After a few crazy cities it was a relief to arrive in he small rural Indian town of Orchha, only highlighted as a place of tourism in the last 10 years this is otherwise known as the hidden place. Or hotel ‘The Orchha Resort” was another nice surprise, situated behind the Hindu Palace – Jehangir Mahal and a five minute walk from the river we stayed in some stunning air con tents. – this was camping in luxury. On the first night I headed with the girls to do a cooking class with a local family, we learned how to make chai masala tea, veg pokhora, aubergine curry, pea and carrot curry, chutney and chapati’s – looking forward to testing these recipe’s when we get back. The rest of time in Orchha we spent drinking the best chai tea yet with a very friendly local man, people watching in the local town – including attracting a lot of attention from the local people who were fascinated with our white skin and blue eyes, we also explored the temple and was able to attend Hindu prayer ceremony.

Jehangir Mahal – Narga architecture

Our tent at the Orchha Resort – quaint town surrounded by temples with the surreal sound of Indian rave music playing in the background, apparently the warm up to the Indian wedding season.

The best chai masala tea in India!