← Back to topic list
I assume, travelling at night one would book an aircom compartment?
I would appreciate any comments and advice, thanks.
As for traveling at night, whether to book an AC coach or not, depends largely on when and where you are traveling.
Sometimes being in SL coaches can be just as good as AC. If you are going during the winter months (ie. cold), then definitely book an AC coach, if for no other reason than not to have the biting chills hitting you in the night.
If it's the hot season, then the only real concerns are mosquitoes and whether it's too hot for you to bear.
And let me stress on this point, 2nd class compartments and sleeper coaches can be different things. ONLY take the latter. Never opt for the 'general' coach.
If you have the money, take 3rd AC. That according to me is the best way to travel in India.
stay safe...
II class is a free for all and there are no seat reservations.
sleeper class has seat reservations.
you can see out of the windows for both.
i've never travelled any of the a\c classes bcoz i always get sick in a\c so no experience with those, but from the outside of the train it looks like the windows are frosted.
took II class once - don't recommend it unless you have no other option. i was lucky i could go in the "women's compartment" otherwise i think it would have been a complete nightmare!!
Finally there is a good chance that you'll meet up with well-educated Indians with whom you can not only converse but learn - possibly the best bit of train travel - the only time that you can seriously meet a local in anuncompliacted way.
I usually travel sleeper class (at night too). Sometimes it can get chilly at night, but if you have a sleeping bag (or even buy one of those big wool blankets most Indians bring on the trains), I don't find it to be that bad. I generally prefer the adventure of sleeper class.
← Back to topic list
Train travel
when travelling by train during the day and wishing to see out and appreciate the views, my impression from what I have read on this website is that it would be better to book a seat in a 2nd-class compartment as one can see outside, whereas travelling in the aircon compartments the windows prevent one from seeing and appreciating the outlook/ view - is that correct?I assume, travelling at night one would book an aircom compartment?
I would appreciate any comments and advice, thanks.
2
The windows in AC coaches are often not cleaned; are sometimes scratched and visibility can definitely be an issue.As for traveling at night, whether to book an AC coach or not, depends largely on when and where you are traveling.
Sometimes being in SL coaches can be just as good as AC. If you are going during the winter months (ie. cold), then definitely book an AC coach, if for no other reason than not to have the biting chills hitting you in the night.
If it's the hot season, then the only real concerns are mosquitoes and whether it's too hot for you to bear.
3
I agree with #2. It all depends on the weather. And if its raining, fellow passengers would ask you to close the windows (incase you don't do it yourself ) and then 2nd class would turn into a nightmare. These Ac coaches aren't all that bad and I've never found it very difficult to see what's happening outside. Sometimes you get terribly unlucky ( scratch/dirt ) but you can't do anything about it. You might get terribly unlucky in 2nd class as well.And let me stress on this point, 2nd class compartments and sleeper coaches can be different things. ONLY take the latter. Never opt for the 'general' coach.
If you have the money, take 3rd AC. That according to me is the best way to travel in India.
4
Agreed with 2&3... But i feel, if its a short trip take sleeper class...otherwise travel in acII/III...if u mind about a little more safety..cleaner toilets etc... Otherwise, who cares...nothing gonna stay forever...not the heat,dust,cold,irritation etc.etc.etc...just ignore all with a deep smile....:)stay safe...
5
by "second class" i hope you are referring to "sleeper class (SL)" and not actual 'II class".II class is a free for all and there are no seat reservations.
sleeper class has seat reservations.
you can see out of the windows for both.
i've never travelled any of the a\c classes bcoz i always get sick in a\c so no experience with those, but from the outside of the train it looks like the windows are frosted.
took II class once - don't recommend it unless you have no other option. i was lucky i could go in the "women's compartment" otherwise i think it would have been a complete nightmare!!
8
Just one further point - there is a far better chance of the lavvies being kept clean in the AC classes - just a chance - your property is likely to be more secure.Finally there is a good chance that you'll meet up with well-educated Indians with whom you can not only converse but learn - possibly the best bit of train travel - the only time that you can seriously meet a local in anuncompliacted way.
10
If you are in AC, you can still go stand by the door to the train and look out from there.I usually travel sleeper class (at night too). Sometimes it can get chilly at night, but if you have a sleeping bag (or even buy one of those big wool blankets most Indians bring on the trains), I don't find it to be that bad. I generally prefer the adventure of sleeper class.
12
Only travelled AC First Class once, from Jhansi to Delhi....no other choice except for 2 class unreserved...no thanks, been there , done that.. It was September and no need for the ac .. but it was set to ""very cold"" and we needed the blankets....the windows were dark and very dirty ..as were the toilets.ADVERTISEMENT
In our shop
Bags feeling light?
Coffee table looking bare?
Get your guidebooks, travel goods, even individual chapters, right here.
