This is a travelogue, a history lesson and an educational insight — all rolled into one. Above all, Sean makes a profound statement: “… I feel Indian …” Then he declares: “Sometimes the reality of India is much better than the concept”.

Biography, travelogue and downright good story just about sums up Night Train to Varanasi from Sean Doyle, a man who is passionate about his beloved India, his family and the fine art of travel, not necessarily in that order.

"Thanks so much for an enjoyable read. Your book really struck a chord with me. It absolutely captured the mixed emotions we feel as travellers in Asia, particularly in India. I first travelled in India in 1989 with my first wife and two daughters who were then 12 and 8yrs. And then half way through the 6 week trip ,my parents joined us. It was an extraordinary experience for all. Another trip in 1993 was with my now wife to Nepal and India. And then in 2012 my wife and our daughter Tara travelled for 6 weeks in India. So much of what you describe was particularly true for that last trip. Tara at 14 was very confronted by the attention she inevitably attracted. Up in Northern Uttarakand was easy and relaxed. Parts of Rajasthan were pretty good. Parts of UP were just hard with more tourist numbers and then there was Varanasi. It was actually quite relaxing. I think we had 5 nights there. Three longer trips, a hell of a lot of reading of books on/in India and a passion for cooking Indian food has given me some of the love that you obviously have for India. I get it ! Its been an interesting facet to life."