The railway system in India is one of the world’s largest railway networks comprising a track of 115,000 km and a route of 65,000 km and 7,500 stations carrying nearly 9,000 million passengers annually, with the first train plying from Bombay to Thane in 1853. They are the largest employer in the world. The question of course is, of the 1,400,000 employees, how many work. But this is not within the purview of this discussion!

If your travel will be by train, then as you enter the railroad station, you will be faced (literally!) with the masses of the Indian populace which will reflect the entire social status, including the very poor. This is true India, and not what you encounter at expensive hotels. In all probability your journey will be in one (or both) classes titled: “AC Chair Car” or “AC 2-tier”, which means that you will have reserved accommodation of your seat or overnight berth within an air-conditioned bogie (rolling stock). Our representative will show you to your seat and berth.

Do not show high value equipment to your fellow passengers. Under no circumstances, accept any food or drink from your fellow passengers and equally do not offer your food to any other. This is normal practice, and no offence will be taken if you decide to eat or drink without offering to others. Feel free to drink water which you buy in sealed bottles from the on-board train staff. Eat hot food only.