Train Travel in India

Traveling by train in India is a "must." The English language and the train system are the 2 best things the English left in India. It's fun, fun, fun, and a great way to see the country. I recommend using a travel agent to make the reservations, as it is time consuming and uncertain when you make your own reservation. A little preparation is in order, and there are a few things you need to consider before your trip. 1. Mentally- See it as an experience, or an adventure. It's not forever. Look for good people and good things to happen. Be grateful you can travel so far for so cheap. Prepare to see India, on India's terms, not ours. People love to talk to each other, and find out about you. Indians have endless curiosity about foreigners, and are happy to share themselves and their food with you. Train trips can create the very best encounters with Indian people. It's all good, no matter what. The best and easiest way to book your train trip is to use a travel agent. This will save you lots of time and frustration, and cost you next to nothing. Nothing is easy, but everything is possible. Be absolutely sure your ticket is confirmed. If not, you may not have a bunk on the train. 2 Physically Always take an A/C cabin, 2nd class is ok, 3 tier A/C means there are triple bunks, while 2 tier A/C has only a double bunk with curtains, for extra privacy and comfort. Bring food, snacks, apples, mandarins, chips, water, peanut butter, candy bars, whatever you like. Indians like to share their food with their travel companions. There are vendors for all these things, and you can buy it all at the railway platforms. Don't look for gourmet (?) meals, except on the first class. Bring business cards. You never know. You may be invited for a dinner at someone's house. They are very hospitable to foreigners. Buy a chain and padlock at the station to chain your bags to the seat. You will sleep a lot better. Offer your food or drink offerings 3 and 4 times. It is considered polite to refuse the first, second, and third times. You have to be what seems rudely insistent before they will accept your offerings. Absolutely, bring toilet paper. Sometimes they have it, but don't count on it. Western toilets are available but the squat toilets are cleaner. Be sure you can squat and get up again before you use the squat toilets. Bring your own towel and sheet and neck pillow, just in case. Sheets and a towel are provided on overnight trains, but I like to use my own. I also like to have some "wipes" with me.