Sleeper Class details & photos.

vsp27759 · Dec 6th, 2008, 11:13

Dear Chad,

##I am NOT sure whether you had a look at its schedule. I am extracting the same here:
----
4006 LICHCHAVI EXP 06/12/2008 NEW DELHI MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN
1 NDLS NEW DELHI 1 Source 15:35 0 1
2 GZB GHAZIABAD 1 16:12 16:14 26 1
3 DER DADRI 1 16:33 16:35 43 1
4 TDL TUNDLA JN 1 20:50 20:54 210 1
5 CNB KANPUR CENTRAL 1 23:40 23:45 444 1
6 ALD ALLAHABAD JN 1 02:30 02:55 636 2
7 ALY ALLAHABAD CITY 1 03:03 03:05 639 2
8 GYN GYANPUR ROAD 1 04:18 04:20 701 2
9 MBS MADHOSINGH 1 04:25 04:26 713 2 Train doesn't halt at this station, presently
10 BHLP BHULANPUR 1 05:50 05:52 755 2
11 BSB VARANASI JN 1 06:20 06:30 761 2
---------------------------------
##Kindly note, between New Delhi and Kanpur, this stops only in Three Stations. Nobody will come and disturb you, because your's an Upper Berth!!!
...
The encroachers, if any, will stand near the doors only or at the most 'might' on the Lower Bunks only, because nobody will have patience to go to Upper Berth.
.....
When the train stops in Dadri, watch out for Rajadhanis.

AprilFlower · Dec 6th, 2008, 22:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by chad

Thanks for the heads-up!! I will be on the lookout for that!! But still, what to do in the slight chance that someone nests themselves in my bunk? I just tell them to kindly remove themselves? Does this ever happen?

Yes, occasionally someone my climb up to go to sleep in your space or put their suitcase there, particularly if they are on the middle or lower bunks. But it generally isn't an issue if you are getting on at the trains originating station.

Well I could tell you a phrase or two in Hindi but you would probably forget it when you need it (or you can always buy a phrasebook). Otherwise you can try saying "side please" which is usually used for passing people but they would probably get the idea. Everyone seems to know this english phrase. If you still have problems you can remember the word Jao (which is the command to "go") and is somewhat rude but add a please/pleasant tone and I doubt people would be too offended.

machadinha · Dec 6th, 2008, 22:35

Chad, you'll probably find all passengers in a cabin politely make do with one another for the ride. So switching of berths, temporarily using a top one by day, asking to sit by the window for a bit, switching seats to have people sit together, etc., is all the order of the day. It's all normally done in an amicable fashion, and if and when you want to use that top bunk of yours to lie down, you can just politely say so, no one will mind. It follows that you yourself may conversely find yourself thinking Ah let the other person lie down for a bit, or store their luggage, of course.

At night your berth will just be yours, unless again you mutually agreed to switch places to accommodate one another. You'll probably find you may strike up some interesting or funny conversations during the whole ride, and may leave with a few more addresses and invitations added to your address book.

Note this all pertains to Sleeper Class which is the only one I've ever traveled in (save for Unreserved), one hears in the higher classes, and the higher the class of course, people tend to stick to themselves much more and be more formal about it all. To the point that some complain that this isn't "the real India," since people don't talk to you and mostly ignore you, LOL

It follows I guess that anyone taking your seat even if just temporarily in those classes is unlikely.

Well, have fun with it, you'll figure it out as soon as you get moving. No worries.

As VSP indicates btw, those top berths never seemed to me to be very popular with Indians anyway, one assumes they consider them inferior and/or a hassle to get up on, and besides laying your lazy behind down during the day seems to be a habit that's more reserved for foreigners with their silly ways.

As for what happens if no English is spoken, you'll just have to make do gesturing, as you would have to in other situations. It would be rare to have not at least one person in the vicinity speak enough English to act as an intermediator. Moreover, note too that people will often go out of their way to accommodate a visitor to their country & see to it that they have a good time, so this will often work to your advantage. So let's say someone really doesn't want to budge for you, the other passengers would be unlikely to accept it, and would probably admonish them to make way. I've rather had it the other way around, with someone in an overcrowded unreserved cabin in the middle of the night getting up to offer you their berth, simply because you're a foreigner, no little to my shame I should say.

Again, just don't forget it's a give-and-take thing in this incredibly crowded country, so adamantly going about demanding your "rights" without a view to other people's comfort is probably not the way to go about it. As again you'll figure out once you're there anyway, you wouldn't get very far if you don't I think, or at least not have the most enjoyable of times. Remember, you're all in it together for as long as the journey takes, and you are after all a guest to the country. (Or that's arguably my take anyway.) That's not to say you have to let people walk all over you, of course. Just keep things in perspective. There are worse things in the world than sitting up for a few hours to accommodate someone else, or simply because there's no room; if you can't stand that, India may go down on you pretty hard indeed, I guess.

