Travel by Train in India

Many Americans have a dream to see and enjoy the most interior parts of India. India is a vast country and the best way to reach to the innermost regions of the country is through trains. Air services are still in some limited sectors in India and do not cover all the interiors. The train journey in India is really thrilling, providing all the visitors a splendid view of the rich countryside of India along with the study of behaviors of people from all the parts of this country. Indian railways have the second biggest network in the world, first being China. Indian economy and the life of all the people will come to a standstill without this train wheels moving day and night. Moreover, the journey through train is still very economical as compared to air in India.

The massive network of Indian Railways is divided into five zones, namely western, eastern, southern, northern, and the central railway. The trains can be classified in broad gauge, meter gauge, and the narrow gauge, based on the width of the tracks. The trains range from local trains that stop at all stations to express, mail, and super fast trains, which stop only at very big stations. The trains provide various classes that you can select based on condition of your pocket and the facilities you need. Non air conditioned trains have two classes, 1^st and the 2^nd. While air conditioned trains have 4 classes namely, 3 tier, 2 tier, and AC chair car and finally, the best of all AC 1^st class. The fares are all varying based on the class of your travel. The most economical fare is offered in 2^nd class, non air conditioned.

Each class is having different level of facilities. AC 1^st class provides all meals, bed and various other entertainments along with your own sleeping birth with reading light of your own. The higher classes have a coupe that has capacity of either 2 or 4 passengers. Such coupe can be locked from inside, giving you additional safety and privacy. It is really the most pleasant and memorable experience to travel in AC 1^st class of some prestigious trains like Rajdhani Express and Shatabdi express that plies between all the metro cities of India like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Calcutta, and Chennai.

The fare of highest class of such trains is slightly less than the air, but it provides a nice opportunity of the wonderful experience viewing all the country side of this vast country along with all deluxe facilities. The fare of AC 1^st class from Mumbai to Delhi by Rajdhani Express is around Rs.5500 ($135) and the journey takes around 17 hours to cover the distance of app.1500kms. Those of us who wants to experience the life of Indian kings and queens, Royal and luxurious trains like "palace on wheels" are available that offers a round trip of about 7 days covering the complete Royal Rajasthan. The rates of such travel are around $250 to $350 per day per passenger.

However, there are some tips of advice, which are required to follow to make your train journey enjoyable. First of all, book your tickets in advance. You can book your tickets 60 days in advance of your travel date. The computerized booking facilities are now available in most of the big cities of India. You can also request the specific choice of your seats at the time of booking. Always avoid buying tickets from unauthorized travel agents that are moving around on each station, promising you to get the confirmed tickets. The luggage of maximum 20 kg is allowed in 2^nd class and 50 kg of luggage is allowed in AC 1^st class per passenger.

Make sure to travel within this limit as otherwise you will have to pay heavy fine and might have to book your luggage in a break van, meant to carry the heavy luggage. Keep your luggage locked with the chain in the hooks provided at each seat while you are in the train. Never accept any food items from the unknown persons during the journey. All big stations have facility to exactly announce where your coach is going to come on the platform. Wait exactly at that spot to board in the train. Listen carefully to all the announcements made. Whenever you hire a porter for carrying your luggage, note down his badge number that is generally worn on the right shoulder. Never hire an unauthorized porter.

When you have some time to spend at the station, relax in the waiting rooms provided by the railways. Never get down from the train during the journey without consulting the coach conductor on the exact duration of the stoppage of the train at a particular station. Make sure to carry your own mineral water with you. Avoid buying food items from the hawkers of the station. You can depend on the food items sold by the train dining car only. If your stop is going to come at odd hours, request the coach conductor to wake you up. Avoid unnecessary mixing with unknown people.

Do not boast about yourself and keep the cash money safely in your pockets. Pick pocketing can be a real threat at times. The season tickets allowing you unlimited travel during the specified period are also available, particularly for the foreigners. Make sure to get endorsement of the respective station master on your season ticket whenever you break your journey. Always carry the Indian railways time table with you while traveling that will show you the exact time of arriving at your station. Such timetables are available at the book stalls located on each big station. Never consume alcohol in the train even if the drinking is allowed in that state as drinking in public places is strictly prohibited in India. If you have any complaints, lodge them with the concerned authorities like railway police or the railway staff who are available on most of the stations.

If you are fond of traveling by train, you must travel by train in India so as to enjoy the real beauty of this vast country. Traveling in the "palace of wheels" for around a week in Rajasthan surely can provide an unforgettable, royal experience of treating yourself like an Indian king or queen.