Sleeper Class details & photos.

York_Katni · Feb 1st, 2009, 20:06

The UB is a good option for first timers irrespective of the class. Young women travelers and first timers who are young enough to take a few steps up are better off with the UB. It gives you some space, reprieve from the chai wallahs and neighbors. A few hellos and some polite conversations later one can take a book or in the AC class the laptop and work upstairs. One more condition is that the luggage is fastened securely below and the backpack and shoes are kept above. Beware of places such as Bhusawal where the third sex and shoe thieves abound.
But for seeing the countryside it is not a great option.
I prefer SLB.

Keshava · Feb 3rd, 2009, 07:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by palerider

Sleeper is THE way to see India.

I would say that sleeper class is hit or miss. By and large - I'd say it's a good way to travel - tho getting a pillow, sheets and a blanket (as in 1st Class) at night is something I miss in Sleeper Class. I don't agree that it's the only way to experience the "real" India. It’s the assimilation creed of the Boho orthodoxy which presupposes that the only genuine India is the romantically impoverished India that westerners have been exposed to in British and American literature. It seems that Phorens coming to India will tend to find the version of India that they're looking for. I agree that folks coming to India for the first time - really should do a few trips in Sleeper Class and then make up their mind.

Seems that some folks only feel they're in the "real India" when they're in the presence of "quaint" types, peasants, traveling salesmen, soldiers and cuddly old grandparent types. But middle-class and wealthy Indians are just as integrally Indian as the rest of the population. It's just that Phorens generally don't find them to be sufficiently "exotic."

Anyhoo . . . what I miss in the AC cars is being able to open the window and breathe the air and smell the world passing by. When you're passing by 10 miles of open sewage may not be so great. But the miles and miles of changing Indian scenery more than makes up for it. I really dislike the clouded up double-pane glass in the AC cars . . . very claustrophobic and depressing.

One of the best things about train rides is going out between cars, opening the doors and sitting with my legs dangling out of the car and watching the world go by. Better than any tranquilizer or anti-depressant. Lost somewhere on my hard-drive is a quote from George Orwell who spoke of how addictively relaxing Indian train travel was for him.

Another favorite thing is stepping down onto the tracks to stretch my legs late at night when the train has stopped at some nameless moufssil station, and seeing the chai-wallahs way off in the distance five or six cars back in the cool darkness, the little coals glowing in the bottom of the chai cannister, calling out "Chai-aahh chai-aahh!"

bond007 · Mar 11th, 2009, 09:13

SLEEPER CLASS IS THE WAY TO TRAVEL.........

On e-ticket you can't control which lower berth is allotted to you... it could be inner lower berth (which i don't prefer as much as side lower because the middle berth blocks some view and makes it impossible to sit up during nights)... Side lower berth is the one for me !!! With both windows open, you can watch the stations go by, see the stars at night and of course daytime is heavenly with panoramic views and easy access to vendors...

The one drawback to sleeper class window seats is when travelling in North India during winters... People tend to ask you to close the windows during night and early morning...and also during a minor drizzle... I've had several arguements over it... but its just a minor nuisance...

Keshava- You are right that Indians are stereotyped in western media... But if you do the math, a large majority of India travels in Sleeper class and is the true representation of India... You and i may not like it, but we are not the typical Indians... Its the farmer, the lower middle class etc...

To me the other advantage of travelling in Sleeper class is obviously the ease of access to platforms... AC compartments are usually locked when trains make an unscheduled stop, they are also locked when nobody is boarding/getting off the train... and the pestering from RP and TC is also a turn-off... I love taking good snaps of trains on curves...

