Train Travel in India - Important Tips and Advice

The Indian Railway is, without any apprehensionhalf the rate of 1st AC.
considered to be the support system of India. It is the1st Class (non-AC) - This is same as to 1st Class AC,
world's biggest railway system under a singlebut devoid of bedding or air-conditioning, and much
administration.economical if you can find it.
From a tourist's point of view, train journey unlocks an3rd AC - Fully Air-conditioned coaches with 6 bunks
avenue through which you can take a glimpse of Indiaper compartment and it is over crowded but still
in an exceptional standpoint.relaxing and tidy, and quite inexpensive usually.
Nevertheless, with approximately 62,000 km of rail,Sleeper Class - This is the same as 3rd AC but
nearly 7,500 stations and more than 7,800 locomotives,without the air-conditioning or bedding, and generally
roving by the Indian Railway can be a discouragingvery very packed.
task. There are certain points given below that wouldUnreserved 2nd Class - Wide open coaches with
make things a lot simpler.bench seats and frequently amazingly crowded, and
Various Classes on Indian trainsextremely economical.
After seeing the comfort and afford-ability of theExclusive Tip: If you are really keen to have a glimpse
travelers there are various classes introduced by theof the "real" India, it is an advise do not travel in AC
Indian Railways like there are the 1st AC, 2nd AC, Firstcompartments as you would not get a chance to mix
Class which is without the air conditioning facility, 3rdup and to interrelate with the common Indian public, as
AC, Sleeper Class and the Class which is notthey have a preference of the Sleeper Class to AC
reserved and open for everybody. For the ordinarycoaches.
traveler, I would advise Sleeper Class journey. IfWhile traveling seeing the sights is restricted by the
money is not a problem, and you like to have ahighlighted windows.
modest amount of seclusion First Class travel is an3rd AC travel is recommended under the following
excellent choice.situations: If the journey is more than 12 hours and
1st AC - Air-conditioned saloons with 2 or 4 bunks andmore than 600 km, or it is during night travel And you
a personal basin to wash hands, inclusive of all bedding.ready to bear the heat or the crowd.
It's extremely good and comfortable than you wouldApart from the classes mentioned, you will also have
normally imagine, and pretty expensive as well.AC Chair Car - coaches with reclining chairs too. It is
2nd AC - Air-conditioned coaches with 4 bunks andonly advisable if your journey is not more than 5 to 6
not as good as AC 1st, but still very decent, and nearlyhours.