The tale of travel in India for most Indians begins with a train journey. It is the beginning of an adventure, of a romantic escapade or return to grandma’s home after a year’s wait. Like blood vessels, Indian rails criss-cross across the nation carrying people, post and parcels from point A to B. But it would be a sheer understatement to call the railways just mode of transport in this country. For many the train journey is as important as the destination itself sometimes even more.

The Indian Railways has many variations. There are the express trains that connect cities and also the mountain rails travelling on their serpentine tracks. There are the locals that make life easier for big city dwellers and also the passenger trains that have more stops that the compulsory pauses between the words of a telegraph message. All in all the distinct services cover the needs of the entire nation and make train travel an adventure in itself.

Here is a peak into the many adventures that might be revealed in some of the Indian train journeys.

The Locals

The Local trains and metros running in cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the public domains where people greet strangers everyday on their way to work and share each other’s life history. For some it is that sacred part of the day when they are compelled to do nothing better than read a book, glance through the newspaper, say their prayers or contemplate in advance the day’s proceedings. The hubbub surrounding them dispels like the white noise giving precious moments of introspection in a hurried life.

For some multitasking working women the local train is also time to shell peas, cut okras or snap the beans for the evening meal. It is a social gathering where the lady sitting next to you does not need to be requested to help you with the peas or hold your daughter’s torn school uniform while you get busy mending the damage.

The local train journeys have their share of drama and action too. Irrespective of class, gender or age people consider it their fundamental right to grab an empty seat as soon as it is available. And this action not just requires physical agility but also verbal ability to nullify other’s claim to the prized seat through various gestures and high decibel utterances. For the mute spectators, some sitting some standing, it is a ritualistic event that changes faces but entertains every day.

The Express

These are the leading actors of the Indian railways. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Maharashtra to Nagaland the countrywide network of express trains is magnanimous. And considering they have to carry the weight of the second most populated country in the world, it is only just to have the world’s second largest railway network for the masses.

Most Indian households make quite elaborate plans when they have to board one of the express trains for a journey. There is the meticulous packing and the detailed food preparation. It is just to say that food is one of the reasons why Indians like traveling in trains so much. It gives an opportunity to munch on the local specialties at every stop via the station food and also relish the packed up meals made lovingly by your wife or mom at home. Some families even have specific journey meals that are especially prepared every time there is a train travel.

Your social skills are put to practice best in these trains. Many Indians believe that the reason why you are sharing your compartment with various other strangers who are travelling to the same destination is because somewhere you are connected and this connection can be sealed best by sharing meals and conversations. The moment you board a train and identify your seat, there will be people staring at you blatantly and asking the first of the series of questions to come, “Till where you are going?” The answer will help them understand many things instantly. Whether you will be a good company till the city they are also travelling to. Whether you will ask them to exchange their lower birth seat with them or whether they can propose the same thing to you. Whether you will make a good friend and be in touch even after the end of the journey. Whether your wife would share the secret of her glowing skin with their wife and much such contemplation.

Many a business deals, public debates, spiritualistic revelations and chance romantic rendezvous have been staged during these train journeys and continue to be the heart and soul of these travels every day. When your co-passenger opens the bundles of home-made goodies for you or when you exchange business cards with a man who was a stranger not an hour ago, you know that the infectious Indian rail travel bug has bitten you too.

The Luxury

Luxury trains are few plying on the Indian tracks but what lacks in quantity surely compensates with quality. The pride of Indian Luxury trains is unquestionably The Palace on Wheels that travels mostly through royal Rajasthan and promises a week long journey that is equally lavish. The Deccan Odyssey, Golden Chariot, Royal Orient are few others that pamper you in style while travelling amidst the beautiful Indian landscape, sometimes through deserts, sometimes through ravine or sometimes past the scenic sea.

Local presence is somewhat less in luxury trains because of the very reason that they are luxury coaches, reserved for the elite and the ones who can afford the royal pampering. But the journey is a good experience for those who want to experience the Indian railways minus the crowd.

Whether it is the luxury trains, the locals or the multi destination choo-chooing express trains, the train journeys in India will always leave you with an experience that you can fathom in India alone.

Image Credit

Flickr creativecommons by James Cridland, Ben Sutherland and Christian Haugen

The long cotton cloths were wrapped nicely around our heads, covering it and providing a safe resting place for the belt of the plucking basket. Stepping down, into the green carpet like hedges, we began what many around us were already busy doing. Plucking the tender leaves and a bud from the tip of the tea shrub and safely flinging it behind into the depths of the basket. But while my sister-in-law and I merely posed for the cameras, many of our co-workers were already emptying their baskets and with rhythmic dexterity nipping the buds in hundreds to start the journey of the leaf from here to one day becoming a tantalizing cup of a Nilgiri Tea straight from the tea gardens of Ooty.

