[jyoti]

So, I am taking a train form Bangalore to Delhi about May 15th. The question is: Is it totally stupid to consider sleeper class?  Is it going to be WAY too hot for that?  (3 tier A/C is not available on the days I would most like to travel, and I refuse to go higher than that).  Should I adjust the schedule and take 3 tier???  

And no discussing the comparative foolishness of leaving Bangalore in May for North India.  It works in my schedule.  And part of the time I'll be in Shimla (yay!).  


(It's one night, one day, one night.  So it'd be night for two stretches, and the heat of day for one day...)

Thanks!
Jyoti

[cyberhippie]

That's a long journey in May Jyoti, as well as the heat, the dust and grime play a big factor. So if you decide to do it, wear your oldest clothes!! The train will be unbearably hot in the mid day sun but with the draught of the moving train, the evenings should manageable.
Would I do it YES if I really needed to be somewhere, but I'd prepare myself mentally for a rough trip!!

Make a friend in AC  

[jyotirmoy]

I agree with CH, it would definitely be a very rough trip. Have you checked airdeccan fares?

[jyoti]

Thanks, guys!  So, I have decided to book it on 3-tier A/C and try my luck with the waiting list... The day I really wanted was waiting on SL anyway. And, after your comments,  I figured for my first trip by myself, it'd be better to make it a little more liveable.      Maybe I'll find a friend in sleeper and see how awful it would have been.

[jyotirmoy]

Try the tatkal scheme if nothing works.

[jyoti]

I saw the tatkal scheme, but couldn't figure out what it was (despite the short explanation...).

Waiting list is 15, so my friends told me I'm probably fine.  And since you're around...  I may have a couple days to "chill" in Delhi.  What's top of the list for doing while I'm there?

[jyotirmoy]

The tatkal scheme starts 5 days before the date of journey. When you go the ticket booking page you will find the Tatkal option. The Tatkal ticked is issued from the originating station up to the terminating station. For you it is not an issue but for those travelling to a midway destination will have to pay the price for the entire route.

[malkers]

I did the same trip up and back in August, not sure how the weather differs from May but I'm so glad I went ac class, just walking through the other classes during the day to stretch my legs I found it completely unbearable and smelly too.

Having travelled both 2ac and 3ac a number of times I'd say if I was a young white girl such as you then I'd feel a whole lot more safer in 2ac than 3ac.  In 3ac I found there were more people coming through the carriages and more times that I felt I had to keep my belongings in view.  I hate to discriminate between rich and poor but in 2ac I usually have an agreement with someone to watch each other's stuff when you nip to the loo or wherever.

Take a good packed lunch to last 2 days and plenty of pringles if you want to keep your stomach stable!

[maharaj]

jyoti
Seems like you are set with the train trip there, but if you have a few days, why not check rediff website under travel section for your return.  THey seek most major airlines and the specials are often much cheaper than train.  I have done this often....fares like DEL to BOM rs1750 including taxes.

While in Delhi, a tour in a private taxi to parliment buildings and the residence of.....Is it Prime Minister or President's place.  Very nice gardens I saw peeking thru the fence.  And driving around on all the clean streets where International heads of State live...Very clean and the roads are so smooth.  Red Fort and many ancient tombs and such here too.  Nice day outing.  And who can resist walking around that Connaught Circle a few times for shopping.

Did you ever get that motorcycle I see in an earlier post?  I bought a used Bajaj Pulsar 150 (2004).   It did have a few problems, but the labour costs to fix issues where very inexpensive.