Top 5 Tips for Train Travel in India

There are few things that define India the way the Indian Railways do. Remember those endless train rides as children, when you’d woken up by cries of ‘chai, coffee’ in the mornings and would be happiest if you got to sleep on the upper berth? Despite the growing popularity of flights in India today, a huge chunk of our population still travels by train. On the occasion of the annual International Railway Equipment Exhibition  (IREE) hosted by the Indian Railways from October 14-16 at Pragati Maidan, Delhi, here are the top 5 travel tips for train travel newbies:

 

1. Always chain your luggage

I have always chained my luggage to the links provided under the seats and I never thought they really provided much protection until I forgot my chain one day and my luggage was stolen. It is always better to be safe than sorry and it doesn’t take too much effort to lock your luggage and ensure that it is attached to the train, so that you don’t wake up to a nasty surprise.

2. Pre-order your food

Whilst Indian Railways offer a food service on most trains and admirably cater to a large group of people, there isn’t much of a choice available. I recently discovered a great online food ordering system called Travel Khana. You can place your order online in advance and someone will come and deliver a fresh meal to your seat at the station of your choice. The food is prepared at local restaurants and several meal selections are offered. Choose a thali, dosa or perhaps even biryani.

3. Be prepared for noisy neighbours

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I like to get as much sleep as possible when on trains, however my neighbours don’t necessarily feel the same way. One way to block out any noise is to wear ear plugs and use an eye mask to block any light. This will help you with uninterrupted sleep, so that you wake up at your destination refreshed and ready to go.

4. Always pack some extra food

Sometimes train journeys could end up being a little longer than planned, or the train could make an unexpected stop in the middle of nowhere. Just in case things don’t go quite as planned, it may be worth packing an extra bottle of water and some snacks so that you don’t get hungry. I make it a point to keep some nuts and biscuits with me, a great accompaniment to a hot cup of tea.

5. Use the time to yourself

Some train rides can be long, especially if you’re travelling alone, but, think about it,where else will you get such uninterrupted time of doing absolutely nothing? Spend this time wisely, doing things you don’t normally find time for in your busy everyday life. I usually travel with a big book, and enjoy reading it from cover to cover on a long journey. You can catch up on those movies you never got around to watching, make some new friends, or simply stare out the window endlessly, taking in the beautiful countryside that India has to offer.

Travelling on the Indian Railways can be one of the greatest Indian travel experiences, so sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.