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Traveling in India, by trains is an experience that one should definitely engage in at least once, that too on a slightly longer journey (overnight or 12 hours and above). Indian Railway system is the world’s second largest network. The chaos on the Indian Railway stations is a replica of the life in India. Strangely even with such high degree of chaos and confusion, the Indian Railways provide a great network to commute cheaply and effectively.
The Indian Railways cover an extensive network of places throughout the country. Barring a few places (in hilly areas) trains connect one place to another in a much wider way than any other form of transportation in India.
The Indian train system is classified under various heads like second class, second class sleeper, AC 2 tier, AC 3rd tier, etc. Moreover the trains itself can be classified as city’s passenger trains (not recommended), express trains and super fast trains. Although much slower than its western counterparts, the Indian trains are also very cheap to travel by when compared to its counterpart in western world for comparable distance travel.
It is preferable to take second class sleeper (reserve in time), if time allows and you are on a longer trip and want to do the journey very cheap. The ‘second class sleeper provides you with berths to sleep on during the night although without air-conditioning. During the day anyone can sit on the lower seats and berths (except the top one) are converted in to seats for all travelers to share. The second – class sleeper class provides you with good amount of hustle-bustle that keeps you busy on those longer train routes. You will see people from all walks of life, interact with them and get a good perspective of the real India. The second class sleeper gives you an insight into the diversity and disparity in India.
However, for with all the good points like cheap travel, good experience, etc. comes the obvious cons like, basic amenities, very little privacy and no air conditioning.
So, if you are considering traveling by second class sleeper, here are a few pointers.
 Carry chain-locks to chain/lock your belonging during the night.
Dress well (read as ‘non-skimpy to avoid glaring eyes and unnecessary attention).
If winters carry some thing warm to wear. Even during the daytime it gets cold as there is no provision for heating.
Carry your own toilet paper and hand wash soap or liquid.
The Air conditioned compartments in the trains can be classified as first class, AC 3-tier sleeper, and AC 2-tier sleepers. Other than these sleeper classes you will also find A/c chair car, in Express trains.
Amongst these classes A/c first class is the most expensive and can be as expensive as your air ticket or even more. The A/c two tier is generally priced to be of half the cost of first class.
Shatabdi Express and Rajdhani express carry A/c chair car, which turns out to be a good value for money, with comfortable reclining chairs and comfortable amenities.
It is a always convenient to use travel agents to book yours train tickets. The service charge is very nominal (less then) and can actually work out much cheaper when you factor in the effort involved in going to the ticketing office and working out the details. More over a sincere agent will be able to book the best and the fastest option available.
Remember India is a country where you can avoid a lot of hassle by paying very little by engaging the right service or resources. Also available for all foreigners and Indians residing abroad is Indrail Pass. This pass allows one to travel for a limited period of time at a fixed cost. The pass holders get preference over others ticket holders in finding a seat or a berth on a full train. These passes are available at main tourist counters in India and outside the country at Indian Railways sales Agents.
You can also by booking your Indian train tickets online at www.indianrail.gov.in .Try our " Train Travel in India Chart 'for details on train from one city to another. |
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