My sister-in-law and me, busy plucking tea leaves

‘A little England on the rounded tops of the Nilgiri hills’ is how Amitav Ghosh described Ooty in one of his novels. Needless to say this hill town in Tamil Nadu, India delighted the British for many years as a reminiscent of their land in this eastern part of the world.

What the British though found really hard to master was the name of this hill town of southern India. ‘Udhagamandalam’ seemed quite a mouth full as did the later versions of ‘Ootacamund’ or ‘Whadacamund’. After much deliberation and discussions with the Todas, the original land owners of this place, finally the simple and succinct name Ooty was used to describe the beautiful centre point of the Nilgiri ranges.

Today, though Ooty is the name everyone utters when in search for a cool, mist- laden picturesque location with its tea and spice covered hills. Be it the weekend traveller from Bangalore, the dwellers of North India like us who mark a trip to Ooty along with a visit to other southern jewels or the tourist from overseas, keen to see every façade of India, its temples, traffic, and the hill stations dotted along the country map blessed with pleasant climate and made famous by the British since the colonial times. As a result the Ooty of today is less of a priviledged paradise and more of a crowd puller in the true sense of the phrase.

But despite the crowd, Ooty has not lost its touch to soothe your senses the moment you catch a glimpse of this town. And if it is the mountain train journey you choose to reach this destination, the transition from the smog to fog is even more rapid. This train chugs along the ratchet and pinion track giving quick glimpses of the series of piquant mountains or the ghostly pines lining the mist laden roads. It travels the curvaceous mountains, sometimes revealing the deep ravines and sometimes the limitless tea gardens. And when you finally arrive at Ooty, it is then that you realise that the train journey was not a short lived fantasy but a precinct to what is to come.

Courtesy prakhar via cc/Flickr

The town has preserved the colonial era in patches especially in the churches spread around the place and a few old homes. But what is perhaps the most visible reminder of the bygone era is the Ooty lake which was constructed by John Sullivan the first collector of the town in 1824. It is today the entertainment focal point with its boat rides, pony rides and other activities.

For those looking for more adventure than sitting by the lake side, just 10 km away from the main town is the Dodda Betta or Big Mountain,the highest peak of the Nilgiri ranges. It provides glimpse of the unmatched vistas of the nilgiri at a strategic point that joins the eastern and western ghats of India.

Ooty also has some natural wonders of the man-made kind. One of them being the botanical garden, a well laid out exhibition of myriad plants and flowers. The main attraction here is a fossilised tree trunk that is supposed to be 20 million years old. If you are visiting in winter, the rose garden too is something of an experience with scent of multicoloured roses wafting in the air and a spectrum of 1000 and more varieties of the world’s favourite flower in display in all of 10 acres of land.

Seen at the Botanical Garden, Courtesy Swami Stream via cc/Flickr

At other times of the year though, it is not roses but the aroma of tea that may automatically lead you to one of the tea estates spread across the town. Like true connoisseurs of this aromatic beverage you can participate in the ceremony of tea-tasting or you can simply opt to hop in a little patch under the pine trees and pose for a photograph to show off in the urban world probably with a cuppa.

The shops around the town sell the priciest of Nilgiri tea and also aromatic oils, spices and essences. There are also numerous hand made chocolate flavours to pick from as soveiniers or simple treats to enjoy on your way back.

Tea, trees and visual treats, that’s Ooty for you – the queen of hill stations.

If seeing royalty and their affluent lifestyles makes you wish to be a king or Queen, you can do just that, in India, in the Palace on Wheels. This super luxury train has been conceptualized keeping in mind the ardent wish of many tourists who are attracted to the rich cultural treasure of India and also the opulent life of the Maharajas who once ruled the country.

The Palace on Wheels plies from Delhi via Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, and Agra then back to Delhi. While all these places encompass a wide variety of natural, historical and ethnic attractions, the journey on the train itself, is something of a majestic treat. Because once on board, you are no more a person of the 21st century, but an honorary guest who deserves to be treated like any other King of the bygone era.

