Indian railway system

Re: Indian railway system

Hi I was on the North Indian Highlights Tour in November of 2004..I had the same concerns that you have (i think everyone does)..Thankfully, all went very well..The train ride was an awesome experience (not that I would want to take it every day)!! The sheets were clean..We stayed in a berth with 6 beds (3 on each side)..The train was not as rickety as I thought it would be.Anyhow we laughed almost all night, but also managed to get some sleep...The bathrooms were not too clean in the western style toilets, but clean in the squat toilets..(but this is India, and not all is perfect!!)
The whole tour was great..Some of the hotels are amazing..I especially liked the one's in Mandawa..The camel ride also fun..It is a trip I will never ever forget and would do it all over again!! Things are alot different in India and you will see things that will amaze you over and over again...The roads are bumpy, the traffic is horrific..Horns honking continuously and people everywhere...Animals everywhere, garbage everywhere..It is another world!! I absolutely loved it..We've now booked the Kerala in Style Tour with Imag. Traveller for November 2005!!

Any other questions, let me know.

Tracy

Re: Indian railway system

Hi Tracy,
I didn't realise there were Western style bathroom facilities on the train.
How about the other accommodation during the tour. Do they all offer Western style toilets?
And do you think being Vegetarian would make things hard?

Thanks for all your help.
Mandy

Re: Indian railway system

Hi Mandy,

Just one comment on the Western toilets on the train, GET IN EARLY!! There is only one per carriage.

All the hotels and accommodation are very comfortable with Western bathrooms although hot water can be a bit "hit and miss".

As far as vegetarian is concerned, many Indian dishes are vegetarian. In fact, I ate vegetarian the entire time and ate different dishes everywhere. The food is FABULOUS!!

India is one of the most awesome places I have ever travelled to. You will love it if you have an open mind and are interested in new experiences which I'm guessing you are or you wouldn't be going.

Have a great time.

Hope this helps,

Russell

Re: Indian railway system

I too thought the food was fabulous..I am not a vegetarian, but also ate vegetarian most of the time.If you stay at Jukaso Inn in Delhi, try out Sweets Corner down the street..Excellent Indian food for very cheap..The first meal we ate there was only 300 rupees or $3.00 Canadian..We were amazed..And it was darn good too..

The western toilets are limited on the train and like I said, were filthy, however, I have a problem squating so they came in handy for me!!

All the bathrooms in the hotels are western style..They aren't luxury bathrooms or anything, but clean..All of the rooms are quite good actually..

Have a great time!!

Re: Indian railway system

thanks guys for your advice , much appreciated.
I'm really looking forward to going now. India sounds incredible.