[MissYDW]

Me yet again!

Has anybody travelled by Chair Class and if so, how was it?

Is that the best/safest way for a single woman traveller to take?

Thanks

Y.

[iwanttogoback]

miss ydw

where are you planning on going?

I took a/c chair class agra-delhi and delhi-chandigarh and back again.
it was fine - the chairs are comfy, the cabin is clean and it's not at all crowded.

cheers

[captmahajan]

chair car is ok for a shorter trip of a few hours.

uncomfortable for anything more than five/six hours. worse than flying. and I would rather travel non airconditioned sleeper class than travel overnight in the chair car, though I had done that in my younger days.

it ia as safe for a single woman traveller as other classes. ok, perhaps slightly safer.

[jyotirmoy]

The chair cars of the Shatabdi Espresses are very comfortable, air conditioned & the ticket price includes food & refreshments too

[MissYDW]

HI Guys

I'm going from Trivandrum to Alleppey or maybe Kottayam.

I'd like to go on a houseboat but as i'm alone, it's not financially possible.  I'll probably catch one of the local ferries early morning.

Thanks again

Y.

[cyberhippie]

Chair class is fine for such a short journey it's only about 2-3 hours between the two, actually any class if fine for a short journey but as a single woman probably best to avoid the crush in General Class. For nightime journeys if your a bit nervous try and book in the womens compartment available on some trains. I would say ordinary second class is safe as well but I let the other ladies take that one up with you.

All the AC classes are fine for women travelling alone!!

[MissYDW]

I really don't wanna wimp out and spend all my time avoiding the people or the country that i'm desperate to see, but I want to know I can relax and enjoy all of that.

If second class is going to be safe, then that's good for me.

[cyberhippie]

Lets put it this way, contrary to a lot of what you'll read on travel forums lots and lots of girls have done this with no trouble at all, aaprt from the odd stare from some distracted bloke missing his wife so go for it gal!!

[dzibead]

I travel alone on 2AC on trains, overnight, whatever,  with no problem at all.  OK, I'm not a "babe," but if you're concerned that simply being a woman traveling alone is going to mean instant trouble, you can relax.  It's fine.

[MissYDW]

LOL, hey, I can handle some stares don't worry!  

Thanks people again!

[iwanttogoback]

Quote

I'd like to go on a houseboat but as i'm alone, it's not financially possible. I'll probably catch one of the local ferries early morning.

I don't have a reference for this (too much India reading), but I did read somewhere recently that there is a houseboat company that does group trips so that single travellers can afford to go.

the only clue I can give is that a reference was posted here, im or tt.

cheers

[jyotirmoy]

Thought I will add my two paise worth of suggestions.
1. If you are doing a long overnight journey spend a lil bit more & travel by AC 2T. While booking ensure that you don't get a side berth as they are narrower & shorter. Relax & try to sleep well in the relatively cleaner & quiter environment of this class. You will be provided with towels,bedsheets,pillow & blanket on all AC coaches for overnight journies.
2. If you are travelling to any metro from Delhi or the other way round choose the Rajdhani Express. It is a premiere service, fast & normally on time. These trains also have the right of the track that is they get preference over other trains. The ticket price includes all meals & snacks and they really feed you well. Inform the catering staff about your preferences like choosing Nonveg/veg Indian or continental fare for meals or the way you want your eggs to be done for breakfast. Note that the Rajdhani Express doesn't run everyday to some destinations like Bangalore, Goa etc. Both Kolkata & Mumbai have daily Rajdhani service.
3. While travelling to near by cities check out Shatabdi Exp. & Intercity expresses. Travel by AC Chair car. Shatabdi Exp. ticket price includes food served during the journey.
4. For a splurge travel once in AC 1st. If you are a couple or 4 friends or family members enjoy the luxury & the privacy of a cabin all to yourself. We do it at times, carry good grub, drinks and party in the train.

[Leith]

[ We do it at times, carry good grub, drinks and party in the train.
[/quote]

I've booked 2ac side berths........I know they are a little shorter and not as wide, however as there are two of us travelling I thought it would give us our own space.

The question is if one were discreet could one get away with sipping on a few drinks on the trip.

Thanks Leith

PS  Is that a bottle of wine in the photo
 India_trainmeal.jpg   39.4K   39 downloads

[jyotirmoy]

The question is if one were discreet could one get away with sipping on a few drinks on the trip.
Yeah sure you can. How about carrying a mineral water bottle with Vodka in it???? Or a cola bottle with Rum laced with cola? Many possibilities but be very discreet.

[cyberhippie]

Ah so you were the guy next door ranting and raving all night after a barrel load of bevy!!