Welcome! courtesy Bahadur Singh, Indien from Flickr

Luxurious entourage

The train begins its journey every Wednesday of the week from Delhi. After a day’s visit to various attraction of the National capital, the guests enter the train with much fanfare and a royal welcome. The luxurious cabins are in stark contrast to the other passenger trains of India and easily remind one of a typical Indian palace setting. And the best thing is, although the look is historical the amenities provided to the guest are at par with any modern facilities around the world.

Coaches

There are 14 coaches of the Palace on Wheels and each coach has been named after a former Rajput state, with even the interiors, the décor, matching that of the royal past and suiting the aesthetics of the state. Each saloon has a mini pantry and a lounge to ensure availability of hot and cold beverage, refreshments and a place to relax and get together.

The rooms are lavishly done and make one forget that you are indeed sitting in a train. Wall-to wall carpeting, custom made furniture, music, intercom, the chambers have a distinct aura of regality.

Lavish Interiors. Courtesy Bahadur Singh, Indien from Flickr

Restaurant

The train has two lavish restaurants “The Maharaja” and “The Maharani” with a Rajasthani ambience serving palate tickling Continental, Chinese, Indian and Rajasthani cuisines. For those new to the Indian way of dining, the 8 day journey is also a good way to appreciate the varied delicacies of this part of the world.

There is also a bar offering the choicest of spirits and a library with varied collection of books.

The Itinerary

Day 1 begins in Delhi and by late afternoon after a tour of the city and lunch, guest board the train.

Day 2 is for Jaipur, the pink city with its magnificent palaces and thrilling shopping experience. The folk dancers only add to the typical Rajasthan feel of the journey.

Day 3 is a favorite with nature-lovers as it is on this day when the train halts at Sawai-madhopur. Here there is the Ranthambore tiger reserve; the den for tigers and also 24 other species of mammals and 300 species of birds.  With a fort in the background, some beautiful lakes in the foreground and a forest in between, you can’t ask for more for some amazing photo opportunities here.

Day 3 is also reserved for Chittorgarh, which has one of the largest forts of India built in the 5^th -8^th century.

Day 4 into the journey takes you to Udaipur, the lake city which enchants with the city palace and the dream-like palace on lake seemingly floating on the blue water.

Palace on Lake, courtesy Geoff McGrath from Flickr

Day 5 has sun, sand and sensational architectural marvels in the form of the fort of Jaisalmer. The city is the western most desert city with a prominent place in history as the passage to Persia, Africa and other trading countries. Must-see here: the sand dunes, Must-do: the camel ride.

Day 6 takes you to Jodhpur where stands the omnipresent Mehrangarh Fort. It is also home to Umaid Bhavan Palace a grand historical monument that still breathes regality anywhere you see. This palace has 347 rooms and partly still serves as the Royal residence of the Maharaja.

Day 7 you are in Bharatpur where stands the Lohargarh, or Iron Fort. This is the only fort in the state to have bastions of mud, which proved meritorious because they simply swallowed up the cannon shells not allowing them to impact.
The Ghana National Park one of the finest bird sanctuary in the world is also a treat, with over three hundred species of birds, many of them migrant that come from parts as distant as Siberia and China.

Day 7 also takes you to Agra, where stands the most beautiful mausoleum of love known to man: the Taj Mahal. It is as grand as it has been made to sound and as beautiful. The more you see this white structure the more you are convinced that angels must have come to earth to create this mammoth beauty.

Taj Mahal. courtesy Anmol Bhalla from Flickr

Day 8 you arrive back to Delhi with a long cherished dream to lead an aristocratic life fulfilled on the Palace on wheels.

To know more about this royal treat visit,

 http://www.palaceonwheels.net/new/home.htm

The Zambezi river, Africa’s fourth longest and parent to Victoria Falls, stretches 2′200 miles.  Starting at the Central African Plateau, the Zambezi passes through or serves as a border for six countries: Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Namibia and Angola.  Finally, it drains into the Indian Ocean after landing in the Mozambique Channel.  It hosts two major hydroelectric power stations, the Kariba Dam providing power to Zimbabwe and Zambia and the Cahora Bassa Dam serving Mozambique and South Africa.  This river is impressive, rough and rapid in some places and calmly flowing in others.  It supports an abundance of wildlife and feeds endless plants as it ’s’ shapes it’s way from the Congo through to Mozambique.  Many an adventurous and sporty tourist have flocked to the Zambezi for whitewater rafting or Kayaking.  There are three navigable sections to the Zambezi river, the upper, middle and lower sections.

