Long Distance train travel

Butthead

I think i will avoid this in future. Today i arrived in Mumbai after a 33 hour journey from Calcutta. I was really looking forward to it. I met the first rude person since i have been in India now for the last 2 weeks when some wa*ker got on the train in Calcutta and went beserk and started shouting at me as i happened to be in his berth instead of mine which was the one beside it. I admit i was wrong but the guy was just as asshole about it. The journey then consisted of 2 almost entirely sleepless nights in a fart-filled snorefest of a cabin and this was 2AC sleeper class. I dont wanna put anyone else off train travel, this is just my first experience of a long journey.

Bigzero

you are more likely to come across grumpy characters in 2AC class than in sleeper. people are generally more flexible and accommodating in sleeper class.

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Butthead

actually it was sleeper class, 2AC sleeper class i think

Nick-H

Not the same thing at all.

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cyberhippie

The long overnighters are not for the faint hearted!! It's maybe a good idea to break yourself in with a shorter trip of 12-15 hours to see how you cope!!
When I started all this India nonsense I couldn't sleep on trains or I would only sleep fitfully. So on the long overnighters I was a mess, and probably a trifle grumpy!
After a couple of trips like this I discovered mothers little helper valium, 5 mgs and I slept like a baby for 5-6 hours which was a whole lot more than before!
What's more this doesn't knock you out rather it relaxed me enough to stay asleep.
I can't say I've noticed one class being better than another in terms of travel companions it's more of a lucky dip, I've encountered drunks (nightmare scenario) in all classes and grumpy folks but I can safely say most of my long train journies have been pleasant ones.
There is a certain camaraderie travelling on the trains of India, as you share your bananas and biscuits with your travelmates, especially when the "tuck box" gets opened.
Many Indians bring a banquet with them for their train trip all prepared at home, ahhh the delicious tit bits I had from these wonderful "parcels" great food but I still think home cooked food rules in India.
Long distance train travel calls for a kind of meditation, switch off, be part of the journey don't clock watch you'll drive yourself nuts if you sit wishing the journey is over and get into the traveling regime bed early up early a nap in the afternoon, frequent snacking and lots of chai.
Butthead it's behind you now the next time will be easier, though I think your right split the journey up into managable chunks it easier on mind and soul!!
Oh by the way "sleeper" is with no AC it's the new fangled term for 2nd class sleeper.

Happy Traveling

Jamie11

I will be travelling from Goa to Delhi, can you tell me what the first class is called? is it hjust called first class? sorry if this sounds like a stupid question. Also is it worth travelling in this class?

thanks

cyberhippie

Sleeper = second class sleeper, no AC, no bedding unless you order it, 6 beds to a compartment and two side or aisle beds, windows that open, available on all long distance trains

First Class no AC four beds to a compartment, bedding included, windows that open unfortunately hardly availabe at all these days, certainly not between Goa and Delhi

AC Three Tier AC, bedding included, six beds to compartment, and two side beds, a compartment curtain for privacy, sealed windows, available on most long distance trains

AC Two Tier AC, bedding included, four beds to a compartment and two side beds, a compartment curtain for privacy, private reading light, sealed windows, available on most long distance trains!

AC First class AC bedding included, two beds in a BIG compartment, lockable door, table and chairs, shower in the shared toilet, reading light, sealed windows Available only on selcted trains like the Rajdhani/Shatabdi express.
As this class is on special trains you can expect all you meals/water/newspapers flung in with the price of the ticket, the same goes for 2 tier ac and 2 tier AC in the Rajdhani/Shatabdi express

As for whether it's worth it well i reckon the further up the comfort scale you go the less value for money you get for instance traveling first class AC on the Rajdhani is comfortable but hugely expensive relative to say 3 tier AC which is pretty comfortable.
The choice is yours

I hope that helped

Happy Traveling

Butthead

Since that first monstor 33 hour journey i've taken 2 more train trips, each about 8 hours. Both trips i've travelled second class, they have been day trips so no sleeping berths. I've found the people in 2nd class to be friendly and polite. Sure it can get uncomfortable sitting on those bench's but given its price difference i think it can well be beared on trips of this duration. In a few hours time im about to go on a 10 hour trip, again 2nd class.

Chandra

I had my only bad train experience on ACchair. Even during my longest trip in sleeper class (56 hours) I had a pleasant time. I only prepare myself to stay in the train for an eternity, and the trip doesn't seem that long...

jwblack

In a previous life (or so it seems ) I was involved in travelling from Madras as it was then to Lahore which is now in Pakistan . From Madras to Lahaore took about 3 & 1/2 days one way . The motive power was steam and the accommadation was fairly basic . Our efforts at AC was a huge lump of ice wrapped in sacking in the centre of the carriage . Surptisingly the ice lasted for about 30 hrs and provided an ideal cold water bottle . I must say that I cannot remember being bored travelling in India . The countryside is so varied and also changeable , especially after the rains . When you travel the same line often you begin to look out for sights and even people on various sections . Best wishes Butthead . Blackeye