to be updated... [View Full Entry]

---

---

Sorry for the delay in updates - internet deadly slow where I am now, but anyway, a few pictures of Kochi for you. Will update more soon. [View Full Entry]

---

---

I've been in Mysore 3 days - longer than expected as the buses and trains out to Kerala are packed as it's near Christmas. The Maharaja's palace here is amazing, really breathtaking. Many of the walls inside are painted with scenes of the Edwardian Raj - unfortunately cameras aren't allowed so I wasn't able to take pictures, but the decoration is really stunning. Mysore is famous for sandalwood, so you're flogged incence all over the place, particularly in the markets. Leaving today for Cochin - Kerala. Beaches here I come! :) [View Full Entry]

---

---

Spent two days in the capital of Karnataka, Bangalore. It's one of India's most modern cities with big software companies, coffee shops and bars everywhere. It's really westernised, so is a bit of a taste of home :) [View Full Entry]

---

---

Hampi is quite chilled out, with the main bazaar, temple and bustle on the south side of the river, and a calmer scene north of the river with really nice places to stay packed with Israelis and travellers. Have spent few days wandering around the ruins of Vijayanagar which used to be the capital of one of India's largest Hindu empires. Have also spent lots of time just boulder watching - the landscape is really strange - looks a bit like huge boulders have just been placed on top of each other... I'm sure with my geography alevel i should understand. [View Full Entry]

---

---

Totally by chance, we arrived in Hampi to find that a festival in full swing. Although small by Indian standards, there were thousands of people in the Virupaksha temple where candles were lit and later there was a procession through the streets headed by an elephant. Totally amazing - the pics really don't do it justice. :) [View Full Entry]

---

---

Spent a couple of days on the beach in Goa, relaxing and trying to swat up on my 'teach yourself hindi'. Then met a fellow traveller heading in the same direction to Hampi in Karnataka. So, after meeting at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Panaji on Tuesday, took a bumpy bus ride to Margao (pics of amazing indoor market), south Goa's busiest city, from which we caught the train (9hrs!) to Hospet, Karnataka. [View Full Entry]

---

---