How to book a train from Europe?

Alright hm still having some difficulties with credit cards etc
Im staying in Delhi for a week, then in Goa for a week (by plane), and then I'll start taking trains.
Is it possible/manageable to order all my train tickets when im in India already?
And what are the possible disadvantages to this?

1. Yes. Would be more easy if the particular location has a Foreign Tourist Office.
2. Disadvantages: With trains all packed up, you would hardly get a berth.

Ex:-Falaknuma Express/12704 (secunderabad/hyderabad - howrah)
I had intended to book a ticket on 22nd October (90th ARP opened on 24th morning (yesterday) 8 am)
I was keeping a close look at the status.

Sleeper AC 3-tierAC 2-tierAC 1st Class (Before the booking started)
2011-10-20 Avbl 309 RAC 6 Avbl 11 Avbl 4
2011-10-21 Avbl 256 WL# 12 WL# 3 Avbl 4
2011-10-22 Avbl 480 Avbl 61 Avbl 30 Avbl 4

##
##

I did my booking at 8 am without any hinch and was successful in getting the desired berth.

Sleeper AC 3-tierAC 2-tierAC 1st Class (status at around 8:05)
2011-10-20 Avbl 309 RAC 6 Avbl 11 Avbl 4
2011-10-21 Avbl 256 WL# 12 WL# 3 Avbl 4
2011-10-22 Avbl 480 Avbl 57 Avbl 21 Avbl 4
##
##

Sleeper AC 3-tier AC 2-tierAC 1st Class (Status at 10 am)
2011-10-20 Avbl 297 WL# 2 Avbl 9 Avbl 4
2011-10-21 Avbl 233 WL# 23 WL# 3 Avbl 4
2011-10-22 Avbl 308 WL# 15 WL# 5 WL# 1

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In Delhi, go speak to the tourist office at New Delhi Railway Station, directions here: http://www.rb.indianrailways.gov.in/...u/guideloc.jsp. No, they won't be able to help you if there just is no availability, but they'll try and help you if they can.

And, no, they're not burned down nor has their director taken a sick leave, even though a gazillion of touts there may tell you so. Just persist, and you'll find it. (I've spoken to people there who literally must have been on the right floor, but still missed it. I guess it's not very conspicuous. But believe me: It's there, and it's signposted. Well, if it still is, after a 1.5 years of not being there; if not, I'd expect there to be signs pointing you elsewhere.)

You are taking a risk, btw; you might find many trains full. Though this time of year if that's what you're thinking of and to Goa, I don't think there'd be that much of an interest.

There is one more train; East Coast Express for the same pair of stations, which starts a bit early. People were hardly interested in it. However, due to the fact that we have major festivals in India, on 24/25th and 26th, all the trains are in huge demand.

ps I see only now you're actually flying to Goa.

You can book most train stretches at most other stations, yes, just like you might at home; but the shorter you leave it, the greater risk, of course. They can really really book out, and well in advance.

And then you'd still need to pinpoint your dates. So I don't see much advantage; if it's just ClearTrip you have trouble getting through to, I'd suggest to persist some more. Rather than sorting it out there, last-minute.

(I never book anything ahead myself, btw. Which is how I know it's difficult. Far more so than you might imagine.)

Have you spoken to your credit / debit card company? They might not be allowing the charges to go through since you are trying to book tickets in India.

It is also a good idea to enroll for 'Verified by Visa' if you use a Visa or 'Master Secure' if you use a Master or Maestro

Yes thanks a lot for all the advice
I've been trying cleartrip again and again but its hard as im not at home and certain things are missing (eg a cardreader..)
so i'll have to wait until im at home, and try again then with everything close and hope it works
nevertheless, thanks for all the help, it really destressed me and i feel way more confident about travelling now!

This might be a very silly question, but still: is the journey date for departure or arrival? I'm guessing departure, but I'd rather be certain.

Departure but when booking via cleartrip the system will search automaticly the trains you can take on your travelday depending on your starting point.