I wanna travel on train... NOW

oraja · Apr 16th, 2009, 14:17

Hai Stev,
I am a new IMer. I read your information of our Indian Railways. What wealth of information you do impart! Above all I appreciate you love for SL. I do agree the liveliness one gets while travelling in this class but you must be aware of the climate of India with its large area. To travel from Agra to Vijayawada in the month of May and get back to your buisiness in Andhra is rather difficult. I know that to enjoy the travelling is one thing and to feel comfortable while travelling is quite another in the hot summer of India. I do travel a lot and I use SL 98% of the time. Yet in Summers it is better to travel by 3AC/2AC.- if seats are avialble!
God bless you.

avi.uvce · Apr 16th, 2009, 14:26

i just read the first posting.. od steve...

hats off to yu bro....
keep going.. . .

palerider · Apr 16th, 2009, 20:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keshava

I would say that sleeper class is hit or miss. By and large - I'd say it's a good way to travel - tho getting a pillow, sheets and a blanket (as in 1st Class) at night is something I miss in Sleeper Class. I don't agree that it's the only way to experience the "real" India. It’s the assimilation creed of the Boho orthodoxy which presupposes that the only genuine India is the romantically impoverished India that westerners have been exposed to in British and American literature. It seems that Phorens coming to India will tend to find the version of India that they're looking for. I agree that folks coming to India for the first time - really should do a few trips in Sleeper Class and then make up their mind.

Seems that some folks only feel they're in the "real India" when they're in the presence of "quaint" types, peasants, traveling salesmen, soldiers and cuddly old grandparent types. But middle-class and wealthy Indians are just as integrally Indian as the rest of the population. It's just that Phorens generally don't find them to be sufficiently "exotic."

Anyhoo . . . what I miss in the AC cars is being able to open the window and breathe the air and smell the world passing by. When you're passing by 10 miles of open sewage may not be so great. But the miles and miles of changing Indian scenery more than makes up for it. I really dislike the clouded up double-pane glass in the AC cars . . . very claustrophobic and depressing.

One of the best things about train rides is going out between cars, opening the doors and sitting with my legs dangling out of the car and watching the world go by. Better than any tranquilizer or anti-depressant. Lost somewhere on my hard-drive is a quote from George Orwell who spoke of how addictively relaxing Indian train travel was for him.

Another favorite thing is stepping down onto the tracks to stretch my legs late at night when the train has stopped at some nameless moufssil station, and seeing the chai-wallahs way off in the distance five or six cars back in the cool darkness, the little coals glowing in the bottom of the chai cannister, calling out "Chai-aahh chai-aahh!"

Yeah, a/c is fine. but like ya say. there is a lot to miss. but they're boring, and ya can't get tea enough, or see out the windows

IndiaJono · Jun 3rd, 2009, 09:20

Like Steven, I have a very strong opinion about this and it's sleeper class for me every time.

My latest trip was on Train 1028, the Mumbai Mail and I boarded at Chennai and took it all the way to Mumbai. This was at the hottest time of year: late May, but it was *not* uncomfortably hot on board. The open windows create a consistent airflow, and additionally the carriage doors were always open (with one exception I'll mention later). During the hottest part of the day you would find me sitting or standing in the doorway.

There was not one boring moment on the entire 30-hour trip, and just when I thought I'd seen it all something weird and wonderful would happen. Whether it was the blind man singing with his tambourine, the throat-singing woman, the chai vendors, the mango-seller who decided her mangoes were going to sit in my seat instead of me (for a while), the beggars with limbs missing, the railway inspectors or the police, there was always something going on. In between times, my partner and I were an endless source of entertainment for the locals. The way we ate, the way we talked, and everything about us caused them much hillarity and opened some wonderful conversations. I should add that at no point did we feel threatened or discriminated against in any way, their laughter was very good-natured, and they seemed to find us fascinating.

I never went hungry, and I actually found all the food on the train very appealing. It was certainly far better than the rubbish you have to stomach on trains in Australia, Britain or New Zealand.

I ate everything, including things served on newspaper (samosi, omelette sandwiches, dahl, curry and rice) with no ill effects whatsoever, though I'm mostly veg so that could be why.

Cleanliness really wasn't an issue for me, but I'm male and I'm told we have lower standards. Using a squat toilet on a moving train was an adventure, but hey if you want everything like it is at home, you'd better stay there!

I was touched by the generosity of people who told me they had spent nearly everything they had on the trip but still offered me their food. I learned to grumble less about leaves on the line or the wrong kind of snow, or my train in Australia running 10 minutes late, from people who were relaxed and accepting when we stopped for an hour in the middle of nowhere with no explanation.

