(A little section from my diary I found quite amusing, whilst I was on a tour group with GAdventures)
“…Because Liz, Jen and I didn’t have time for lunch before our train journey and we didn’t want to get in trouble with Raja (our guide), we asked the hotel to put our lunch in a takeaway box. They gave us rice and chowmein in a dirty bucket, with a plastic spoon that kept breaking. Jen just ate her porridge out of a bucket and I could not stop laughing! Un-regrettably I ended up eating chowmein with my hands in the car to the train station, spilling it all down me with no shame at all! Liz ended up sitting on the floor of the grubby train station eating her chowmein with her hands. We ended up waiting 40 minutes for the no air con train- a pretty short delay in India! We ate our lunch whilst watching a cow on the middle platform, just wandering..(how it got there I’ve no idea).”
I’m sure you’ve seen the images of over packed trains, people hanging out of windows, doors, in every space available, even crowded on the roof! Now is it really like that? Perhaps in some places but it is possible to catch a train in India without it being too over crowded.
There is a huge difference in price from the cheapest seats to the air conditioned cabins but the more expensive seats are still reasonable compared to western prices. Train travel in India is one of the best ways to get around and although sometimes tiresome, it can be really fun.
What train to take in India?
Most of the trains I travelled on in India were the cheapest or second cheapest, usually 3 padded seats in a row, facing each other. Some have fans to cool the carriage down but it still gets very hot.
Actually the best place to stand is by the doors, they leave them open so you get the warm Indian air on your face whilst watching the world go by. Just make sure not to stick your head out too much, or else a branch or something might hit you!
Although sometimes painfully long, Indian train journeys can be a great way to see the vast scenery India has to offer and with good transport links between the cities, it’s a great choice to get around.
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So what’s the secret to surviving an 8 hour hot and cramped train ride?
Be prepared!
Bring stuff, lots of stuff!! I’m talking, food, drinks, books, music, movies on your phone, kindles, travel journal, cards…anything to keep you occupied! Playing cards or board games can be a fun way to pass the time.
Make sure you have food and water with you as it does get hot on the trains. There are guys that sell snacks on the train if you forget much they may not be too your taste!
Move Around
It can be uncomfortable sitting on the same seat for 8 hours so walk around a bit or stand up by the door and take in the countryside and small towns that hurry past you. Indian train journeys I think are best enjoyed standing by the door or window and feeling that warm breeze rush over you, watching the world go by.
Get some Sleep
If you can manage to get some sleep fantastic! This will make the time go by a lot faster, although you may miss out on the scenery from out the window. I loved just sitting by the window with my music in and day dreaming away until my hearts content.
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Enjoy doing nothing
I found that after the initial group conversation on long train journeys, everyone started to get a bit more quiet and keep to themselves. This time was a welcome break from being with the group and a way to sit and think; a bit of time to myself (even though I was surrounded by people!).
The endless churning of the wheels and warm air on my face became a rhythm, the motion of the train lulling me into my own thoughts. Even though it can be busy, people chatting away, etc it can also be kind of peaceful at the same time. Enjoy taking in the scenes and Indian culture.
Take some photos
You’d be amazed at the photos you can take just from the window or door! Think endless fields and landscapes, mixed with the occasional small town or people waiting at the station. I also saw several gorgeous sunsets on my train journeys.
Wear comfortable clothing
Indian train journeys can get hot, sweaty, smelly and boring and by the end you are relieved to get off! Make sure you are prepared by wearing loose, comfortable and breathable clothing. You will thank yourself at the end.
Taking a train in India is an experience, and one I would recommended completely. As long as you are prepared with things to pass the time and most importantly snacks and water, then it can be an enjoyable and insightful experience.
Going second or third class is a great way to really get a feel of the local culture and to delve into Indian travel. Travelling by train is one of the best ways to journey around India, to mix with the locals and to embrace and explore this vibrant country.
Hope you like this post, please share on Pinterest and comment below if you’ve experienced an Indian train journey- How was it?!
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16 Comments
Love your photography and the simplicity of your content.
Thank you ๐
I love train travel and this looks like such a unique experience.
Such a helpful post about train travel in India and I loved the cow on the platform hahaha x
Your diary exert was funny! Ah the things travel makes us do hehe. I always always try to get some sleep with travelling, trains, buses, boats hehe.
Missing India so much after reading your article! I explored the north of the country by train and it was truly an unforgettable experience!
It’s one of the best ways to travel in any place I think ๐
India is really high in my list, but transportation is one of the things Iโm dreading. Ever since I read Shantaram, I imagine being pushed around, and having to fight for an inch of space. Iโm happy to see it should be much better. Super nice tips, thanks for sharing! โค๏ธ
India is really high in my list, but transportation is one of the things Iโm dreading. Ever since I read Shantaram, I imagine being pushed around, and having to fight for an inch of space. Iโm happy to see it should be much better. Super nice tips, thanks for sharing! ๐
I am intrigued as others have not recommended we take the trains in India. Did you find it dangerous? Your photos captured the ride very well and it looks almost peaceful.
I was with a tour group so felt safe. If I was on my own I’d definitely be more careful and recommend to get the day trains, maybe 1st or 2nd class.
You described your train journey so well. Although I am Indian I haven’t travelled by train for really long time. But I can relate to your experience so well.
Great! These are awesome tips I can use someday. Thank you for sharing.
Crowded and hot? I don’t think I could do it! It looks like you made the most of the trip though!
This is such great insight into riding trains in India! I have never been on one but I’ve always wanted to try and felt a bit intimidated. I can now see there’s nothing to be worried about. I would probably abandon my seat for the door. I am a sucker for open air and scenic landscapes. Thanks for the useful info!
yes thats where I was for most of the journey! much cooler there, plus get to see more