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How to survive india train journeys — Pin Me!

(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).”

Train travel, India — Oh the life of a traveller

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.

Getting a train in India — This cow was in the middle platform!

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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.

More India Reading: Strolling Around India’s Most Romantic City

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.

Read more on India: Discover Kerala’s Stunning Backwaters

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.

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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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So after exploring the city of Seoul, I wanted to check out the mountains of Seoraksan, especially being October as the leaves dramatically change colour from green to vivid oranges and reds. Although, any month of the year is a great visit, with snow covered mountains in winter and flowers budding in Spring. There are also several temples in the park, and many levels of hikes through the trees or via the clear mountain streams. It’s a bit of a task coming from Seoul but totally achievable and well worth it (directions at the bottom).

Seoraksan mountains korea — View from top of gondola

Day 1 in Seoul

I wake at 6am in Seoul and get the subway to the Express Bus Terminal, buying a ticket for Sokcho. Traffic is good so the bus only takes 2 and a half hours to reach Sokcho. As I’m trying to find my way to the local bus stop, I get talking to some other girls and we find the bus together. This bus will take us to the village closest to the mountains. One of the girls is Korean, very hyper and funny, asking everyone on the bus if they know where my stop is and even phoning the hostel to ask them. The kindest of strangers never ceases to surprise me. I get off at the small and quiet village near to the National Park and at Goodstay Smile Resort I’m greeted by a really friendly women but who speaks no English!

goodstay resort, Seoraksan mountains korea

Goodstay Smile Resort

view from hostel, Seoraksan mountains korea

View from guesthouse

Not wanting to waste time, I drop my bags down and head out for the mountains to make the most of the day. I take the cable car up the mountains, overlooking beautiful views. There is a massive rock many people are climbing so I clamber up to the top like everyone else. The views from the top are fantastic.

I bump into the girls from earlier and we walk together to the big Buddha and temple. We take an easy-ish walk to a rock that’s tilted on its edge and has been named ‘the pushing rock’ as everyone tries to push it over, not succeeding of course. We take pictures at another group of picturesque temples, the sun shining and leaves starting to change their colour all around us. The park is beautiful with the sun streaming down and clear streams meandering through the forest.

New friends

Big Buddha

After a lovely day in the park I decide to walk back to the hostel which takes 40 minutes down a never ending road but I make it to town and order a dinner of a big pot of rice, including many side dishes, as is custom in Korea. The funny lady in the cafe starts mixing my food for me and showing me how to eat! Back at the hostel I find I have the whole dorm to myself and chill out on the floor, enjoying the under floor heating!

korean rice dish with side dishes — Koreans love their side dishes

Day 2 in Seoraksan

hiking trail mountains korea — Perfect hiking weather

The sun is shining once again as I take the 5 minute bus to the entrance, stopping briefly as a big group of Korean men ask to have a picture with me (bit weird). I walk through the trees and glistening streams, clambering up rocks to finally reach a waterfall, which turns out to be quite small but nevertheless a nice spot for a quick sunbathe. I rest for a while as the walk was quite steep for me. The waterfall is pretty and most people are also sunbathing and enjoying the tranquil setting.

glistening waterfall Seoraksan mountains korea

Waterfall rest stop

Gorgeous views

As hunger strikes I head down to the mountain cafe for ‘hot noodle’ (delicious!). After my stomach is satisfied I head off again on a much easier walk this time. It’s really pretty with the leaves changing colours, although I’m a little early for the full effect of Autumn. I walk by a bright blue stream with crystal clear water, taking a small rest and just listening to the sounds of nature. I feel so calm in this moment.

As I’m leaving, an older Korean man starts talking with me and wants me to eat with him. It’s a bit wired so I explain that I’m just leaving so don’t really have the time. He continues walking with me to the exit, offering me bread which I kindly refuse. He says “ok nice to meet you” and walks out of the exit. I wait a few minutes and then walk out briskly trying not look around (really don’t want to bump into him again). Then when I’m clear of the park I here “Hello!” (ahh damm), I knew he would wait! He offers me a lift but I insist on walking and after a while of walking along with me he eventually heads off. Well that was annoying but at least I got rid of him!

Park entrance to mountains korea — Park Entrance

Back at the hostel I sit and eat with the owners son Tey, whilst waiting for my night bus to Busan. He is very welcoming and has great English. There is also a primary school group staying there and the 2 young teachers come over and buy me some blueberry milk (people are so nice here). The school kids are headed into town the same time I need to get my bus, so the teacher waits at the bus stop with me and lets the driver know where I’m going. I love how helpful the locals are. The group of kids smile and wave me off. Gonna miss this little town.

I really enjoyed my trip to the mountains, and whilst slightly challenging getting here, the mountains are a fantastic place to get away from the city. This was one of my favourite places in Korea and for nature loving hikers it’s a must do. Great any time of the year and a world away from Seoul, it’s a perfect weekend getaway from city life.

Getting to Seoraksan from Seoul

There are no planes or trains to the mountains so you need to get 2 buses. The first to Sokcho and then a local bus. I found the journey ok and people were very helpful. If you can find someone to write to name of your hostel down in Korean that would be a bonus. If not then show the driver a map of where you need to go.

Get subway or taxi to Seoul Express Terminal ( you can also get non-express buses from Dong Seoul Terminal)
Arrive early to buy a ticket at the counter or buy tickets at the counter a few days before to save time (you can buy some tickets online but sites are in Korean so can be difficult)
Buy a ticket to Sokcho (it will take 2-3 hours)
Get off at Sokcho Express Bus Terminal (should be the last stop)
Some hotels will be in Sokcho and some will be in the small town right by the National Park. Goodstay Smile Resort is right by the park. To get to the hotels close to the park you need to get on a local bus.
Get on the 7 or 7-1 bus towards Seoraksan National Park (the buses end at the National park, stopping off at the small town just before)
The local bus runs roughly every half an hour and will take around 40 minutes. You should have some small change to put in the box as you get on. Let the driver know where you need to get off, they are usually pretty helpful.
I would recommend leaving Seoul early to avoid delays and bad traffic, plus if you get the 6am bus then you can head to the mountains on the same day.