The romance of trains

There is something very old fashioned and romantic about train journeys. And I’m not talking about the world of superfast bullet trains here, although they are very practical and comfortable in present times, I’m talking about the sluggish and slow trains that allow you to enjoy the journey and the steady stream of scenic beauty that passes by. What could be more romantic than being with someone you love on a long train journey (preferably in one of those first class compartments that allow you the luxury of privacy) and enjoying each other’s company while looking out of the window and enjoying the views?

Although it’s rare, and very few people consider it, trains are also a place where one could consider lapping up in 5 star luxuries and travelling in style. Consider journey aboard the very famous oriental express or if in India the super pricey “The Palace on Wheels”. I haven’t been on any but have spent countless hours in front of the TV examining with utter jealousy those lucky travel journalists who do get a chance to be on one.

However, I can definitely say that I’ve had my fair share of train journeys, countless hours spent in the train compartments travelling from one corner of India to another. Air travel in India is still very expensive and most people like me wouldn’t consider spending a fortune on it unless extremely necessary. And so, trains are a favorable choice for many. Ask any Indian, and they would tell you how train journeys are a fond memory of their childhood. I remember my school holidays, when as a family vacation my parents used to take me and my brother to Delhi where my grandmother used to live. Although year after year we used to go to the same place, I used to be deliriously happy to get on a day long journey on the train. If you haven’t ever travelled on a train in India, let me tell you, you are missing out on an invaluable experience! Trains are the lifeline of India and the best place to meet the locals and getting to know the culture that has a hundred diversities and a million controversies.

For one thing, a train journey in India can never be boring. And if you’re looking forward to a quiet journey to contemplate whatever’s on your mind, forget it! Trains in India are noisy, and the activity on it can be mind boggling at times. Fellow passengers are kind but they would be always very interested in knowing everything about you, who you are, what you do for a living, your entire family history, and if you’re willing to tell they would also be extremely happy to listen to your dirty secrets! And if you are the quiet kinds and do not talk much they would be happy to do all the talking and keep you entertained.

Speaking of entertainment, don’t worry if you are about to embark on a very long journey on a train, entertainment is always available in plenty. One of my favorite things to do on a train is simply observing people. Just the sheer vastness of differences in people in one single compartment is baffling and it generally keeps me occupied for hours. If not that, I strike up a conversation with my fellow passengers. People here always by default carry playing cards or some other board games with them on the train and one could always join them for a game. And of course, in modern times how could I forget music? On a recent train journey that was 30 hours long I was fully entertained by loud music blaring up from somebody’s music player in some part of the compartment!

Food is another vital detail to discuss. In recent times the Indian railways have drastically improved in this particular area and provide not only ample but actually edible food. But if you’re not quite keen on that, don’t worry; there are plenty of other options. First of all, there are usually throngs of vendors who would be moving around the train selling all kinds of food, most of which is normally good. Also the trains stop at a lot of stations where you might risk getting down to buy food from the food stalls (but always keep an eye on the train and be ready to run like a pro in case it starts moving without you). If everything else fails, don’t worry, you would never sleep hungry on a train. Most passengers always carry enough food to feed an army for this very purpose. For reasons I fail to understand, people are more than happy to share their food with others and derive satisfaction from it like a mother hen does when she feeds her children!

All I would say is keep an open mind when you travel by a train in India. Don’t be afraid of the over friendly people, they mean no harm and be willing to try anything different that might land in your way. More often than not, you would come away with an unforgettable experience.

Linus Orakles
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