India Rail:
Travelling by train is a quintessential experience in India. Nothing like the over-crowded, people sitting-on-the-roof-and-hanging-out-the-door affair that many believe, the trains are comfortable, safe and offer a window into life on the subcontinent that you wouldn’t otherwise glimpse. Although not known for being on time, India’s railway remains an essential network for connecting people in the farthest corners of the land with cities and services. Rail holidays in India will always offer that extra element of adventure!
A reasonable level of fitness is required for rail journeys as it is more time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off trains, coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps. You will need to carry your own luggage on and off the train.
Please take note:- The train carriages are shared, so always be mindful of your personal belongings.
- Each train coach has toilet facilities, located at either end of the coach. One is western
- We recommend you carry tissues/toilet paper and hand sanitizers.
compartments the maximum baggage measurement is 48 inches (123 cm). If a piece of
baggage exceeds any one of the dimensions, it must be booked and carried in the brake van
rather than in the passengers' compartment. Luggage Handling porters will be arranged by the
National Escorts who are further assisted by the local office customer care executive (transfer
representatives). On our fully Escorted tours, the accompanying National Escort along with the
local office staff would assist the group members while embarking and disembarking from the
trains.
Shatabdi Express
Premium day trains, Shatabdi Expresses connect major cities, making a limited number of spots en route. Air-conditioned with reserved seating, they are comfortable and fast, with older diesel and electric locomotives travelling at between 110 and 150 kilometres per hour, and the 2019 introduced high-speed locomotives travelling up to 180 kilometres an hour. Seats are cushioned with a recline and a tray table, and tickets include a food service that is delivered to your seat.
There are overhead racks to store luggage.
We use Shatabdi Express trains on several of our tours, travelling between Agra and Jhansi on Highlights of India, from Chennai to Bangalore on Kerala and the Southern Highlights, from Shimla to Delhi on Northern India Discovery and India by Rail.
Gatimaan Express
A semi-highspeed service, these trains can run up to 160 kilometres an hour between Jhansi and New Delhi (with a stop at Agra for the Taj Mahal). Air-conditioned chair cars provide a comfortable ride and large windows offer great views over the passing landscapes. Relatively new with modern facilities, onboard a Gatimaan there is complimentary wi-fi, an app that gives access to music, tv and music and even bio-vacuum toilets! A dedicated train host will be on hand to assist and will bring you a meal in your seat as part of your ticket.
There are overhead racks to store luggage.
We use a Gatimaan Express to travel between Delhi and Agra on our India by Rail tour.
Vande Bharat
Similar to the Shatabdi Express services, the Vande Bharat are premium day trains, connecting big cities and state capitals on journeys less than 10 hours. They are semi-high speed but are actually one of India’s fastest trains, capable of reaching speeds up to 200 kilometres an hour. Launched in 2019, they boast plenty of modern facilities like wifi, an entertainment system, at seat plugs and reading lights plus bio-vacuum toilets and sensor-based taps. They are also air-conditioned. The seating is reserved and airline style, in a 2-3 configuration. A meal is included in the price of your ticket which is catered onboard and delivered to your seat.
There are overhead racks to store luggage.
We use Vande Bharat services between Jaipur and Delhi and Delhi and Varanasi on our India by Rail tour.