Ali-Monbeam · Dec 13th, 2008, 20:46

I have just given up on my WL A1 tickets and booked confirmed tickets in sleeper for our first ever train trip from Delhi to Agra mainly so i dont have to worry any more. I was getting far to paranoid about checking PNR status. So we will be in at the deep end.

We will have 2 cases with us does anyone think we will have problem shoving these somewhere or have any tips for us.?

AprilFlower · Dec 13th, 2008, 21:50

I'm sure you won't have too much problem as long as you aren't traveling unreserved there won't be any fuss. I came SL from Mumbai to Surat with 2 of the larger international travel size suitcases just a year ago and had no problems. Many of the people going from Delhi to Agra probably won't be bringing much luggage anyway.

Ali-Monbeam · Dec 13th, 2008, 22:34

Thanks.

I have booked SL to Hampi from Goa ages ago and was hoping our first train in India would gently introduce us to the experience but the A1 were waitlisted and as we travel next week I was not prepared to wait any longer for RAC or CNF. The stress was beginning to spoil my excitment.

We were going to taxi from Delhi to Agra but I was judging the travel by road times on UK standards and dont fancy sitting in the back of a taxi for 5+ hours at peak time.

AprilFlower · Dec 13th, 2008, 23:22

Think of it this way, when you travel in AC you will be able to appreciate the differences

. Actually, I always travel SL. You will get stared at a lot but people are generally very nice and just overly curious. The only real disadvantage of SL is that the toilets sometimes get yucky but since this is a short trip that may not be an issue anyway. I'm sure you will enjoy it. And who knows...maybe those 1st class RACs will come through for you.

Ali-Monbeam · Dec 14th, 2008, 00:07

Well I have cancelled the A1 tickets altogether. I need to be relaxing now with only a few days to go. So much other planning to do with out worrying about the train.

Thanks for your comments.

pontesnm · Dec 14th, 2008, 03:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by AprilFlower

Think of it this way, when you travel in AC you will be able to appreciate the differences

. Actually, I always travel SL. You will get stared at a lot but people are generally very nice and just overly curious. The only real disadvantage of SL is that the toilets sometimes get yucky but since this is a short trip that may not be an issue anyway. I'm sure you will enjoy it. And who knows...maybe those 1st class RACs will come through for you.

----
You are ruining everyone's perception of white American women. They are supposed to be spoiled and unable to go near a public Indian restroom that is not in a 5-star hotel! (That is my mother's perception of my wife who is white American). Seriously though my wife and I would travel in 2S from Delhi to Agra or CC if we thought the weather would be too hot. 1AC is a waste of money. Plus I think it would be more fun to check out what clothes Indian women wear you will get some ideas for your own shopping.

Ali-Monbeam · Dec 14th, 2008, 15:02

I must admit it has put my mind at ease knowing the seats are confirmed and that other white (uk)travel SL. also knowing what to expect but its all part of the adventure.
We will be leaving the bulk of our luggage in the airport and just having rucksacks now. I am practicing my namaste as well ha ha

steven_ber · Dec 14th, 2008, 16:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali-Monbeam

I must admit it has put my mind at ease knowing the seats are confirmed and that other white (uk)travel SL. also knowing what to expect but its all part of the adventure.
We will be leaving the bulk of our luggage in the airport and just having rucksacks now. I am practicing my namaste as well ha ha

What seat numbers do you have?

on your ticket you'll see something like...

S1 - 27 (Sleeper Carriage 1, seat 27)

Ali-Monbeam · Dec 14th, 2008, 16:56

We are toilet end of the carriage...but only booked yesterday.
S4 59,63 and 64. then back we are S7 66,67 and72.

Tried to get side lowers or lower for us booked 3 tickets attempting to work the system to get the best I could, then cancelled the ones that I didnt want....was that right? (to late now anyway but many lessons learnt!)

steven_ber · Dec 14th, 2008, 17:42

Those seats are fine, you're all in the same 'section' (group of 6 inside and 2 side).

Quote:

then back

What train? (there are no short distance trains from Agra to Delhi that have Sleeper Class)

Ali-Monbeam · Dec 14th, 2008, 17:47

2621 Tamil Nadu Exp. leaves Agra 03.48...daft oclock but checkin time for the plane 7.40 onwards (flights checking closes at 9.15) so I think i have given us enough time to get from station, collect left luggage and check in.

