The Indian experience is a magnificent one.

From Pakistan to Bangladesh, and down to the island of Sri Lanka, the Indian Sub-Continent has something for everyone.

This large peninsular has a terrific rail network, but getting tickets can become part of the adventure itself. For the long-distance journeys especially, queues are long and the next available seat might be in three days.

In India, it seems be that life revolves around the trains. Whole communities make their homes along the tracks, and anyone who knows a stationmaster is a very popular person indeed.

For fear of sounding like an anorak, this page will not be devoted to engine numbers of the steam goddesses.

India is diverse, tropical, and very popular with travellers. Where and when to go is largely affected by the monsoon seasons. The rainy season runs from June to November, when the South-Western comes in laden with moisture from the Indian Ocean. It also brings relief to many, after the hot season has sweated their weight down.

The North-Eastern Monsoon is referred to as the cool season, from December to February; a good time to travel, although the mountain regions can be very cold.

Then the Hot season, especially around May, can be really stifling. Try waiting in line for a couple of hours while a seemingly useless fan rattles overhead, and the perspiration just streams out of your every pore, and you will wish on the relief of the Southwesterly.

Remember that the cow is sacred; and woe betide the driver who doesn't swerve into a field to avoid them. Cows are not penned into fields here, and in the smaller towns and villages they wander wherever they like.

Many people in India would like to come back as a cow in the next life. Now there's a thought.