Victoria Falls

As spectacular as this mighty river is, we are only going to be looking closely at it’s largest water fall, Victoria Falls, in this blog.  So named by David Livingstone (the Scottish explorer) in honour of Queen Elizabeth of England.  The indigenous name for the falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders) and this is the official name used to refer to it in Zambia.  Zimbabweans just calls it ‘Victoria Falls.’  Victoria Falls marks the end of the upper Zambezi and the start of the middle Zambezi.  It also forms part of the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Devil's Cataract

You will not be dissappointed by the wonder of such a powerful and magnificent show of natural beauty and strength.  It was no wonder that David Livingstone, upon seeing these falls, remarked that “angels in their flight” must have “gazed” upon this awesome site.  David Livingstone is credited as being the first European to view Victoria Falls and as previously mentioned, he named them so.  Between 1852 and 1856, David Livingstone navigated the whole of the Zambezi river from it’s source right through to it’s mouth in the Indian Ocean.  I’ve always wondered what inspires such men to know all there is to know about whatever takes their fancy.  I imagine that it was no small task to say the least. 

Victoria Falls Bridge

The falls were not of much interest to Europeans until after 1905 when a railway crossing was built to facilitate Cecil Rhodes’ mining efforts and desire to conquer Africa in as many commercial ways as possible.  Cecil Rhodes’ drive to create a railroad running from Cairo to the Cape, brought about the plans for the first crossing of Victoria falls.  He made sure that the bridge was positioned so that trains would be sprayed by the falls as they passed.

Since the building of the bridge, tourism has steadily increased over the years until, by the turn of the millennium, more than quarter of a million people visited the falls annually.  Now, due to the affordable and easy access by road, there are more Zambian and Zimbabwean tourists than international ones.  This is unlike the game parks.

Things to See and Do

I'm sorry - I would pass out!

The falls themselves are enormous with lots of varying views of different aspects.  You can take micro-light or fixed winged flights over the falls if you’re not scared of heights.  I’m sorry, but I am a chicken, I couldn’t do it.  If I get to close to any deep drop I have to fight with the sheer fear of wanting to jump or fall coupled with a chilling shiver through my spine.  I’m not suicidal, it’s just a fear that many people have including me.  Okay, just me. 

On the opposite side to the falls you can walk through the rain forest and at times you’ll be able to see clearly enough to catch a glimpse of the falls.  You’ll soon reach Knife Edge Bridge where, during the dry season, you’ll be able to savour a stunning view of the falls.  In the rainy season the spray makes it more difficult to see but you’ll love the cooling mist all the same.

During the dry season, if the water is low enough, you can actually walk along the river to Livingstone Island, the place where David Livingstone first viewed the falls from.  Remember, you are walking across the upper Zambezi, by the crest, not along the gorge where the water crashes.  That would be suicide.

'Devil's Pool' - Natural 'SAFE' swimming.

Devil’s Pool is allegedly safe to swim in when the water level is low enough.  Sorry, I just watched I’m afraid.  This natural pool sits right on the crest of the falls and swimmers are apparently prevented from being hurled over the edge, by a natural rock formation providing an ample lip to the pool.  It just scared the living daylights out of me.  I really wish I was a Steve Irwin type or Bruce Willis, but I’m just a big scared cat when it comes to  things that look dangerous, but supposedly are not.  However, I wish that I had the guts because the thrill must be intense.

There are quite a few wildlife parks in the Victoria Falls area, where you can see most of the spectrum of African animals both large and small.  Safaris are popular and a must see if you make it to Victoria Falls.  For more information regarding short and long tours to Victoria Falls visit:

Victoria Falls Short Tour

Victoria Falls Long Tour

Hotels in the area are usually extremely well appointed.  One that comes to mind is the Zambezi Sun Hotel.  The fine African designs inside and out, rivalled only by the excellence of service, make this hotel a very popular choice.

Zambezi Sun Reception

For five star accommodation then the first choice would have to be the Royal Livingstone Hotel.  I’ll let you all have a look around the pictures and reviews of this one in your own time, but if you can afford it, you’ll never forget the experience.

Have Fun.

Jay

With a country that boasts of a dizzying variety of landscapes, languages, culture, beliefs and lifestyles, it is only justifiable, to have an equally varied choice of accommodation that suit the need of a backpacker and the refined taste of a comfort-loving tourist as well.

From grand old palaces to tourist bungalows, health spas to home stays, India offers tourists an excellent array of staying options that go with every taste and budget.

Here is a quick guide to where all you can stay while on a trip to India.

