Sleeper Class details & photos.

machadinha · Jun 2nd, 2008, 00:00

Thanks for feedback Helen; since one can never be quite sure if all that advice is really correct, it's always nice to hear it's actually of some help

Happy further planning! (And happy journey, when the time comes!)

Ali-Monbeam · Jun 2nd, 2008, 00:48

Just a quickie about .......
Originally Posted by steven_ber

Cons.....

No showers in Sleeper Class.

No bedding supplied.

More beggars than air con classes.

If theres more beggars how would you advise is the best way to deal with them...?

I am a softie when confronted but I am never sure what they want and whether to give or not (thus getting mobbed by more as the word passes around)

HelenR · Jun 2nd, 2008, 13:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by machadinha

Happy further planning! (And happy journey, when the time comes!)

Thanks!

It's so hard to wait!

steven_ber · Jun 2nd, 2008, 23:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali-Monbeam

If theres more beggars how would you advise is the best way to deal with them...?

I am a softie when confronted but I am never sure what they want and whether to give or not (thus getting mobbed by more as the word passes around)

Give between 2 and 5 rupees, 10 at the most.

Not that I go by my own advice, I used to give a lot more, but really had to deal with too many beggars on my last trip (not always on trains) and eventually just did as the locals do, 2 - 5 rupees.

Wherever you are in India, whatever you do, always give a Rs50/100/500 note when buying anything, and put all the coins in a seperate pocket, then into a side pocket on your backpack, you will need all those coins for the train, as you can EASILY get through Rs100 in coins on a train journey, more on a longer journey.

HelenR · Jun 4th, 2008, 14:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by steven_ber

Give between 2 and 5 rupees, 10 at the most.

Not that I go by my own advice, I used to give a lot more, but really had to deal with too many beggars on my last trip (not always on trains) and eventually just did as the locals do, 2 - 5 rupees.

Wherever you are in India, whatever you do, always give a Rs50/100/500 note when buying anything, and put all the coins in a seperate pocket, then into a side pocket on your backpack, you will need all those coins for the train, as you can EASILY get through Rs100 in coins on a train journey, more on a longer journey.

I'm very confused by the sentence I bolded. Why would we get through Rs100 in coins? Do we have to give the beggars something or is it just highly recommended?

machadinha · Jun 4th, 2008, 14:35

No, I think what Steve means is you'll be buying cups of chai and paying some on-board cabaretiers (not necessarily beggars, or at least a more charming version thereof) and snacks and etc. all the time and you can easily run out of change, and those people will not be able to change any large bills (nor would you trust them to walk away with one to do so).

I can't remember all the times I had used all my small change on kopi and chai, only to not be able to slip the next musician a coin.

So: Save up on that small change, indeed!

Ali-Monbeam · Jun 4th, 2008, 16:45

thats a good tip I would not have thought about that at all ..the notes to us seem of small value and we forget that the coins all count to these chai and snack wallers (I dont lke using that word is it acceptable? I know it means worker, but my Grand-dad used it in a disrespectful and insulting way Ex army!!"aint half hot'' style)

machadinha · Jun 4th, 2008, 16:58

I think there's a fundamental mistake here though: A chai or snacks vendor is not a beggar is not a traveling musician is not a boy sweeping the carriage floors.

You need to distinguish between all of these & learn to deal with them in your own way. But none of them are the same, no.

Especially the vendors are just plying their business. Like your local newspaper man might, say.

And then most of the other categories are, too. All in their own way. Most of that is honest business, you need to remember. Even the dreaded touts are: Despite all the shock stories on sites like these, in fact many Indians use them just for what they are: For knowing a room etc. that you may not know about. It's not all bad, once you drop your paranoia of being "ripped off" (over what is essentially peanuts) all the time.

I saw a recent comment here by an Indian on a typical question about "How to find a room" and he just went "Well ask a tout," and I just had to laugh at the simplicity of it. Yes, between wanting to do it "on your own" or possibly paying a minimal percentage towards them, it may really save you a lot of hassle. It's just another job, no more and no less. But if you're stuck for a place to go, these guys will find a way for you. If you can manage without them, then good for you, of course.

I can't say I ever made much use of them. But I realized later they may be really handy in fact.

Anyway I'm drifting: Let there be no mistake a chai vendor is not a tout and certainly not a beggar. By any means. He's just mostly selling tea, to get by.

