Accomodation on Indian Railways
How to Best Choose your Accommodation for a Long Distance Train Trip
To the uninitiated, the range of accomodation available on indian trains can be quite bewildering. With the right information, India's trains seem a lot less mystifying.
Most people find themselves becoming confused during the planning phase of their journey, as they attempt to make sense of the 4 or 5 different classes of accommodation available on long distance trains in India. This includes the general seated compartment, sleeper class, 3 tier air conditioned sleeper (3AC), 2 tier air conditioned sleeper (2AC), and 1st class air conditioned sleeper (1AC). Before booking your ticket, it's recommended that you give honest thought to your travelling and privacy requirements.
Many visitors feel compelled to travel sleeper class so that they can come into close contact with their idea of the 'real India'. The majority of India's large middle class population travels in sleeper class, and you'll encounter people from all walks of life. Keep in mind though that while a day spent in sleeper class can be entertaining, longer journeys can take their toll as a result of the constant heat, noise and dirt. If you don’t like being woken at 6am, then sleeper class isn’t for you.
The air conditioned carriages are much cleaner and more restful, however they distinctly lack the spirited nature of sleeper class. Their upper class occupants can be less than stimulating, although the relatively high standard of these people’s personal habits shouldn’t be under rated on long distance journeys. Since comfort levels are higher in the air conditioned compartments, passengers find less need to interact with eachother to distract themselves from their journey. There's also less interaction with the outside world, including food vendors at stations, as windows are sealed with tinted glass and are unable to be opened.
A good option that balances comfort and cost is 3AC. Carriages are laid out in the same manner as sleeper class, with 6 berths per compartment, but you get the added benefit of air conditioning. In 2AC, you'll also get privacy curtains and more room, with only 4 berths in each compartment. 1AC offers compartments for two, with lockable doors, for a cost comparable to that of flying.
For those wanting some extra personal space, but without the extravagance of 1AC, a side berth in one of the other classes is recommended. These berths are located outside each compartment, along the aisle. However, if you're taller than around 175cm you might yourself a bit cramped, as these berths are enclosed on both ends and are shorter than the ones inside the compartments. Where possible, it’s also advisable to book an upper berth. You won't have to share it with anyone, whereas the lower berths act as seats for everyone during the day.
Travel in the general seated compartment is best avoided on long journeys. This is the only carriage on the train where reservations aren't requried. Most seats are simply wooden benches, although plastic padded benches may be found on some trains. It's in this compartment that any visions you may have of people hanging out the doors of Indian trains will become a reality, as overcrowding is taken to new levels.
There's no doubt that each type of compartment offers a certain, unique type of experience. If you choose the right level of accomodation to suit your requirements, its likely that you'll have an enchanting trip on a railway system that's so essential to Indian life.
Here's some Tips for Long Distance Train Travel in India
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