I set off across India with an ill-fitting backpack, anticipating the campy scenes of Darjeeling Limited. After a three-year breakup, I set out with the naive belief that I could find a resolution in the chaos. The dimly lit hostels in India, the sputtering Rickshaws, the congested markets, and iconic monuments, along with long, long stretches of travel, proved to be distractions. I was astonished by the chaos.

The list of things that no one tells you is long, but I was happy to embrace India’s sprawling cities and diverse culture. We took the train from Delhi to Rajasthan via Agra, Khajuraho, and Varanasi. Then we continued to Darjeeling.

What is the real experience of train travel in India? The adventure is as exciting as Wes Anderson made it out to be. However, there are fewer vintage suitcases and Jason Schwartzman in the picture than Wes Anderson had us believe. You’ll learn more about India’s culture by playing cards with other employees in the train station or sharing chapatis with strangers than in any museum.

Get ready to discover India the way it was meant to be experienced by train.

How to book train travel in India?

India has a population of more than 1,3 billion. Trains can fill up months in advance. You can book trains in India using either the general allocation or the foreign tourist allocation. These tickets are reserved for those who travel at the last minute. Train tickets can be booked online or in person at the station. Notably, online train booking is nowadays seamless through online booking platforms like redRail.

What is the story with Indian train classes?

Indian trains are divided into eight classes. However, not all trains have a sleeper/ AC class. A few classes of Indian trains are listed below.

• AC First Class: Lockable, air-conditioned berths that can accommodate 2-4 passengers. Washrooms and bedding are provided in the cabin. Most expensive.


• AC 2-Tier (2A or AC2): Lockable, air-conditioned berths with bedding for 2-4 persons. Washrooms are located at each end of the vehicle.


• AC 3-Tier: Lockable, air-conditioned berths that can accommodate 2-6 passengers. There are washrooms at either end. AC 3-Tier is slightly more crowded and does not have the privacy curtains that AC 2-Tier has.


• First Class (FC), not air-conditioned, berths that can accommodate 2-4 passengers. The popularity of this class is declining, with the majority of travellers choosing AC1.


• AC Chair Car (CC) is only air-conditioned, with five seats per line. This class is ideal for daytime travel and costs about three times as much as a second-seat train ticket.


• Sleeper (SL), not air-conditioned. Open berths with no bedding for 2-6 persons. Washrooms are located at each end. The beds fold up from the wall, like bunks. This is the most popular class for long journeys. It’s basic and crowded.


• Second Sitting (2S): This is not an air-conditioned room (both wooden and padded chairs). It is possible that you will not get a seat in this class. This is a great option for short journeys, but not overnight.

What Indian train class do you choose? It’s a matter of budget. It’s common for backpackers to travel in the non-air-conditioned sleeper classes, but it can be uncomfortable. If you want to balance comfort with economy, I recommend AC 3-Tier. If you have your ticket in waiting, you can log on to redRail to check your pnr status.

Conclusion

In India, train travel is a gamble. Train travel is a cheap and efficient way to travel. Train travel in India is a great way to explore the culture and experience of India. You can travel miles through railway networks. You’ll find that trains are relatively safe, though you should keep valuables close by. Also, you’ll meet locals who will be happy to see you.