Around India In 80 Trains

There isn't anything to really see in Gorakhpur, but I stopped here to catch a train up to Nautanwa and stayed overnight in the Adarsh Palace. It's literally opposite the station and has friendly, helpful staff. Their rooms vary from a ten-bed dormitory which they dissuaded me from taking as I was travelling alone, so instead I opted for a double room with an air-cooler. After a bit of faffing the room was cleaned up and given spic and span sheets and fresh water in the cooler. The bathroom was one of the cleanest to date. It had an Indian toilet but with a very powerful flush, so messing about with buckets wasn't necessary. The only downside was that the power went off at regular intervals which were scheduled, so it made the room stiflingly hot throughout most of the day - but then, that's not their fault.

As I was staying in all day, I entertained myself with plenty of films on TV and their EXCELLENT food! Room service was prompt and their chicken was some of the best I had in the four months we were in India. Each dish came with a huge leg, thigh and breast so I was totally stuffed. Food was so tasty and filling and the staff were incredibly hard-working, chatty and good entertainment value.

If you're travelling over the Nepalese border, or connecting across to the northeast then this is the place to stay.

Double rooms start at Rs.400