Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At the top end is first class, which actually has three different subclasses. The 3A has six beds in each
compartment, the 2A has four beds, and the 1A has only two beds. They all have more comfortable beds
than other classes, and come with sheets, pillow, and blanket, air-conditioning, and outlets. A 3A bed would
cost about $17 USD for an overnight journey while 1A would cost around $39 USD.
As a budget traveler, the second-class sleeper is the best class to travel in—it's affordable, comfortable,
and a great way to meet locals.
For comprehensive timetables and routes, use the Indian Railways website (indianrail.gov.in) or the very
user-friendly eRail site (erail.in).
In terms of travel for women, Mariellen never hesitates to travel by train in India by herself, even on
long journeys. “I have never felt unsafe on a train,” she says. “One time, I was booked into a second-class
sleeper for an overnight journey, and I saw the compartment was filled with men. I asked to be moved and
the conductor was very understanding. He put me in a 1st class compartment with a family. Generally, I
recommend second class for female solo travelers.”
Buses
Government-run buses are cheap, and their quality varies greatly as each individual state runs their own gov-
ernment bus operation. The quality of private buses can vary as well. Ultimately, it's a gamble since there
are no uniform standards or level of care. In my view, trains are a much better transportation option unless
you
have
to take a bus.
A normal government bus (bench seats, no air-conditioning, lots of stops, super crowded) from Delhi to
Dharamsala, a journey of eleven hours, will cost around $8 USD, while a private bus (with semi-reclining
seats, sometimes working air-conditioning, limited stops, and no more passengers than the number of seats)
will be around $12 USD for the same journey.
Bus prices vary from state to state but are generally between $7 USD and $15 USD. For example, Ban-
galore to Hyderabad is around $8 USD, Bangalore to Chennai is about $5 USD, Delhi to Manali is $15
USD, and Bangalore to Mumbai is $13 USD.
On many long-distance buses, you can purchase a bed. The double beds are a great value; there is enough
space for two people and their backpacks.
One thing to keep in mind is that bus travel can be accident prone. In the mountains, the roads are per-
ilous and buses are driven a bit recklessly and accidents are always a risk. Try to avoid night buses unless
there is no alternative.
Flying
The number of budget airlines in India seems to be growing all the time, and as a result, the fares are often
remarkably low. Since travel around the country can be long and tiring, flights can represent a quick and
easy way to cut out a twenty-hour train journey. Most intra-country flights range between $50 USD and
$120 USD, though deals often abound for much less than that. The following are the major airlines in the
country:
Air Asia:
airasia.com/my/en/home.page
Air India:
airindia.com
GoAir:
goair.in
