how necessary are train reservations?
Replies: 8 - Last Post: Jun 7, 2012 3:28 AM Last Post By: nowornever
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how necessary are train reservations?
Going to India in July and August. I would like to travel by rail whenever possible. The big routes I will be on will be from Delhi-Kerala, Kerala-Goa, Goa-Mumbai. I wanted to play it by ear when I arrived, if I really fall in love with one place I do not want to be on a schedule and have to go onto the next destination.But, should I be concerned that these routes will be booked up?If this is the case, how much time ahead should I be booking train trips, a week? a month?
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if I really fall in love with one place I do not want to be on a schedule and have to go onto the next destination.
The train routes you mentioned are popular and it would be best to book at least a month in advance of your travel date and if you change your travel plans then you can also cancell your train tickets and try to book again.
There are however some cancellation charges.
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There are however some cancellation charges.If you cancel more than 24 hours in advance, the charge in minimal.
As said, those train routes are often crowded, Indian travel season, doncha know. Never forget that there are private buses that ply the same routes. You can pay for any level of comfort you want.
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On the subject of cancellation, there was a neat article in the news the other day about the scads of money that Indian Rail made from cancellation fees. Since trains are difficult to book, lots of people here buy 5-6-7 tickets for various trains, wait for one to give them a seat and then cancel the rest. It's been like this for 20+ years and the more crowded it gets, the more it's done.
5
"Play it by ear"? You should look to the buses more than the trains.Delhi-Kerala is a 3-4 day train trip,I would fly.Plus monsoon season is in play,....7
The rajdhani takes 42 hrs from Delhi to Trivandrum...if thats your first leg then book in advance..
