Train Travel

Our final day in Bangalore was spent taking in the sights and anticipating our train journey down to Kerala. Oh Yes.. and being inadvertantly driven around shops so our rickshaw driver could get commission. It seems the majority of these little taxis like to hook you in with a cheap tour so they can take you to their 'Emporium' - or three as in our case. Each one similar in content and design and each one with a savvy salesman who pursuades you that sandalwood elephant keyrings are the latest must-have! I did get a nice pashima out it though and we did end up being dropped off at the beautiful Banaglore Palace which is certainly worth the shop-stops.

After his tiffin break a knowledgable guide gave us the grand tour of the royal home; there are many rooms containing amazing hand painted wallpaper over 150 years old, and lots of photos of the bygone Kings and their families. The open courtyards were almost magical where you can imagine the royals just sitting and contemplating their riches. I tried out the Queen's seat for size... yup, perfect fit!

After another lazy few hours at Cubbon Park the rest of the day was spent at the train station which is the best place to embrace Indian life. So many vibrant colours, obscure smells and random noises. Thankfully our train reservation was confirmed so we collected our bags and waited, and watched the locals waiting. Don't even think about a quick snooze on the station floor while you wait, as an official man comes around and taps you with a big stick to get you up, Imagine that happening at Kings Cross!?

Unlike the beloved Virgin trains our transport arrived and departed on time, so we clamboured on with excitement.. or was it trepidation? I bagsied the top bunk which wasn't really a quest so much as a necessity as there was no way Andy was going to fit his limbs on the top bed/ledge. I found the whole thing hilarious and managed to get a few hours beauty sleep despite the smelly, snoring man.. I'll leave Andy to tell his point of view.

More Amazing Facts:

- Bangalore Palace was orginially modelled on Windsor Castle

- Indian Railway is the largest employer in the world. They currently have 1.5million employees

Things we have learnt:

- Rickshaw drivers offering Rs20 for 1hour sight-seeing always have an alteria motive
- Train coaches named 'AC' do not mean air-conditioned
- Curry can be consumed morning, noon and night