This is one of the most fascinating ways of seeing the "real" India. The railway platforms are like mini bazaars, teeming with people, the

appearances and attires changing as you cross from one state to another. Fellow travellers invariably strike up a conversation, often in

remarkably good English, and you may find yourself discussing cricket, which Indians are passionate about, or denouncing politicians, yours

and theirs.

While train travel is exciting some people may find the upkeep below expectations. All things considered we feel at least one journey is worth

the experience.

Click here for more information on tours focussing particularly on train travel.
Grades of train travel

Given below are the upper grades of train travel. Not all trains, however, ply with all classes.

For overnight journeys the Air-conditioned First Class (AC First) offers wide cushioned berths in cabins sleeping two or four. Each cabin can

be locked from the inside. The carriage windows are double-glazed and tinted for effective air-conditioning. Four cloakrooms are available

including one with a western style seat. An attendant travels with the carriage. He provides clean linen, keeps the carriage doors locked and

can give you a wake up call if you are to disembark at an odd hour. For couples a two-berth cabin is requested. The Railways, however, do not

guarantee it and sometimes it becomes necessary to share a four-berth cabin

Air-conditioned 2-Tier (AC Sleeper) is similar to AC First Class but with slightly smaller berths. All cabins have four berths, which are separated

from the corridor by curtains instead of doors. There are some further berths placed lengthwise along the corridor, again with a curtain for

privacy. The remaining amenities are the same as in AC First with an attendant who keeps the carriage locked from inside.

First Class (Non AC) is arranged similar to AC First Class but without the air-conditioning. All cabins are provided with ceiling fans and the

windows can be opened for fresh air. This is ideal for enjoying the landscape and the sounds and smells of the country but may leave you a

bit dusty. This class is unfortunately being phased out and very few "express" trains have it. Most passenger trains, which are slower with

many halts en route, still retain this grade.

For day travel Air-conditioned Chair Car (AC Chair car) is the most comfortable. The carriage has individual reclining seats and is air-

conditioned with double-glazed, tinted windows. The viewing from the windows is often not very clear. Some trains may also have Executive

Class Chair Car - more legroom - akin to Club Class on flights.

There are various lower grades of train travel, which are normally not used by us. For our tours we use the AC First Class or AC Sleeper - in

that order of preference. For day journeys AC Chair Car is used, with upgrades to Executive Class if available. If the train does not have a

Chair Car, as is quite common, even a day journey may be in one of the sleeper categories. On these the sleeper gets converted during the

daytime to a cushioned bench seat with backrest, with seat numbers allocated.
Meals on trains

Most trains have a kitchen car and serve food, soft drinks, tea and coffee through bearers who regularly pass through your compartment. For

long journeys it may be advisable to carry packed food from your previous hotel. On some prestigious trains, notably the "super fast" trains

named Shatabdi or Rajdhani, meals are included in the fare and are of acceptable standards.
Railway Stations

These have waiting rooms and restaurants, some of which may lack cleanliness. In remote little-used stations the standards are often better. If

you have a long wait it may again be advisable to spend that time at a hotel lounge outside, specially in a big city or town. We can provide a

car and driver to facilitate this. Most stations have bookstalls and soft drinks vendors.