Indian Railways: How to Get Around India with Indian Railways in World Travel Ticket
If you close your eyes and think of Indian trains, you can think of those scenes of crowded carriages, people hanging from roofs or doors, defying danger on old and dilapidated railway tracks. But it’s an old movie indian railways, which have come a long way since then. Today, for those who love adventure, visiting India by train is not at all uncomfortable or dangerous.
You just need to know how to organize yourself and how this dense rail network, one of the largest in Asia, works, and then cope with travel without being afraid of the – many – unexpected events that are part of the attraction of this country!
In this Viaggi nel Mondo article, we see the main information about Indian Railways together!
modern railways
Indian Railways after all, these are modern railways. They were built between 1853 and 1947 and first they were handled haphazardly. No less than 40 different bodies regulated traffic and maintenance until in 1951 the entire network was nationalized and operated by one hand.
It was only recently that the country rediscovered the railways as a tourist attraction and therefore committed to sublimate them and arrange themat least in part.
Indian Railways covers over 28,000 km of routesin some sections they are very fast (more than 220 km/h) but most of the time do not exceed 200 km/h.
The importance of a class
Before embarking on a trip to India by train, find out about seats in the first classes. Indeed, even if all the trains are not well maintained, 1 AC and 2 AC carriages (first and second class with air conditioning) they are small palaces designed especially for the wealthy and tourists.
The first class air conditioner offers sleeping cars, with the beds that become sofas during the day. You will have a steward, tinted windows, a reading light, appliance sockets, clean bathrooms and the possibility of taking your meals in the cabin.
Second class air conditioning is similar, but unlike the First it does not allow privacy (the cabin door has no key). Both guarantee air conditioning.
Third class AC is still decent, although the beds are narrower and each cabin contains several (up to 6). The bathrooms are clean, but not always. Less privacy and fewer cabin amenities. Later classes lack amenities, air conditioning, and decent bathrooms. On the other hand, they cost much less!
You can also travel during the day, with air-conditioned first class seats and small tables with device sockets.
What you need to know about Indian Railways
Booking is valuable to avoid traveling on crowded and uncomfortable trains. Tickets are booked in India at least 4 months before starting! For the first classes with all the comforts, you have to be prepared to pay dearly. There are “special places for tourists”, even those very expensive ones.
The most beautiful routes to do on Indian Railways
To travel in northern India, the most beautiful routes are from Delhi to Agra, or from Agra to Jaipur. Another must-do is the one that goes from Jaipur to Jodhpur, to see the beauties of Rajastan.
If you want to admire South India, on the other hand, take the train from Mumbai to Goa, or from Goa to Cochin, or from Hospet to Bangalore and you will not regret it.
Our article on Indian Railways ends here. See you next time with the posts dedicated to our travels around the world through our portal!
