With the advent of such super-efficient and fast trains as the Rajdhani and Shatabadi series which now have a wide network of routes throughout the country, travelling on certain routes by train instead of by car, can take hours off a journey. These excellent trains are modern, clean and comfortable. They have two classes, both of which are more than adequate - water and meals are served on board and the seats recline! Perhaps the only downside of these trains is that they are air-conditioned - so ferociously that it is essential to take a jersey or jacket with you to deal with the often icy conditions!
Contrary to what many believe, most trains in India run on time. There are one or two which are notoriously late but we are fully aware of which trains these are and would not recommend travelling by them. Regular trains in India have 3 classes and we will usually book the best available class which may be first class air-conditioned or second class air-conditioned, both of which are good, comfortable and spacious. Travelling by train overnight is also an interesting experience. You will usually have a cabin for 2 or 4 people which you can shut yourself into and they try to put the same sex together. These are air-conditioned, sheets are provided and wake up calls are always given nice and early, with breakfast. There are other aspects of train travel within India which should not be missed. Not least the buzzy, frenetic atmosphere of the railway stations. Indeed some stations in India become huge dormitories every night. |
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There are many other fascinatingly strange quirks to the Indian railway system. One of these is the booking process. In order for a foreigner to purchase a ticket, he or she has to give his date of birth and sex. This is then pinned up on a notice board on each carriage of the train so that you may find your exact seat. Similarly strange but efficient is that they have quotas for ‘tourist’ tickets and if you are booking late, it may be that the train is running fairly empty but if the ‘tourist quota’ has been used, you will be not able to travel on the train. The romance of travelling by train in India lives on.
There are 2 exceptional trains in India that make week long journeys around various states.
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THE PALACE ON WHEELS...
A wonderful opportunity to tour Rajasthan as the Maharajas did - by private train. You will enjoy a host of advantages they never had, including full air condi-tioning, a new easy-riding broad gauge track, and private bathrooms with showers. Nevertheless, the carriages retain their traditional standards of service, opulent ambience and renowned comfort.
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THE DECCAN ODYSSEY...
Run by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, the 8 day journey on this extremely comfortable new train takes you slowly down the coast from Mumbai to Goa and then back up to Pune and Aurangabad before ending back in Mumbai. As you travel down the coast you will visit a selection of imposing and rarely visited coastal forts such as Jaigad Fort and the ocean fort of Sindhudurg. Afternoons will be spent on quiet secluded beaches on the Konkan coast. After exploring the stunning architecture of Old Goa and a cruise on the Mandovi River, begin the journey north and inland, stopping to visit Singhagad Fort and the wine growing area of Pune which is also home to some of India’s finest stud farms.
From here you continue north to Aurangabad, visiting the mighty Daulatabad Fort and the exceptional caves at Ajanta and Ellora before arriving back in Mumbai. The train comprises of 10 luxurious carriages, each with approximately 4 themed cabins. There are lounge carriages, a dining carriage, a conference carriage, a bar, a laundry and maid service. It is the perfect way to discover unknown parts of the state which, as yet, do not really cater to tourism. A pioneering journey but enjoyed in the utmost style and comfort.
Scheduled to leave Mumbai weekly on Wednesday evenings, the train will operate from September to April each year.
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