Ratlam - waiting for a train - anything to do there?

JazBradley

Hi All
Will have a full afternoon to fill in, while waiting for a train in Ratlam, and wondering whether anyone's been there before, and if so, what are the best things to see/do, and is there anywhere nice to eat?
Thanks so much,
Jaz

steven_ber

I don't know Ratlam station, I had a 5 minute look once as I was passing through.

But generally (and more so for larger, busier stations)....

If this is your first time exploring a train station (rather than just arriving and boarding a train), you could find enough to do for maybe 2 hours, but after that you'd be left wondering what to do (if it's still daylight hours, spend some time in the town first, it will be interesting and the food will be better than that available on the train station, look for a busy place, or a place where policemen are eating, both are a good sign that the food will be good).

There are many things to see on a train station, many people doing many jobs, many people waiting 39 hours for their connecting train, many animals roaming the platforms and tracks, many parcels waiting to go to every part of India, fascinating local foods, loads of chai, locals wanting to invite you to their home and telling you how wonderful their town is, soldiers travelling to the far corners of India to spend 6 months away from their families, at a place like Ratlam there will be many people who've never seen a foreign tourist and may be fascinated by you, ask if you can take a photo with your digital camera, then show them the photo, kids love this, kids also love a quick listen to your iPod, all in all, you will find it very relaxing, just be a little careful late at night, you should be fine, but if you go to a deserted part of the station (or just outside), watch for anyone taking too much notice of you, nothing's ever happened to me, but there was once when I decided I may be better off in the main part of the station.

(it should be noted that I still get excited when I see a train that has travelled 2000kms before it gets to the station, yet is only 11 minutes late, so I'm maybe not the best person to ask. )

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vir

Just outside Ratlam there is a village/town called Sailana.
There is famous Cactus Garden there. I have been there 15 years ago. There were lots and lots of different types of cactus plants there. I guess I am not a big Cactus but around Ratlam it is one of the "things to do".

Sailana is also famous for its Cucumber (Kakdi)

Since you are in Malwa(Ratlam is in Malwa region), have Poha and Jalebi for breakfast. If you can find a good place try Daal-Baafla for Lunch.

http://www.india9.com/i9show/Sailana-Garden-17023.htm

JazBradley

Thanks heaps!
NB: I wasn't so much thinking of hanging around the station all afternoon, but more like taking a wander around the town, so I was wondering whether anyone knew of any sites of interest. The cactus garden sounds interesting tho?!!
Cheers
Jaz

singsub

ntomer

Go see a recently released Hindi movie "Jab We Met", it will give you a good idea of what to do at Ratlam station ;-)

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yash786

ratlam??? kya baat hai yaar..go n hav a stay at hotel DECENT..the manager is very intersting..jus kiddin'..i hope u hav seen jab we met