In the Lap of Luxury
India’s upscale luxurious hotels are at par with the best in the world. There are some renowned hotel chains that take the business of hospitality very seriously and thus provide services second to none. Be it the luxurious suites and rooms, state-of –the-art conference facilities, shopping arcades, multi-cuisine restaurants, swimming pools, fitness centers or the added amenities like personal butlers, if you wish to live in style, you very well can in these super chic hotels. Some names that instantly come to mind while talking luxury are The Taj group, Oberoi group and the Welcome group of hotels.
To know a little more on destination specific luxury hotels, you can check, Luxury Hotels

Living Maharaja style
If you have always been fascinated with the life of Kings and Queens, you can experience the same royal life by staying at the many forts, palaces and havelis (homes) that have been modernized, restored and converted into plush luxury hotels, for tourists like you. From the moment, you enter these erstwhile royal residence, you are transported into a world where grandeur knows no boundaries. You can stay in rooms that originally belonged to royalties, eat in dining areas of the Kings, even get pampered with rose petal baths, grand elephant rides and folk dance performances especially choreographed for you.

Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jodhpur

In the state of Rajasthan, that literally means the place for Rajas or Kings, these kinds of heritage hotels are in plenty and so are the royal memories to take back home.
To know more visit, Heritage Hotels

Comfortable and Affordable
The four and three star hotels offer a scaled down version of the royal luxury and are less expensive. The professionalism, level of comfort, cleanliness and services though are not compromised. What a tourist most enjoys with these kinds of hotels is the joy of exploring a new destination and coming back in the evening to a spic and span room, relaxed atmosphere, with personal attention given by the hotel staff.

Almost all these hotels have restaurant serving delicious meals, gift shops, business centers, and sometimes, extensive gardens for hosting parties or for simply dining outdoors. The affordability and the service quality, make these  Three & Four Star Hotels a preferred choice for many who are traveling with their family

Simple living
If you are not one of the big spenders when it comes to accommodation, there are numerous small hotels near bus stands and railway stations that provide rooms, which are simple and inexpensive. These hotels mostly have basic facilities like a dining area, Indian or Western style toilets, and rooms with ceiling fans. Some also give additional facilities like free Internet.
For lesser-known travel destinations, the tourist bungalows run by the state tourist department too are a good option. Moderately priced, they offer both independent rooms with attached bathrooms as well as dormitory accommodation.
You can fine out more here Budget Hotels

In the Inns
Legacy of the British period continues in the form of inns called Dak Bungalows in India. These have basic facilities and mostly used by government officials.

Typical Dak Bungalow, Courtesy Kunal and Sumona from Flickr

Through advance booking you can book yourself a room that is clean, cheap and conveniently located mid way to a destination or at a location where there are not many hotels.

Homely Comfort
In certain states such as Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Madhya Pradesh, family cottages and old mansions have been partially or completely converted into guesthouses. The quality of the rooms, service provided, location, pricing etc. varies and it is advisable to first see all the rooms before making your selection.
Home stays are a nice option to understand the lifestyle of the region from close quarters. An added advantage is that home owners can act as guides revealing insider information about shopping, sight seeing, transportation etc and provide scrumptious home cooked meals.

Guest senjoying home-made food, Courtesy Ruth L from Flickr

Many known companies like Mahindra have standardized the system of houseguests ensuring a pleasant stay.

Living the Ascetic Way
Religious centers like Ashrams or monasteries provide visitors a nice room on single or sharing basis if asked for and that too for free. Donations made are always welcome and it is wise to abide by the rules of the house if living here.

Monastry at Dharmsala, Courtesy Paras from Flickr

The atmosphere without doubt is peaceful and meditative with some glorious views of the landscapes to add on to the spiritual bliss.

Jungle Life
Camping in the forest has become one of the big draws for tourists visitng national parks or sanctuaries. You even do not need to pack yor own camping gear as there are plenty of adventure companies offering just that.From simple tents to luxurious swiss camp resorts, the range and service provided varies with the money you are ready to spend. For more information go to, Adventure

Holistic Health stays
With the rising interest in yoga, Ayurveda and herbal treatments, many special hotels have mushroomed all over India that are exclusives health resorts. Massage therapy, reflexology, aromatherapy, meditation, whatever the need you can detox your body and soul the way you wish in these Spas and hotels.

Massage therapy, Courtesy innabovetidehtc from Flickr

Youth Hostels
These are good options if you are with college friends, or on your own. The room rates are pretty low though members of the Youth Hostel Association around the world get priority bookings.

Diverse staying options for a diverse country called India.