The only un-nerving time in 30-hours lasted about 10 minutes and was late at night on a section of line between Solapur and Pune. The cop sitting next to us said he had received word that bandits were on the line holding up trains and we had to shut all the windows and shutters and keep the doors closed. He sat with his torch pointed out his open window and his rifle at the ready. Within a very short time, everyone opened up the windows and doors again and it all returned to normal.

I saw people with an embracing open-ness of spirit, who were genuinely interested in who I was and where I was from, what I thought of their country (in case you hadn't noticed i LOVE India) and who seemed (unlike so many of us in the West) to have worked out what's really important, what isn't important and how to act accordingly.

Already planning next trip in Sleeper Class. This time it will be Delhi to Udaipur city in January. Might be a bit cold.

palerider · Jun 3rd, 2009, 21:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by IndiaJono

Like Steven, I have a very strong opinion about this and it's sleeper class for me every time.

My latest trip was on Train 1028, the Mumbai Mail and I boarded at Chennai and took it all the way to Mumbai. This was at the hottest time of year: late May, but it was *not* uncomfortably hot on board. The open windows create a consistent airflow, and additionally the carriage doors were always open (with one exception I'll mention later). During the hottest part of the day you would find me sitting or standing in the doorway.

There was not one boring moment on the entire 30-hour trip, and just when I thought I'd seen it all something weird and wonderful would happen. Whether it was the blind man singing with his tambourine, the throat-singing woman, the chai vendors, the mango-seller who decided her mangoes were going to sit in my seat instead of me (for a while), the beggars with limbs missing, the railway inspectors or the police, there was always something going on. In between times, my partner and I were an endless source of entertainment for the locals. The way we ate, the way we talked, and everything about us caused them much hillarity and opened some wonderful conversations. I should add that at no point did we feel threatened or discriminated against in any way, their laughter was very good-natured, and they seemed to find us fascinating.

I never went hungry, and I actually found all the food on the train very appealing. It was certainly far better than the rubbish you have to stomach on trains in Australia, Britain or New Zealand.

I ate everything, including things served on newspaper (samosi, omelette sandwiches, dahl, curry and rice) with no ill effects whatsoever, though I'm mostly veg so that could be why.

Cleanliness really wasn't an issue for me, but I'm male and I'm told we have lower standards. Using a squat toilet on a moving train was an adventure, but hey if you want everything like it is at home, you'd better stay there!

I was touched by the generosity of people who told me they had spent nearly everything they had on the trip but still offered me their food. I learned to grumble less about leaves on the line or the wrong kind of snow, or my train in Australia running 10 minutes late, from people who were relaxed and accepting when we stopped for an hour in the middle of nowhere with no explanation.

The only un-nerving time in 30-hours lasted about 10 minutes and was late at night on a section of line between Solapur and Pune. The cop sitting next to us said he had received word that bandits were on the line holding up trains and we had to shut all the windows and shutters and keep the doors closed. He sat with his torch pointed out his open window and his rifle at the ready. Within a very short time, everyone opened up the windows and doors again and it all returned to normal.

I saw people with an embracing open-ness of spirit, who were genuinely interested in who I was and where I was from, what I thought of their country (in case you hadn't noticed i LOVE India) and who seemed (unlike so many of us in the West) to have worked out what's really important, what isn't important and how to act accordingly.

Already planning next trip in Sleeper Class. This time it will be Delhi to Udaipur city in January. Might be a bit cold.

Oh Golly, you've got the bug. I don't know what it is about Aussies and India. They seem to have this amazing synchronicity with the place. I've been three times, and had the chance to go to India, Thailand or South America.
Ummmm, I'm coming back in July, to Chennai. I haven't seen the East Coast, or any part of Gujarat, and there are whole bits of Rajasthan I haven't explored.
And Leh and Ladakh look amazing.
You're gonna love Rajasthan.

Brisso · Jun 4th, 2009, 05:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by palerider

I haven't seen the East Coast, or any part of Gujarat, and there are whole bits of Rajasthan I haven't explored.

Gujarat is off the "trail" so a great experience. Most dusty State in India though I reckon.

palerider · Jun 4th, 2009, 07:58

This is what I've heard as well, and the East Coast is supposed to be a lot less touristy as well.
I can't wait.
Touts really wear me down after a while.
Especially when they rob me of the magic of a place.

