Why Train Journey is So Much Fun in India
With a wide array of trains running across the length and breadth of the country, Indian Railways offer a pick for all budgets and preferences. From the most luxurious trains like Palace on Wheels to cheap trains running regionally – Indian Railways' basket is a proportionate mix of all kinds of trains
There is no denying that when it comes to travelling in India, no mode of transport can have such an extensive reach as the Indian Railways. Apart from being the largest railway network in the world, Indian Railways is the most appropriate amalgamation of speed, comfort, proficiency and cost-efficiency. With a wide array of trains running across the length and breadth of the country, Indian Railways offer a pick for all budgets and preferences. From the most luxurious trains like Palace on Wheels to cheap trains running regionally – Indian Railways' basket is a proportionate mix of all kinds of trains.
Air travel is fast and a road trip can be fun, but nothing can beat the excitement and entertainment of a train trip in India. Here's a list of five reasons that will make you reconsider train travel as one of the best ways to see India.
1. Comfort: Travelling by aeroplane in economy class doesn't assure of any comfort. With little leg space, squishy seats and narrow hand-rest, air travel is anything but comfortable. Travelling by car or bus can be bumpy and space is again a restriction. The significant advantage of train travel is the space that you get to stretch out, curl up and be cosy. Depending on your budget you can check train seat availability or berth availability for your preferred class through the IRCTC website.
2. Extensive: Indian Railways has the most extensive reach – sprawling its services to the remotest corner of the country. Though airline companies have initiated new routes to offbeat destinations, they still are nowhere close to Indian Railways. From the tea estates of Ledo in Assam to the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari or Jammu's mutinous hills in north or Krishna's birthplace in Dwarka – you name the destination and a train can reach you there.
3. Scenic: Rail travel in India offers a view to some of the most breathtaking sceneries. Since most train tracks traverse paths that other modes of travel don't take, you get an exclusive view of unexplored parts of the country. Sitting by the window seat you can admire the shifting landscape as the train passes from town to villages, narrow valleys to steep mountains, passing through green paddy fields or crossing over a mighty bridge. In order to book window seat or get berth as per your choice, you must check the status of Indian Railway enquiry seat availability well in advance.
4. Cost-effective: Travelling by flight is definitely fast but also expensive. Train travel, on the other hand, may be a little time-consuming but it's surely easy on your pocket. Indian Railways has myriad options including express, superfast, local to luxury trains on different routes that passengers can choose from. Indian Railways also offers special discounts to senior citizens and students on providing valid identity proof. However, it's always advisable to check IRCTC seat availability through their website.
5. Convenient: Most airports are located at a distance from the city centre, while railway stations are usually centrally located. So it is much convenient to reach your destination from a railway station than an airport. Moreover, flight travel involves restriction in terms of luggage weight, while travelling by train you don't need to worry about how many bags you are carrying. Getting information about train ticket availability and seat availability in trains has also become easier with IRCTC's website and travel apps like ixigo train app. You can track where is my train detail via ixigo app and website.
If the comfort, cost and convenient factors of a train trip couldn't convince you enough, its charm will definitely floor you. There is something quaint, old-school and romantic about train journeys in India that will leave you some cherished memories.