Ali-Monbeam · Jun 4th, 2008, 20:00

they are all trying to make a crust.

singing and dancing or selling tea, newspapers whatever. I think I have got used to it now and am not worried about being ripped off but like to think I am cautious with my cash. I prefer to give it to someone whos services or talents I have enjoyed.

Bombay_Bill · Jun 5th, 2008, 16:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by machadinha

I think there's a fundamental mistake here though:

I saw a recent comment here by an Indian on a typical question about "How to find a room" and he just went "Well ask a tout," and I just had to laugh at the simplicity of it. Yes, between wanting to do it "on your own" or possibly paying a minimal percentage towards them, it may really save you a lot of hassle. It's just another job, no more and no less. But if you're stuck for a place to go, these guys will find a way for you. If you can manage without them, then good for you, of course.

They prefer to be called 'agents'.

They usually charge about 10%.

If you've ever stood in the queue for long distance train tickets at VT you soon realise that they fulfill a very necessary place in Indian society.

HelenR · Jun 6th, 2008, 05:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by machadinha

No, I think what Steve means is you'll be buying cups of chai and paying some on-board cabaretiers (not necessarily beggars, or at least a more charming version thereof) and snacks and etc. all the time and you can easily run out of change, and those people will not be able to change any large bills (nor would you trust them to walk away with one to do so).

I can't remember all the times I had used all my small change on kopi and chai, only to not be able to slip the next musician a coin.

So: Save up on that small change, indeed!

Chai, yummmmmmmmm

Thanks for the tip, I'll make sure to keep my change-purse full!

caz_a · Jun 29th, 2008, 21:23

hi all,

i will be travelling with my daughter from vasco to hospet. this is a daytime trip so we would like a window seat, but also an upper berth for refuge (especially since we will only have arrived in india the day before and may need to crash out). i realise this means booking one upper and one lower berth, but this means that technically we would have separated seats (1 window + 1 aisle) and would have to ask the person in the middle berth to swap to the aisle seat during the day so we can sit next to each other.

its a bit cheeky but do you think people would mind?

or would it be better to book lower and middle so we get the 2 seats next to the window and just ask to use the upper berth during the day?

i know people are quite accommodating but was just wondering what would be the best booking option.

i also know we could get the side berths and this would solve the problem - but i think we would feel a bit exposed there - i'd have an endless stream of people walking past all day asking 'where is your husband?' and coming for a look at the pretty, fair-haired girl!

thanks for any advice

steven_ber · Jun 30th, 2008, 00:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by caz_a

i also know we could get the side berths and this would solve the problem - but i think we would feel a bit exposed there - i'd have an endless stream of people walking past all day asking 'where is your husband?' and coming for a look at the pretty, fair-haired girl!

You're either going to get that wherever you sit, or you're not, I wouldn't let that issue determine where you sit.

Who will be your other 4 (or many more) people sharing the 6 seats? you just don't know, could be a group of Andhra lads on the way home from a break in Goa, could be a family, could be anything really.

One thing's for sure, 2 side berth seats sit 2 people, you and your friend, 6 'inside' seats can sit 10 people easily, especially during the day.

Go for side berths, but you'll be best to book early.

If you're really worried, no problem, book in 3-tier air con.

But the journey is said to be stunning, from the palm trees, up through the hills, passing right in front of a waterfall, then down the other side to the plains, a pity to have slightly tinted glass obstructing your view.

caz_a · Jun 30th, 2008, 03:16

thanks steven!
i wouldn't be worried at all if my daughter wasn't coming, but this will be her first full day in india. she's quite adventurous - decided she would rather go sleeper than AC (a chip off the bold block!) and is looking forwards to the chai being served through the window bars!
i never travelled in a side berth before and they look quite narrow, but i will take your advice. .. especially since i have quite short legs!
there are still over 300 tickets left on the train so hopefully i'll be able to get one.

Casey · Jun 30th, 2008, 06:24

I agree that the side berths on this train are preferable. We made the same journey a couple of years ago and the side is great as you can go up and nap if you want or you can keep the seats up on the bottom and both stretch out your legs while looking out the window.