York_Katni · Dec 14th, 2008, 17:57

I have met the most interesting people in SL! One was a journalist who was into writing for granta type journalism and gave me a good insight how the copy is pushed and the politics of the journalistic world of being Christian Ammanpour reporting from the front,[that is to be taken with a pinch of salt and pepper!]. The other worked in a BPO and how he became Tom or Jack of Texas leaving his Indian identity behind! Another time we discussed migratory flows and urban-village population distributions and the strain it had on cities like Bangalore and traced regional chauvanism to a scramble for scarce resources.

My experience of 2AC was boring and suffocating, with my wallet being picked once. The other time a family was going to Hyderabad from Calcutta and knowing that they were from Rajasthan, they seemed to bring the whole house along with them. I fumed and squirmed, but at the end of the day we became great friends, with all of them insisting that I joined with them, for their meal. They were so kind. I have not quite experienced that warmth in AC. In SL there are many eyes that take turns to watch your things! All it needs is some friendly banter and showing some interest in the other person.

Dec 6th, 2008, 22:35	#123
machadinha brother my cup is empty member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 14,391	Chad, you'll probably find all passengers in a cabin politely make do with one another for the ride. So switching of berths, temporarily using a top one by day, asking to sit by the window for a bit, switching seats to have people sit together, etc., is all the order of the day. It's all normally done in an amicable fashion, and if and when you want to use that top bunk of yours to lie down, you can just politely say so, no one will mind. It follows that you yourself may conversely find yourself thinking Ah let the other person lie down for a bit, or store their luggage, of course. At night your berth will just be yours, unless again you mutually agreed to switch places to accommodate one another. You'll probably find you may strike up some interesting or funny conversations during the whole ride, and may leave with a few more addresses and invitations added to your address book. Note this all pertains to Sleeper Class which is the only one I've ever traveled in (save for Unreserved), one hears in the higher classes, and the higher the class of course, people tend to stick to themselves much more and be more formal about it all. To the point that some complain that this isn't "the real India," since people don't talk to you and mostly ignore you, LOL It follows I guess that anyone taking your seat even if just temporarily in those classes is unlikely. Well, have fun with it, you'll figure it out as soon as you get moving. No worries. As VSP indicates btw, those top berths never seemed to me to be very popular with Indians anyway, one assumes they consider them inferior and/or a hassle to get up on, and besides laying your lazy behind down during the day seems to be a habit that's more reserved for foreigners with their silly ways. As for what happens if no English is spoken, you'll just have to make do gesturing, as you would have to in other situations. It would be rare to have not at least one person in the vicinity speak enough English to act as an intermediator. Moreover, note too that people will often go out of their way to accommodate a visitor to their country & see to it that they have a good time, so this will often work to your advantage. So let's say someone really doesn't want to budge for you, the other passengers would be unlikely to accept it, and would probably admonish them to make way. I've rather had it the other way around, with someone in an overcrowded unreserved cabin in the middle of the night getting up to offer you their berth, simply because you're a foreigner, no little to my shame I should say. Again, just don't forget it's a give-and-take thing in this incredibly crowded country, so adamantly going about demanding your "rights" without a view to other people's comfort is probably not the way to go about it. As again you'll figure out once you're there anyway, you wouldn't get very far if you don't I think, or at least not have the most enjoyable of times. Remember, you're all in it together for as long as the journey takes, and you are after all a guest to the country. (Or that's arguably my take anyway.) That's not to say you have to let people walk all over you, of course. Just keep things in perspective. There are worse things in the world than sitting up for a few hours to accommodate someone else, or simply because there's no room; if you can't stand that, India may go down on you pretty hard indeed, I guess. __________________ 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

Dec 14th, 2008, 17:57	#135
York_Katni Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: UK Posts: 235	Sl I have met the most interesting people in SL! One was a journalist who was into writing for granta type journalism and gave me a good insight how the copy is pushed and the politics of the journalistic world of being Christian Ammanpour reporting from the front,[that is to be taken with a pinch of salt and pepper!]. The other worked in a BPO and how he became Tom or Jack of Texas leaving his Indian identity behind! Another time we discussed migratory flows and urban-village population distributions and the strain it had on cities like Bangalore and traced regional chauvanism to a scramble for scarce resources. My experience of 2AC was boring and suffocating, with my wallet being picked once. The other time a family was going to Hyderabad from Calcutta and knowing that they were from Rajasthan, they seemed to bring the whole house along with them. I fumed and squirmed, but at the end of the day we became great friends, with all of them insisting that I joined with them, for their meal. They were so kind. I have not quite experienced that warmth in AC. In SL there are many eyes that take turns to watch your things! All it needs is some friendly banter and showing some interest in the other person.

