[frank]

hi everyone,

first of all thanks to malcolm for setting up this board! it a great help.

we plan to take the train from Goa to cochin, however there are no first class tickets available for these trains.

The seats that are available are:
AC 2-tier sleeper
AC 3-tier
Sleeper class
Second sitting

As we (2 persons) travel with all our luggage for a 1 month trip, what seats can you recommend?

Thanks!
Frank

[malkers]

Hi Frank

First off I must point out it wasn't only me that set this forum up and its the contribution of our regular members that make it what it is, but anyhow welcome aboard!

AC 2 Tier sleeper will be fine for your needs, just remember to take a small chain and padlock with you to chain up your luggage under the lower bunks and keep your valuables firmly attached to yourself at all times, passport, phone, camera, cards and cash.  If you have a lot of luggage then try to be the first on the carriage before all the space is gone or you'll have to chain it up under another bed and out of view.  I've travelled in this class many times and never had a problem of any kind but I've never dropped my guard and also never dressed too smart!

Even if first class was available I would choose 2 tier AC as you can rely on other folks for your security, to an extent!

Cheers
Malc

[jyotirmoy]

Avoid side berths. These are smaller.

[vandy]

AC 2 Tier is good.Had no problems when used this class last year.

Happy Travelling  

[iwanttogoback]

i used both 2ac and 3ac, travelling with a large backpack and smaller daypack. depending on how much luggage the other travellers had (and you may be amazed at the amounts of luggage indians have) there is probably enough room in 3ac, and you can padlock your stuff under the seat.

if you engage a coolie at the station your luggage will be put into your compartment for you and you won't have to struggle to board - and boarding can be an amazing struggle as every passenger attempts to embark simultaneously, usually with more luggage than you'd need for a round the world trip!

[cyberhippie]

Be aware that 2AC is usually the first class to sell out, so book as far up front as you can. Trains on the Konkan railway are notoriously busy which doesn't help!