would come and check the ticket, and realizing we were in the wrong car; made us pay a fine. ... read more