Indian Railways

This would be my ever first train ride. The Indian Railway system is composed of hundreds of trains plying all over the Indian continent. In Delhi alone, there are 3 or more railway stations and the NDLS (New Delhi Station) far being the busiest and the largest amongst them.



The most famous mode of transportation in India is the auto rickshaw, taxi and the train. Millions of Indians and foreigners ride the train to get to their destination. By far , it is cheaper than flying . Trains are most favorable for tourists because it is convenient and cheap. One can travel from North to South India, east to west india by just taking the train. Just don't expect european standard amenities because baby this is India!

Just like an airplane, you may choose your seating class inside the train. These are the classes:

Aircon Chair
Sleeper Class - non aircon. great if you travel during the winter
3AC tier - 8 bunk beds
2AC tier  - 6 bunk beds
First Class - most comfortable with 2 bunk beds. but slightly expensive.

I chose 3AC tier for most part of our journeys . It's cheap and you get to mingle with the locals as well.

Our journey to Agra is bound to set here. I chose for us to leave from NDLS to Agra Cantt because it is closest to our hotel (Pahar Ganj area).

                            Typical scenes at the Railway station

                                       3AC tier configuration - 3beds one side (lower/middle/upper) + 3beds on another side (lower/middle/upper) + 2 beds sitting parallel to the window. A total of 8 bunk beds .

Some locals show animosity towards us especially when we are claiming our beds. Remember, when the Indian Railways issue you a ticket , your seat number is also indicated as well as the position of your bed. For example : #31 lower. You are in seat #31 lower bunk bed.

If you wish to switch places , you may ask them politely. People have preferences in bed positions you know. I like the upper bunk because it is quiet, no people hanging around, no pesky kids crying, no luggages obstructing my view, in short i can sleep in solitude.

                             The upper and middle bunks in a 3AC tier .

We have saved some money by travelling the train during the night. Food may pose a problem because you do not know food safety bought inside the train's pantry. I suggest you buy food take out from the port of embarkation . Drinks such as Chai may be bought inside the train. It is quite safe to drink as long as it is hot.

The toilet inside the train is utterly disgusting! So word of caution: bring lots of wet tissues and alcohol/hand sanitizer. Water is scarce believe me!!!

If you don't want frequent trips to the toilet during your train ride then minimize water intake . In that case, you won't have to see how gross the toilets are.

Smoking is prohibited inside the train. But on one occassion during our train ride, it stopped for a while ( i don't know the reason why) and the locals disembarked for a smoke.

Overall, it was a nice enough experience. I did get a good night sleep.

Taj Mahal here we come!!!!!