What are Some of The Best Train Hacks for India?
India is a beautiful country with a rich culture and diverse landscape that can be best experienced by taking a train journey. It is one of the most convenient and affordable modes of transportation for people traveling across the country. However, like any other journey, train travel can be made even more comfortable and efficient with some train hacks that can make your journey hassle-free and enjoyable. In this article, we will explore some of the best train hacks for India.
1. Book Your Tickets in Advance
Booking your tickets in advance is the first and most important hack for a comfortable train journey in India. Indian Railways offers booking up to 120 days in advance, and booking as soon as the tickets are available ensures that you get the best price and seat available. Moreover, it also saves you from the last-minute rush and the headache of waiting in long queues.
2. Choose the Right Class
Choosing the right class is crucial for a comfortable train journey in India. There are different classes available, ranging from AC First Class, AC Two Tier, AC Three Tier, Sleeper Class, and General Class. The higher the class, the more comfortable and expensive it is. However, choosing the right class depends on your budget and the duration of your journey. If you are traveling for a short distance, it’s better to opt for a lower class as it is more affordable.
3. Carry Your Own Food
Carrying your own food is a great hack that saves you from the hassle of buying overpriced food from the vendors on the train. It is always better to pack your own food or snacks that you like, and you can easily get them from the station. Moreover, carrying your own food also ensures that you have access to healthy and hygienic food during your journey.
4. Keep Your Documents Handy
Keeping your documents handy is an important hack that saves you from the last-minute hassle of searching for your ticket or identity proof. Always keep your ticket and identity proof in a separate pouch or wallet, and keep it within reach. This also saves you from the stress of losing your documents during the journey.
5. Carry a Power Bank
Carrying a power bank is a must-have hack for train travel in India. Most train coaches have charging sockets, but they are often overcrowded, and it’s difficult to find a charging slot for your device. Moreover, the charging sockets may not work, or there may be a power cut. Therefore, carrying a power bank ensures that you have access to a power source for your devices.
6. Carry a Water Bottle
Carrying a water bottle is another hack that saves you from the hassle of buying overpriced bottled water from the vendors on the train. It is always better to carry your own water bottle and refill it from the station. Moreover, carrying your own water bottle also ensures that you have access to clean and hygienic drinking water during your journey.
7. Carry Earplugs and Eye Mask
Carrying earplugs and an eye mask is an essential hack for a peaceful and comfortable train journey in India. Train journeys can be noisy, and you may encounter snoring passengers, crying babies, or loud music. Therefore, carrying earplugs ensures that you have a peaceful sleep. Moreover, carrying an eye mask helps you block out light, ensuring that you have a comfortable sleep.
8. Use the Train App
Indian Railways has developed an app that provides a lot of information about train schedules, ticket availability, and train running status. The app also allows you to book your tickets and get real-time information about your train. Therefore, using the train app is a great hack that ensures that you have access to all the information you need for your journey.
9. Carry a Neck Pillow
Carrying a neck pillow is an essential hack for a comfortable train journey in India, especially if you are traveling in a sleeper class or on an overnight journey. A neck pillow provides support to your neck and head, ensuring that you have a comfortable sleep. It also prevents neck pain or stiffness that can occur due to sleeping in an uncomfortable position.
10. Plan Your Activities
Planning your activities is another important hack that ensures that you have a productive and enjoyable train journey in India. You can use your time on the train to catch up on your reading, work, or even plan your itinerary for your destination. Moreover, you can also strike up conversations with other passengers and learn about their culture and experiences.
11. Carry a First Aid Kit
Carrying a first aid kit is an important hack that ensures that you are prepared for any medical emergencies during your train journey in India. The first aid kit should include essentials like bandages, antiseptic cream, painkillers, and any prescription medicines that you need. Moreover, it is always better to carry your own medications and not rely on the vendors or other passengers for medical help.
12. Be Mindful of Your Valuables
Being mindful of your valuables is an important hack that ensures the safety and security of your belongings during your train journey in India. It is always better to keep your valuables like cash, cards, and documents in a separate pouch or bag that you can keep within reach. Moreover, always keep an eye on your belongings and never leave them unattended, especially in crowded areas.
Conclusion
Train travel in India is a unique and memorable experience that can be made even more comfortable and enjoyable with these train hacks. By booking your tickets in advance, choosing the right class, carrying your own food and water, keeping your documents handy, carrying a power bank and a first aid kit, and planning your activities, you can make your train journey hassle-free and memorable.
Additionally, being mindful of your valuables, carrying earplugs and an eye mask, and carrying a neck pillow ensures that you have a peaceful and comfortable journey. With these train hacks, you can make the most of your train journey in India and create unforgettable memories.