Sleeper Class details & photos.

Shiver me Timbers

That's a really great post Steven, just discovered it now.

In 5 months I only ever travelled in Sleeper Class, except those '2nd class unreserved' day-time trips. Actually, I did do one overnight journey in unreserved, and spent the entire journey from Madurai to Chennai with my knees under my chin surrounded by masses of people (many of them sitting/sleeping on the luggage racks).

But anyway, I've walked through the other classes at times, but never felt the urge to spend the extra money on them. I think you've covered just about everything there, regarding the pros and cons. And the best thing about sleeper-class, like you say, is the people you meet, not just fellow passengers, but the endless procession of chai-wallahs, hijras, beggers, musicians, etc, that waltz down the aisle all day.

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steven_ber

I was feeling like I'd done something wrong, nearly 20,000kms on Indian trains and no hijras, then they arrived, I must have had a massive smile on my face, I'd waited so long to see them, they seemed to be half singing, half dancing and they certainly wouldn't win any awards, but I was so pleased to see them, another blink of the eye and they were gone.

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Train information.

Aishah

And I've never seen musicians when I've been on trains - I'd enjoy that! Hijaras aplenty this way, Steven, regular rounding of the shops in the market for their 'gifts'.

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Bombay_Bill

Erm...

We tend to travel in a private compartment.

Clean, comfortable, quiet, one servant between three compartments, someone to carry your luggage on and off, (and an early morning call and coffee if your stop is an early one) pani and chai whalla calls when you want them, the food is usually excellent, the shower in the toilet works and the toilet has paper in it.

The price is adjusted so that it is always cheaper than flying.

Ali-Monbeam

This is a brilliant thread I am so excited and nervous about one little journey ...every one else seems so well traveled. Spose we all started somewhere and maybe I can pick up some tips to pass on.

steven_ber

Don't worry, you'll enjoy the train journeys, I still think a train journey IS one of the best destinations in India, always good fun.

I don't know your age, but apart from some simple visits to a few European places, the first time I really travelled wasn't till I was about 35, and I just loved it.

Ali-Monbeam

we are 47 and had not been so far till 2005 which was our first visit to India...well Goa, it was meant to be a 'once in a lifetime' trip but like most here got the 'bug' for India and now as soon as we get back the next visit is being planned and each time its getting a little more adventerous than the last time.
Neither of us like the 'run of the mill' package holiday.

larsomat

Thanks alot for all these Infos. I'll be going to India in a month or so, and although I've been to India before, I never travelled by train.

This time I will, and this text provided me with a lot of important
insight.

So "Sleeper" it'll be

arbolmilenario

Amazing post, Steven_ber, we´ve learned so much!!!

So, my husband and I will be in India from Mid June to August and will be travelling by train most of the long rides (8-9 hrs, day or night time). We would go on Sleeper class for all the reasons many of you have mentioned ("the real India"...) but, won´t it be unbereavle during the monsoon ??????

In that case, we would try 2 AC, but, with those windows, tinted, we´ll miss the whole view, right?

What do you guys suggest for summer time, then?

federica

It's not that you miss everything, but taking good pictures from open windows like in sleeper class is not possible. But you can still see something through the windows! If you travel in European long distance trains, the windows are tinted, too, but the landscape is still visible!

But I would suggest 3AC instead of 2 AC, in 3 AC there are no curtains, and there is more life in the compartment.

Sometimes you can stay on the open door to get this sleeper class feeling. I did it to warm up (AC is too cold for me) and to take pics.

arbolmilenario

Great idea!!!
THere is so much AC we can also handle so... that will totally work for us.
THANKS!!!

Swe_Mats

I think sleeper class is pretty good during June - August. It might be kind of hot and humid, but it is so much more fun than 2 AC. Havn't travelled in 3 AC, so i can't say anything about that. But, travelling in the slepper class is an adventure in it self; feeling the hot air from the windows, talking with the lokals and taking great photos out the windows...

Brighid

Hi all
I am new here. Fascinating thread... so helpful... One question it brought up for me: as a solo female traveller in her 40's is there any recommendation as to which class/berth to choose? I mean as regards unwanted attention, etc.
Appreciate any input!
p.s. I have yet to plan my itinerary for my first trip to India this October but I will certainly run it by you guys! This forum is such a mine of information

Baba

Brighid, I'm a (sometimes) solo female traveller in her 40's and I travel 2AC. But if you wait long enough, I bet you'll hear different preferences from other members, probably all the way from second unreserved to 1AC!

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smartor192

My travel agent has booked us a trip from Amristar to Hardiwar in August in a Third A/C Sleeper cabin. Can anyone explain whst it is and if you have any experience in that segment of the train ride.

Thanks,

Sandro