varanasi to cochin via train? OUCH

ok.

am i being fatalistic?

it sounds daunting.
is it as horrible as i think it possibly may be?
or am i just being a puss?

any tips?
should i splurge for first AC?

even just a good pep talk would do, i think.

thanks!

There is 1 direct train.

Train 6360 departs Varanasi on Tuesdays at 21:30 and gets to Ernakulam (Cochin) at 04:50 on Fridays.

2-tier air con = Rs 2465
3-tier air con = Rs 1560
Sleeper class (not air con) = Rs 565

Thats 3 nights on the train and a total of over 55 hours. Don't do it.


It would be quicker (though not much) to go via Delhi then take the Rajdhani express.

Train 2559 departs Varanasi daily at 18:45 and gets to New Delhi at 07:45.

First Class (Air con) = Rs 2395
2-tier air con = Rs 1272
3-tier air con = Rs 826
Sleeper class (not air con) = Rs 313


Train 2432 departs H. Nizamuddin (Delhi) on Tuesdays and Sundays at 11:00 and gets to Ernakulam at 01:30 (38.5 hours later)

First Class (Air con) = Rs 6515
2-tier air con = Rs 3390
3-tier air con = Rs 2330


Flying should be considered, maybe a train to Delhi then fly.

Or consider other places you would like to visit on the way.

I think it sounds great! You have a choice of routes to go by, some fascinating stops en route, and, frankly, the only negative I can think of is if you tried to do it non-stop, which WOULD be gruelling!

I never tried First Class a/c, but we travelled extensively in 2 AC and 3AC, and I think you would be perfectly comfortable in either. There's little difference between the two, so the much-cheaper 3 AC comes up trumps for value.

So, how will you go? Via Mumbai and Goa? Or through Vijayawada and Chennai? (Check http://www.indianrail.gov.in/testmap.html for some ideas). Either way, I think you've got some great experiences ahead. Don't ask SHOULD you do it... just ask what should you not miss en route, or which are the most scenic trains. Then the experts like Steven Ber will chime in, and, before you know it, you will have a wonderful, varied and inexpensive holiday all planned. I envy you!

Well, there you go! While I was waxing enthusiastic, Steven was already "chiming in" and beat me to the draw! Are you feeling more enthusiastic now?

I did Cochin to Delhi in 52 hours.....

It was pure Psychosis.

I did Varkala-Delhi, 56 hours, in sleeper class last year. It's really no problem. Just prepare yourself to be in the train for an eternity, and it really doesn't feel that long. Just make sure you have enough to read, snack on etc.

You get into a kind of "train mode", you know. Before you know it it's over.

Good luck!

C

Great trip...varanasi-Cochin. A Bharat Darshan of sorts. I would do it....sleeper class...with lot of books, eats and a loaded camera.

It's the best way to meet Mom India halfway that I know of!

If you take 2AC, you can stay in bed all the time; you'll be forced to sit up once in a while in 3AC -- so I'd say to take 2AC and take lots of books, food, a radio, and playing cards, so you can amuse yourself on the way.

Hey, have you read 'The Great Railway Bazaar' by Paul Theroux? He never gets off the train, although he did travel 1st class only.

hey everyone!

all your suggestions are greatly appreciated.
and they have helped calm me down a bit.

i am taking steven's hot tip -- riding the
express from delhi. and hunkering down with
theroux, yummy treats and my curiosity.

i can't tell you how wonderful it feels to have
such a fantastic support group...

ill keep you posted from the road.

be well!

xo

Steven-Ber...where did you buy your Bradshaw's? Unable to get one in Chennai!

If the weather and/or other conditions are bad, you shouldn't count on your train being anywhere near on time. Our train from Varanasi to Agra, last month, was running 16 hours (16!) late. We gave up; flew to Delhi; then motored to Agra. We beat the train by 20 hours -- and spent one devil of a lot more.

I would strongly recommend sleeper. A long trip is much more interesting when you can actually see out the windows.

2 thoughts:
1. Wondering why you're going straight thru . . .

2. Wondering why you're not flying Air Deccan at bargain rates . . . .

Have you tried Wheelers at Chennai Central or Egmore stations?

Alternatively, a good book shop.

There is a place in Kolkata that will send you a copy, I will try to find the address if you need it.


Warning....

I haven’t picked up the Bradshaw for many months, it has many mistakes, and it's very difficult to use it as a 'quick reference guide', A good knowledge of Indian Railways (& I mean All the important junctions & knowing most train routes) combined with experience of using timetables, may make the Bradshaw a good purchase.

Typing the above statement almost hurts me, the Indian railway network must be (by far) the most complex rail network in the world, to get the whole system (including all airline routes) into a book the size of a small paperback is a brilliant achievement.


For most people a 'Trains At A Glance' (Rs40 I think) with an 'EXCEL'S Timetable Of Air Services Within India' (Rs40) tucked inside, will be easier to understand and will have all the info they will ever need.