1

Always a good idea to book train tickets ahead, particularly if you travel as a family.
However it's harder now to book from overseas.
Check this site for details: http://www.seat61.com/India.htm

2

There are quite a few trains which connect Delhi to Varanasi - but it is best to book in advance. The Indian railway website (www.irctc.co.in) allows you to book a ticket upto 90 days prior to the date of travel.

However, not many trains serve the Delhi - Kathgodam route - I can only recall a couple of trains which do. Hence, it is even more imperative to book in advance.

In case you are unable to book tickets using the website, please visit the International Tourist Bureau at the first floor of the New Delhi railway station (I assume Delhi will be your port of arrival from abroad) - tickets and rail-passes should available, and the representatives are quite helpful.

3

Touist quota. I get them next day for Kathgodam. Why would you want to go there?

4

Trains get heavily booked on almost all routes and its imperative to book as far in advance as you can. If you can't book in advance there are other alternatives such as Tatkal, tourist quota, wait list, or flying. Of course each has its pitfalls, to book Tatkal tickets you need to be up and out at the crack of dawn as there is heavy demand for them, relatively few trains carry seats under the tourist quota although you should be able to find something on most routes in Rajasthan and between Delhi and Varanasi. With a Waitlisted ticket your not guaranteed a seat it depends on number of cancellations and how many unused quota seats there are (although I've always got a seat with a waitlisted ticket) and of course flying is more expensive

5

Thanks for all of that helpful info. Did some train travel 20yrs ago in India and have done a bit also in Indonesia so we do like travelling by train and not air. Why Kathgodam? Why not? Like to see the himalaya again and trying to go somewhere to avoid the masses..if that's possible. Appreciate all of your contributions.jen

6

Just booked for Kathgodam myself on the overnight 'Ranikhet Express'. $20 first class sleeper ticket but booked 120 days in advance.

7

Delhi to Kathgodam = http://erail.in?T=NDLS::KGM:
Delhi to Varanasi = http://erail.in?T=NDLS::BSB:

8

please visit irctc.co.in the official on line booking site for the indian railways.
alternatively agents like yatra.com, makemytrip.com can also be contacted.
they are reliable and safe to transact with.