IndiaJono · Jun 4th, 2009, 08:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by palerider

Oh Golly, you've got the bug. I don't know what it is about Aussies and India. They seem to have this amazing synchronicity with the place. I've been three times, and had the chance to go to India, Thailand or South America.
Ummmm, I'm coming back in July, to Chennai. I haven't seen the East Coast, or any part of Gujarat, and there are whole bits of Rajasthan I haven't explored.
And Leh and Ladakh look amazing.
You're gonna love Rajasthan.

Yep I got the bug alright

I do love what I've seen of Rajasthan so far - only Udaipur but it's one of my favourite cities.

Clipioola · Jun 5th, 2009, 06:40

Thanks for such a complete work, Steven_ber!

mepu06 · Aug 19th, 2009, 21:37

Thank you Steve, this is priceless information! Thanks for the technical details, the suggestions, the hints, everything!

I will definitely put a lot of SL in my travel, though I must agree with those who commented here that we (foreigners from Western countries) tend to be rather patronising and sometimes over-indulge in that "oh I feel so Indian, look at me, avoiding luxury and going for the real experience...". Let us not forget that peasants etc travel cheaply because they have no choice, unlike those who like to mimick them

Ultimately, one should do what he/she is comfy with, that is what "real Indians" probably do

steven_ber · Aug 20th, 2009, 00:42

Hey, we travel in Sleeper Class because we want to see India, not a tinted view through the air con glass.

vko · Aug 20th, 2009, 00:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by steven_ber

Hey, we travel in Sleeper Class because we want to see India, not a tinted view through the air con glass.

Well said Steven! I feel the same about traveling sleeper class.

Feb 1st, 2009, 20:06	#166
York_Katni Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: UK Posts: 235	Upper Berth The UB is a good option for first timers irrespective of the class. Young women travelers and first timers who are young enough to take a few steps up are better off with the UB. It gives you some space, reprieve from the chai wallahs and neighbors. A few hellos and some polite conversations later one can take a book or in the AC class the laptop and work upstairs. One more condition is that the luggage is fastened securely below and the backpack and shoes are kept above. Beware of places such as Bhusawal where the third sex and shoe thieves abound. But for seeing the countryside it is not a great option. I prefer SLB.

Jun 3rd, 2009, 09:20	#172
IndiaJono Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 4	There's only one class for me Like Steven, I have a very strong opinion about this and it's sleeper class for me every time. My latest trip was on Train 1028, the Mumbai Mail and I boarded at Chennai and took it all the way to Mumbai. This was at the hottest time of year: late May, but it was not uncomfortably hot on board. The open windows create a consistent airflow, and additionally the carriage doors were always open (with one exception I'll mention later). During the hottest part of the day you would find me sitting or standing in the doorway. There was not one boring moment on the entire 30-hour trip, and just when I thought I'd seen it all something weird and wonderful would happen. Whether it was the blind man singing with his tambourine, the throat-singing woman, the chai vendors, the mango-seller who decided her mangoes were going to sit in my seat instead of me (for a while), the beggars with limbs missing, the railway inspectors or the police, there was always something going on. In between times, my partner and I were an endless source of entertainment for the locals. The way we ate, the way we talked, and everything about us caused them much hillarity and opened some wonderful conversations. I should add that at no point did we feel threatened or discriminated against in any way, their laughter was very good-natured, and they seemed to find us fascinating. I never went hungry, and I actually found all the food on the train very appealing. It was certainly far better than the rubbish you have to stomach on trains in Australia, Britain or New Zealand. I ate everything, including things served on newspaper (samosi, omelette sandwiches, dahl, curry and rice) with no ill effects whatsoever, though I'm mostly veg so that could be why. Cleanliness really wasn't an issue for me, but I'm male and I'm told we have lower standards. Using a squat toilet on a moving train was an adventure, but hey if you want everything like it is at home, you'd better stay there! I was touched by the generosity of people who told me they had spent nearly everything they had on the trip but still offered me their food. I learned to grumble less about leaves on the line or the wrong kind of snow, or my train in Australia running 10 minutes late, from people who were relaxed and accepting when we stopped for an hour in the middle of nowhere with no explanation. The only un-nerving time in 30-hours lasted about 10 minutes and was late at night on a section of line between Solapur and Pune. The cop sitting next to us said he had received word that bandits were on the line holding up trains and we had to shut all the windows and shutters and keep the doors closed. He sat with his torch pointed out his open window and his rifle at the ready. Within a very short time, everyone opened up the windows and doors again and it all returned to normal. I saw people with an embracing open-ness of spirit, who were genuinely interested in who I was and where I was from, what I thought of their country (in case you hadn't noticed i LOVE India) and who seemed (unlike so many of us in the West) to have worked out what's really important, what isn't important and how to act accordingly. Already planning next trip in Sleeper Class. This time it will be Delhi to Udaipur city in January. Might be a bit cold.