Jun 2nd, 2008, 00:00	#76
machadinha brother my cup is empty member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 14,362	Thanks for feedback Helen; since one can never be quite sure if all that advice is really correct, it's always nice to hear it's actually of some help Happy further planning! (And happy journey, when the time comes!) __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

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Jun 2nd, 2008, 00:48	#77
Ali-Monbeam Less of the 'Senior' member! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bradford Posts: 880	Just a quickie about ....... Originally Posted by steven_ber Cons..... No showers in Sleeper Class. No bedding supplied. More beggars than air con classes. If theres more beggars how would you advise is the best way to deal with them...? I am a softie when confronted but I am never sure what they want and whether to give or not (thus getting mobbed by more as the word passes around)

Jun 4th, 2008, 14:35	#81
machadinha brother my cup is empty member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 14,362	No, I think what Steve means is you'll be buying cups of chai and paying some on-board cabaretiers (not necessarily beggars, or at least a more charming version thereof) and snacks and etc. all the time and you can easily run out of change, and those people will not be able to change any large bills (nor would you trust them to walk away with one to do so). I can't remember all the times I had used all my small change on kopi and chai, only to not be able to slip the next musician a coin. So: Save up on that small change, indeed!

Jun 4th, 2008, 16:45	#82
Ali-Monbeam Less of the 'Senior' member! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bradford Posts: 880	thats a good tip I would not have thought about that at all ..the notes to us seem of small value and we forget that the coins all count to these chai and snack wallers (I dont lke using that word is it acceptable? I know it means worker, but my Grand-dad used it in a disrespectful and insulting way Ex army!!"aint half hot'' style)

Jun 4th, 2008, 16:58	#83
machadinha brother my cup is empty member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 14,362	I think there's a fundamental mistake here though: A chai or snacks vendor is not a beggar is not a traveling musician is not a boy sweeping the carriage floors. You need to distinguish between all of these & learn to deal with them in your own way. But none of them are the same, no. Especially the vendors are just plying their business. Like your local newspaper man might, say. And then most of the other categories are, too. All in their own way. Most of that is honest business, you need to remember. Even the dreaded touts are: Despite all the shock stories on sites like these, in fact many Indians use them just for what they are: For knowing a room etc. that you may not know about. It's not all bad, once you drop your paranoia of being "ripped off" (over what is essentially peanuts) all the time. I saw a recent comment here by an Indian on a typical question about "How to find a room" and he just went "Well ask a tout," and I just had to laugh at the simplicity of it. Yes, between wanting to do it "on your own" or possibly paying a minimal percentage towards them, it may really save you a lot of hassle. It's just another job, no more and no less. But if you're stuck for a place to go, these guys will find a way for you. If you can manage without them, then good for you, of course. I can't say I ever made much use of them. But I realized later they may be really handy in fact. Anyway I'm drifting: Let there be no mistake a chai vendor is not a tout and certainly not a beggar. By any means. He's just mostly selling tea, to get by.

Jun 4th, 2008, 20:00	#84
Ali-Monbeam Less of the 'Senior' member! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bradford Posts: 880	they are all trying to make a crust. singing and dancing or selling tea, newspapers whatever. I think I have got used to it now and am not worried about being ripped off but like to think I am cautious with my cash. I prefer to give it to someone whos services or talents I have enjoyed.

Jun 29th, 2008, 21:23	#87
caz_a Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: london Posts: 58	hi all, i will be travelling with my daughter from vasco to hospet. this is a daytime trip so we would like a window seat, but also an upper berth for refuge (especially since we will only have arrived in india the day before and may need to crash out). i realise this means booking one upper and one lower berth, but this means that technically we would have separated seats (1 window + 1 aisle) and would have to ask the person in the middle berth to swap to the aisle seat during the day so we can sit next to each other. its a bit cheeky but do you think people would mind? or would it be better to book lower and middle so we get the 2 seats next to the window and just ask to use the upper berth during the day? i know people are quite accommodating but was just wondering what would be the best booking option. i also know we could get the side berths and this would solve the problem - but i think we would feel a bit exposed there - i'd have an endless stream of people walking past all day asking 'where is your husband?' and coming for a look at the pretty, fair-haired girl! thanks for any advice

Jun 30th, 2008, 03:16	#89
caz_a Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: london Posts: 58	thanks steven! i wouldn't be worried at all if my daughter wasn't coming, but this will be her first full day in india. she's quite adventurous - decided she would rather go sleeper than AC (a chip off the bold block!) and is looking forwards to the chai being served through the window bars! i never travelled in a side berth before and they look quite narrow, but i will take your advice. .. especially since i have quite short legs! there are still over 300 tickets left on the train so hopefully i'll be able to get one.

Jun 30th, 2008, 06:24	#90
Casey Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 707	I agree that the side berths on this train are preferable. We made the same journey a couple of years ago and the side is great as you can go up and nap if you want or you can keep the seats up on the bottom and both stretch out your legs while looking out the window.