Train travel in India

Because of our tight budget, we spent most of our time travelling on train, not on plane or even on the bus. The train expense is not cheap but surprisingly cheap, especially the Sleeper Class. It's the cheapest one and apparantly the most interesting way to see India.

First about the smell, you can really smell India there. Really typical. And you can never get used to it. I had to hold my breathe each time I wanted to pass any compartment.


Secondly, travelling on train helps you practice your tolerance a lot. You will notice that you will be less frustrated day by day when finding yourself covered by dirt all over but no water left to wash. You will be less angry when you find someone already lying in your own sleeper berth, to add up, he even pretends dead with the hope you will give up on him and let him unofficially invade your berth.


Thirdly, any Indian would like to talk to you. They're overfriendly. In case you choose not talking to them, your travelling ends up really boring.


Last but not least, "Chai, chai" cry from tea seller walking along the ailse is one important part of the whole "travelling-on-train-in-India" thing.


Well, it may be annoyingly interesting to some people, it depends on how people see things.
To me, it's worth spending many hours experiencing it after all.