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Dec 6th, 2008, 11:13	#121
vsp27759 V.SRINIVASA PRASAD Join Date: May 2005 Location: HYDERABAD Posts: 2,726	Dear Chad, ##I am NOT sure whether you had a look at its schedule. I am extracting the same here: ---- 4006 LICHCHAVI EXP 06/12/2008 NEW DELHI MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 1 NDLS NEW DELHI 1 Source 15:35 0 1 2 GZB GHAZIABAD 1 16:12 16:14 26 1 3 DER DADRI 1 16:33 16:35 43 1 4 TDL TUNDLA JN 1 20:50 20:54 210 1 5 CNB KANPUR CENTRAL 1 23:40 23:45 444 1 6 ALD ALLAHABAD JN 1 02:30 02:55 636 2 7 ALY ALLAHABAD CITY 1 03:03 03:05 639 2 8 GYN GYANPUR ROAD 1 04:18 04:20 701 2 9 MBS MADHOSINGH 1 04:25 04:26 713 2 Train doesn't halt at this station, presently 10 BHLP BHULANPUR 1 05:50 05:52 755 2 11 BSB VARANASI JN 1 06:20 06:30 761 2 --------------------------------- ##Kindly note, between New Delhi and Kanpur, this stops only in Three Stations. Nobody will come and disturb you, because your's an Upper Berth!!! ... The encroachers, if any, will stand near the doors only or at the most 'might' on the Lower Bunks only, because nobody will have patience to go to Upper Berth. ..... When the train stops in Dadri, watch out for Rajadhanis.

Dec 13th, 2008, 20:46	#124
Ali-Monbeam Less of the 'Senior' member! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bradford Posts: 881	I have just given up on my WL A1 tickets and booked confirmed tickets in sleeper for our first ever train trip from Delhi to Agra mainly so i dont have to worry any more. I was getting far to paranoid about checking PNR status. So we will be in at the deep end. We will have 2 cases with us does anyone think we will have problem shoving these somewhere or have any tips for us.?

Dec 13th, 2008, 21:50	#125
AprilFlower Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Surat, India Posts: 325	I'm sure you won't have too much problem as long as you aren't traveling unreserved there won't be any fuss. I came SL from Mumbai to Surat with 2 of the larger international travel size suitcases just a year ago and had no problems. Many of the people going from Delhi to Agra probably won't be bringing much luggage anyway.

Dec 13th, 2008, 22:34	#126
Ali-Monbeam Less of the 'Senior' member! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bradford Posts: 881	Thanks. I have booked SL to Hampi from Goa ages ago and was hoping our first train in India would gently introduce us to the experience but the A1 were waitlisted and as we travel next week I was not prepared to wait any longer for RAC or CNF. The stress was beginning to spoil my excitment. We were going to taxi from Delhi to Agra but I was judging the travel by road times on UK standards and dont fancy sitting in the back of a taxi for 5+ hours at peak time.

Dec 13th, 2008, 23:22	#127
AprilFlower Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Surat, India Posts: 325	Think of it this way, when you travel in AC you will be able to appreciate the differences . Actually, I always travel SL. You will get stared at a lot but people are generally very nice and just overly curious. The only real disadvantage of SL is that the toilets sometimes get yucky but since this is a short trip that may not be an issue anyway. I'm sure you will enjoy it. And who knows...maybe those 1st class RACs will come through for you.

Dec 14th, 2008, 00:07	#128
Ali-Monbeam Less of the 'Senior' member! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bradford Posts: 881	Well I have cancelled the A1 tickets altogether. I need to be relaxing now with only a few days to go. So much other planning to do with out worrying about the train. Thanks for your comments.

Dec 14th, 2008, 15:02	#130
Ali-Monbeam Less of the 'Senior' member! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bradford Posts: 881	I must admit it has put my mind at ease knowing the seats are confirmed and that other white (uk)travel SL. also knowing what to expect but its all part of the adventure. We will be leaving the bulk of our luggage in the airport and just having rucksacks now. I am practicing my namaste as well ha ha

Dec 14th, 2008, 16:56	#132
Ali-Monbeam Less of the 'Senior' member! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bradford Posts: 881	We are toilet end of the carriage...but only booked yesterday. S4 59,63 and 64. then back we are S7 66,67 and72. Tried to get side lowers or lower for us booked 3 tickets attempting to work the system to get the best I could, then cancelled the ones that I didnt want....was that right? (to late now anyway but many lessons learnt!)

Dec 14th, 2008, 17:47	#134
Ali-Monbeam Less of the 'Senior' member! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bradford Posts: 881	2621 Tamil Nadu Exp. leaves Agra 03.48...daft oclock but checkin time for the plane 7.40 onwards (flights checking closes at 9.15) so I think i have given us enough time to get from station, collect left luggage and check in.