Bangalore train to Varanasi - interesting stopovers? (and NE itinerary)

itamar.india · Dec 23rd, 2008, 00:41

Hey,

I have exactly a month from end of Feb to end of March, starting and ending in Bangalore, to cover the northeast (especially sikkim). I'll head to the NE by train, probably 3AC class (too long to try out sleeper for the first time). I want to go from Bangalore to Varanasi, and then after my trip, from Kolkata to Bangalore.

I don't mind long train journeys in general - I've done 30 hour journeys in China. But it seems like the only train from Bangalore to Varanasi (Mughal Sarai) leaves at 9am and arrives at 5:30am two days later - yuck. I'd much rather split up the journey into two overnight train rides with something interesting in the middle for a day. My question is - in what major train station should I stop for a day to sightsee on the way from Bangalore to Varanasi?

The Kolkata (Howrah) to Bangalore route has trains that take two nights but just one day, so that'll be great.

Since I'm posting (my first post) already, I might as well listen to any other thoughts you have: what shall I do with 25 days in the northeast (sikkim etc) area? I'm planning a few days in Varanasi, potentially 2 in Kolkata, and as much trekking in darjeeling and sikkim as I can manage. but maybe I can try to also make time for Assam or other NE states...

Thanks!

Khak · Dec 23rd, 2008, 00:49

I assume that you are refering to SANGHAMITRA EXP which goes via Chennai and reaches Mughalsai on morning of 3rd day......

I would recommend you make journey in two parts........breaking at New Delhi.........you will have more options for trains......... also you can directly reach Varanasi from New Delhi.......

and yes lots to see in New Delhi

itamar.india · Dec 23rd, 2008, 00:56

Thanks for the tip, Khak! I actually forgot to put this important info in my post: I've made on trip to Delhi and its environs before, so I've seen the golden triangle. Also, I've seen Hyderabad.

Any other suggestions for a day of sightseeing between Bangalore and Varanassi, to break up the train journey?

Dec 23rd, 2008, 00:41	#1
itamar.india Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 4	Bangalore train to Varanasi - interesting stopovers? (and NE itinerary) Hey, I have exactly a month from end of Feb to end of March, starting and ending in Bangalore, to cover the northeast (especially sikkim). I'll head to the NE by train, probably 3AC class (too long to try out sleeper for the first time). I want to go from Bangalore to Varanasi, and then after my trip, from Kolkata to Bangalore. I don't mind long train journeys in general - I've done 30 hour journeys in China. But it seems like the only train from Bangalore to Varanasi (Mughal Sarai) leaves at 9am and arrives at 5:30am two days later - yuck. I'd much rather split up the journey into two overnight train rides with something interesting in the middle for a day. My question is - in what major train station should I stop for a day to sightsee on the way from Bangalore to Varanasi? The Kolkata (Howrah) to Bangalore route has trains that take two nights but just one day, so that'll be great. Since I'm posting (my first post) already, I might as well listen to any other thoughts you have: what shall I do with 25 days in the northeast (sikkim etc) area? I'm planning a few days in Varanasi, potentially 2 in Kolkata, and as much trekking in darjeeling and sikkim as I can manage. but maybe I can try to also make time for Assam or other NE states... Thanks!

Dec 23rd, 2008, 00:49	#2
Khak Maha Guru Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: kolkata/hyderabad Posts: 673	I assume that you are refering to SANGHAMITRA EXP which goes via Chennai and reaches Mughalsai on morning of 3rd day...... I would recommend you make journey in two parts........breaking at New Delhi.........you will have more options for trains......... also you can directly reach Varanasi from New Delhi....... and yes lots to see in New Delhi __________________ ~Khak~ Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

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Dec 23rd, 2008, 00:56	#3
itamar.india Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 4	Thanks for the tip, Khak! I actually forgot to put this important info in my post: I've made on trip to Delhi and its environs before, so I've seen the golden triangle. Also, I've seen Hyderabad. Any other suggestions for a day of sightseeing between Bangalore and Varanassi, to break up the train journey?