13 Reasons Why Travel by Train in India is a Better Idea
Looking for reasons why travel by train in India is a good idea? Train travel in India is an adventure in itself. Hence, if you are exploring different corners of India you would want to book a train seat that would offer you all the benefits of travelling by train. While travel by air is increasingly becoming popular in India, trains remain the most popular choice for many solo travellers, couples and families.
Based on my experiences here are 13 reasons to travel by train when travelling in India.
Travel As You Prefer
One of the benefits of train travel in India is that you get to choose what day and time is suitable for you. With a variety of trains available, you can choose from different options that meet your preferences and budget. Indian Railways run trains daily that can take you to your destination. Hence, you can decide what day, time, and class you want for your journey. This makes your journey convenient as you can plan travel as per your itinerary. If you prefer to sleep you can book a berth and sleep through most part your journey. These wider and comfortable berths allow you to spread your legs and relax while you travel.
More Destinations to Choose From
India has 103 domestic airports and 24 international airports for those who prefer to travel by air. On the other side, India has 7,349 railway stations for those who prefer to travel by train. This indicates that travellers have more destinations to choose from when travelling by train in India. Not all small towns and rural areas are close to domestic airports and therefore you would have more destinations to choose from when you are travelling by train in India.
Spectacular Countryside Views
India is a beautiful country packed with diverse landscapes. When you train travel in India you get the opportunity to view and enjoy the spectacular countryside views that add to the overall experience, unless you are travelling at night. As your train departs from the station you get to enjoy a variety of rural landscapes, lush green mountains, valleys, plains, rivers, bridges and a lot more. This is hard to see and experience when you are travelling via a flight.
Breathe the Fresh Air
Apart from the spectacular views, train travel in India is also ideal for those who love to enjoy some fresh breeze. Air travel is not ideal for those who want to slide up their windows and take in the fresh air. However, you can do that when you are travelling on a train. You can opt for the non-air condition compartment and enjoy the views and the fresh wind that blows right on your face.
No Baggage Weight Limit
One of the reasons why many Indians prefer trains over planes is because there is no baggage limit. You can carry as many items of luggage as you want to carry and it works fine. However, only up to 15 kg to 30 kg of luggage is allowed on domestic flights in India. This means that you will need to make use of the Indian Railways if you are carrying more pieces of luggage.
Minimum Security Check Process
While this might seem like a red flag to many people it can be a blessing for those who have limited bags and want to focus on their journey. When you are doing train travel in India you do see security personnel who can stop you and ask you questions if they want to. However, most of the time, the security check process is not as stringent as at the airport. This means that you do not have to come early and spend hours for security check purposes.
Interact with Fellow Passengers
If you are a social person travelling by train in India is going to be a unique experience for sure. When you are travelling by flight you get to watch in-flight entertainment and that means that you do not have to talk to anyone. However, when you are travelling by train you get the experience of travelling with your fellow passengers and interact with them as well. A lot of people meet and become friends during their train travel in India.
Enjoy the Journey
There are two types of travelers, one who wants to reach the destination quickly and the other who wants to enjoy the journey as well. If you fall in the second category you would want to choose to travel by train in India. Unlike flight travel in India where you can reach your destination in a couple of hours, train journeys allow you to make the most of your time. You can have the liberty to play cards and board games and do a lot more when you are travelling by train in India.
Relish Local Food
When you are travelling by flight in India you have the benefit of enjoying excellent meals which is reheated. However, when you are travelling by train in India you get the comfort of enjoying fresh food straight from the kitchen. Indian Railways do provide food service where you can order breakfast and/or meal as you travel. You also get the benefit of enjoying local delicacies at various railway stations. This means that the variety and freshness of food that you can enjoy during your train journey is far better than the oven-heated flight meal.
Reach the City Centre Quickly
One of the key factors that make train travel in India convenient is the location of the railway stations. Most railway stations in India are old and this means that they are located in downtown or the city centre. On the other hand, most airports in India are located outside the city limits as airports need more space. This means that you will surely need to take a taxi and head to the airport. On the other hand, if you are using some of the oldest railway stations in India you get the liberty to get on the train or alight and be in the city centre.
Move Around Freely
Travelling by train in India also means that you do not have to stay seated in your seats throughout the journey. If you are on a long-distance train you can walk inside the train and provide your legs with some exercise. With no seat belt restrictions, you can move around on the train at your convenience.
Save the Environment
Most trains in India are electric and therefore they emit no greenhouse gases and smoke. Planes still make use of fossil fuels and that can impact our environment. If you are someone who cares about nature and the environment, choosing train travel in India is an ideal choice.
Affordable Ticket Prices
While many would argue that flight tickets are now as affordable as train tickets the fact is that you can still travel at a cheaper price. Many of the train tickets offer affordable travel across long distances and therefore many Indians prefer to travel by train compared to flights.
