Train travel in India can be one of the most rewarding and interesting ways to travel the country as you see an enormous amount of typical life and countryside as you go along (and they don't go so fast you miss it!). The network is vast and only in the Himalaya can trains fail to link the country together. There are a wide range of classes available ranging from standard 3rd class (where you will be sharing with chickens) up to luxury train tours. We normally recommend travelling 1st class or 2nd class A/C.

In 1st class you will have your own private cabin, although this can work out not much cheaper than flying and there can be a feeling of being cut off from the rest of the train. We normally use the 2nd class A/C carriage, which is an air-conditioned car with seats and fold-down bunks (options for 2 or 3 tiers), and this can be a great way to meet and chat with local people but still be sure of getting a large seat and space to yourselves.

Domestic flights in India have really taken off(!) in the last few years and there are now a number of domestic carriers offering routes to all corners of the country. The competition between companies means that prices tend to stay reasonable. Internal flights can be particularly useful if there are multiple destinations that you would like to visit.

 

Coach and bus travel in India is not always a great or safe experience due to the high number of fraudulent operators. Even if they are Government approved buses, there is no guarantee that they will reach their destination, or in one piece. Because of this, we are reluctant to use many coach companies in India and prefer to offer either travel by private car/bus or by train.

When we use private cars, this would normally be a Toyota Innova, with your own driver. Smaller Tata Indigo cars may also be used if there are only one or two of you, on a tight budget. You are completely flexible with these and can stop as often or as little as you like and detour from the main route if you want to. We carry refreshments, guidebooks, classical music cds, and picnic chairs. We will use larger vehicles or minibuses for larger groups.