Aug 20th, 2009, 00:42	#179
steven_ber Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: South of England. Posts: 11,440	Hey, we travel in Sleeper Class because we want to see India, not a tinted view through the air con glass. __________________ . How to get helpful replies to your transport/Itinerary questions. Train information. RAC & Waitlists explained.

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Mar 11th, 2009, 09:13	#168
bond007 Alien from India Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Delhi/US Posts: 251	SLEEPER CLASS IS THE WAY TO TRAVEL......... On e-ticket you can't control which lower berth is allotted to you... it could be inner lower berth (which i don't prefer as much as side lower because the middle berth blocks some view and makes it impossible to sit up during nights)... Side lower berth is the one for me !!! With both windows open, you can watch the stations go by, see the stars at night and of course daytime is heavenly with panoramic views and easy access to vendors... The one drawback to sleeper class window seats is when travelling in North India during winters... People tend to ask you to close the windows during night and early morning...and also during a minor drizzle... I've had several arguements over it... but its just a minor nuisance... Keshava- You are right that Indians are stereotyped in western media... But if you do the math, a large majority of India travels in Sleeper class and is the true representation of India... You and i may not like it, but we are not the typical Indians... Its the farmer, the lower middle class etc... To me the other advantage of travelling in Sleeper class is obviously the ease of access to platforms... AC compartments are usually locked when trains make an unscheduled stop, they are also locked when nobody is boarding/getting off the train... and the pestering from RP and TC is also a turn-off... I love taking good snaps of trains on curves... I wanna travel on train... NOW

Apr 16th, 2009, 14:17	#169
oraja Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: khammam Posts: 17	Hai Stev, I am a new IMer. I read your information of our Indian Railways. What wealth of information you do impart! Above all I appreciate you love for SL. I do agree the liveliness one gets while travelling in this class but you must be aware of the climate of India with its large area. To travel from Agra to Vijayawada in the month of May and get back to your buisiness in Andhra is rather difficult. I know that to enjoy the travelling is one thing and to feel comfortable while travelling is quite another in the hot summer of India. I do travel a lot and I use SL 98% of the time. Yet in Summers it is better to travel by 3AC/2AC.- if seats are avialble! God bless you.

Apr 16th, 2009, 14:26	#170
avi.uvce Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: bangalore Posts: 32	i just read the first posting.. od steve... hats off to yu bro.... keep going.. . .

Jun 4th, 2009, 07:58	#175
palerider this is Brad. He's cute Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Armidale, N.S.W., Australia Posts: 2,226	This is what I've heard as well, and the East Coast is supposed to be a lot less touristy as well. I can't wait. Touts really wear me down after a while. Especially when they rob me of the magic of a place.

Jun 5th, 2009, 06:40	#177
Clipioola Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Málaga (Spain) Posts: 26	Thanks for such a complete work, Steven_ber!

Aug 19th, 2009, 21:37	#178
mepu06 Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: MILANO, ITALY Posts: 9	Thank you Steve, this is priceless information! Thanks for the technical details, the suggestions, the hints, everything! I will definitely put a lot of SL in my travel, though I must agree with those who commented here that we (foreigners from Western countries) tend to be rather patronising and sometimes over-indulge in that "oh I feel so Indian, look at me, avoiding luxury and going for the real experience...". Let us not forget that peasants etc travel cheaply because they have no choice, unlike those who like to mimick them Ultimately, one should do what he/she is comfy with, that is what "real Indians" probably do