India is
a country that grows on you in time. It is overwhelming in its population,
culture and poverty, yet every time I leave it I have a yearning to go back. I
don't know what the constant pull is, but ask anyone that has travelled there
and they’ll all tell you the same thing. It is a country of contradictions, of
love and hate, of ups and downs. But is it a country that beckons to be
explored.
If you
travel in India you are bound to do so by train at some point or another. Train
travel in India is the lifeblood of the country. It is by far the most
economical and efficient form of transport to get around. It can be a bit
confusing at first and a daunting experience, but it doesn't need to be.
Below we
have compiled advice and tips helping make your time catching trains in India
as smooth and as easy as possible.
Bookings
& Reservations
There
are a number of different ways that you can reserve your ticket for your train
travel in India. But by far the most efficient is online at http://www.irctc.co.in/ But be
warned, this isn't the easiest website to navigate and figure out, and you’ll
need to know your train number before booking. The website http://www.indianrail.gov.in/ will help
you with that too. Once you get the hang of the
back and forth between pages it does become a little less confusing. The best
advice would be to give yourself some time before booking the ticket to
actually work your way around the sites and find all the information you need.
If you
would prefer to talk with a person and not book online, many hotels and travel
agents have booking facilities. You can also book directly at the train
station, where you will find a teller that is only for tourists.
It is
advisable to book at least a few days in advance-as tickets sell out fast. This
is especially so during festivals and holiday times. If there are no tickets
available you can be put on a waiting list-but there is no guarantee that you
will be given a ticket until the train arrives. It is possible to (sometimes)
be able to bribe the train reservations manager if it is urgent that you must
get on the train, but you didn't hear that from me ;)
Understanding
the Class System
Depending
on your budget and comfort levels will depend on which class you chose to
travel on. There is a dramatic difference in price and comfort level throughout
and understanding these classes will ensure that you are getting what you pay
for.
1AC This class
is the equivalent to 1st class and is complete with air-conditioned, your own
private berth and locking doors for two people or four people. This is the
deluxe of Indian train travel at Indian standards
2AC This class
is also air-conditioned and has two tiered beds, where 4 people sleep per
berth. There is a curtain you can pull across for some privacy
3AC This class
is the one we mostly used whilst in India and is also air-conditioned and three
tiered beds with 6 people per berth. The price difference between 2AC and 3AC
is miniscule and we would sometimes opt for 2AC for the extra space.
CC- This is a
carriage with chaired reclining seats. The carriage is also air-conditioned and
the seats are covered in vinyl so be prepared for sweaty legs on long train
rides. We chose this option when we were on shorter train rides.
SL This class
is sleeper class and is non-air conditioned carriages. We slept this class on
one occasion when there was limited space left on an 18 hour train ride. We had
never been so hot in our lives. I would highly recommend air-conditions if
possible during the hotter months in India.
2S- This is a
free for all class and it is unreserved seating. First in first served. The
tickets are unbelievably cheap and there is a reason why. They pack people in
like cattle and in you can fit into a small space anywhere in this carriage
you're good to go. I can't think of anything worse than being stuck in a
cramped carriage for 18 hours. Not recommended!
Checking In
Once you have your booking
number you will now present this at the station to receive your ticket for your
train. This will have your seat number along with your booking reference number
and your name on it. Once the train arrives, you will have to check the
corresponding carriage with your ticket. There will also be a piece of paper
stuck to the train with your name and bed number which needs to match the one
on your ticket. Once you have searched for your correct carriage and you have
reconfirmed all your information. You are finally right to board the train.
As stated before, head
to the tourist booth in the train station to receive your ticket.
Navigating Indian
train stations can be confusing. They are busy, loud and the signs are
confusing. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the station, receive your
ticket and to find your way to the correct platform!
Waiting & Boarding
The Train
You may
find yourself waiting for a long time for a train. Don’t worry! Most trains
never run on time-especially if you are at a station where the train isn’t
starting point for the trip. Just, be patient. We had to wait for a train until
3am in the morning once, which was supposed to arrive at 9pm. No matter how
long it takes, the train will most always arrive!
If you have booked an
AC ticket quite often at station there are rooms for you to wait in while you
train arrives. This can be a great place to escape the heat or the cold.
There are also rooms
just for females, so if you are travelling solo this can be a good place to
wait to stay safe and comfortable.
Essentials for any
train trip are a good book, iPod, ear plugs (for the snoring symphony that is
bound to be on board!) eye mask as well as some warm clothing (if you have
booked an AC carriage). We constantly use these items on trains and can be your
saving grace when travelling long distances.
Remember though to
look out the window so you don't miss the beautiful countryside whilst travelling
by train as well as chatting to others in the berth with you is great to hear
other’s stories. Try not to sleep away your experience. Getting to your
destination is part of the travel experience!
Dress
If you will be
commuting on a train for a long period of time it is important that you wear
comfortable loose clothing. Taking socks and a jacket in the AC carriages will
ensure you are kept cozy and warm. These carriages will also provide you with a
pillow and blanket.
Food & Water
Depending on which
train you are taking there may be a food carriage on board. If not there is
never a shortage of food. Vendors will board the train each time it stops at
the station, giving you the opportunity to buy every samosa, dosa or chai that
comes on board. You can also bring your own food on with you if you prefer. We
opted to take our own food on with us and bought a compact metal container with
various compartments. We went to a restaurant before getting on the train and
filled it up with various curries, rice and naan. We also bought the odd cup of
chai or samosa every now and again. The bottom line-you won’t go hungry on
trains in India!
Do not drink the water
on board the train unless it is bottled. Make sure you bring enough for your
trip-especially if it is a long ride.
Hygiene
We found the general
hygiene of most trains to be satisfactory. Sheets were clean as well as the
sleeping bunks. Toilets are another story all together, even if you do use the
western one that is on board. They are often smelly, dirty and are just
something you need to deal with. We think the squatter toilet is better to use
on board, as there are no points of contact. Toilets are shared both men and
women and can be a mission to use while the train is going!
It is advisable to
bring your own toilet paper as well as baby wipes (for a quick ‘shower’) and
hand sanitizer as a secondary measure to clean your hands.
Security
Try and fit your
luggage away under the beds and out of sight from peering eyes. You may wish to
secure your bag with a chain and lock, or use a pac-safe to keep you from
worrying about your belongings. We generally slept with our daypack in bed with
us that had all our important belongings in it. Our larger backpacks were tied
under our beds. We never had any problems with security while on the trains.
Of course, the obvious
still goes, don’t flash your expensive belongings about like your laptop, iPod
etc. Keeping it out of sight will minimise the chance of you being a target for
theft.
Know Your Stop
Always know the name
of your train station and approximately the time of your arrival. Talking to
fellow Indian passengers will give you an understanding of how close you are to
your station. The carriage conductor changes on a regular basis so don't leave
it up to them to tell you when to get off. The may be several stops in the same
city, so know the name of the station not the city you are travelling to.
Train travel in India
can and be exhilarating and an exciting way to travel. Using some precautions
along the way will help you stay safe but most of all enjoy your travels in
such an exotic country!
Have you travelled by
train in India? Do you have any more tips to add?
Related articles:
Tips - Before Travelling to India
Learn Hindi with World Nomads Hindi Language Guide
About the Author
Anthony is one half of the dynamic duo at Positive World Travel. He is
travelling the world on an indefinite journey sharing his experiences through
HD video, photos and articles. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter for more
of their travel experiences.
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