Delhi to Agra Shatabdi - Exec AC class

I am looking at the indian railways site and possibly considering doing a day trip to the taj mahal.

Does anyone know why there is no mention of Exec AC class on the booking web page. It only mentions First Class AC which I believe is not the same.

Can anyone help as im not sure whether it would be better to drive to agra or take the train.

A company call ranjit bros in delhi is offering a fully escorted tour to the taj mahal with pick ups from our hotel, a return train ticket, lunch in a 5 star hotel and transfers around the tourist sites for $68. This appeals as we feel we wont get hassled as much if we are with a tour rep.

Thoughts please, we dont have much time left to make our minds up!

Well if you want to see the Taj by the night not sure if this package deal will be able to deliver that. And in any case these package trips are kind of very rushed - so if you do not mind some additional funds the trident hilton is offering a good deal at Agra (Rs 4000 @ Rs 45 to a USD that comes to USD 89). You will of course need to make travel arrangements

The site is

http://www.trident-hilton.com/specia...=specialoffers

I had a look at the Shatabdi in New Delhi station last year and it did have an Executive Chair Car carriage (ECC), maybe Indian Railways only say 1A for booking.


The tour price is a bit worrying, find out EXACTLY what you get for the price, what is included and what isn't.

The Shatabdi in ECC costs Rs 720 in each direction, thats $32 for the train alone.

Then a taxi/rickshaw to and from your hotel, plus the same around Agra for the day, I'd be surprised if you'd get that for less than Rs500.

Lunch in a 5 star hotel will cost upwards of Rs500 per person.

Then there is the cost of the guide, not to mention any profit margin for the tour company.

You also have to pay to enter the Taj, $20 (I think), this cost is likely to be seperate from the cost of the tour.


When you add it all up, the $68 seems to good to be true, I suggest you get more info about the things covered in the price (including trains used and class of carriage used on trains*).

* = keep of the Shatabdi, and go ordinary air con chair car, and the return fare will be less than $12.

http://www.indiatraveltours.com/agra%20day%20trip.htm

Sorry it wasnt ranjit bros it was a different firm. We do think this is good value and the train ticket quotes "air conditioned chair car", I understand that the shatabdi is a first class only train, so what do you think.

PS I am very impressed with your knowledge, my family are from india and they couldnt tell me as much as the information I can gather from this website!

The difference between AC chair class and executive chair class is minimal anyway, judging by a recent report from a well known IM member!!

The Shatabdi does have different classes i.e. executive chair class/1AC (AC) and normal chair class (AC)

I supect for this price you will be in the normal chair class which is fine it's comfortable enough and your meals, snacks, tea, newpapers and water are included in the price!!