Hi planning 4 weeks (October) in North India with quite a bit of train travel - much of it in Sleeper Class. I'm thinking of taking a very small / lightweight sleeping bag (in addition to a sheet).
With out the sleeping bag will I be a bit cold on overhight trains? Or too hot with it?
Cheers
0
Sleeping Bag For October?
Started by
MikeD
, Sep 11 2007 02:29 AM
7 replies to this topic
#2
cyberhippie
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Posted 11 September 2007 - 02:38 AM
A sleeping bag liner/ Duvet cover will be sufficient in October when the weather is still pleasantly warm. If it starts to cool towards the end of October a woolen blanket will cost you a couple of pounds.
Welcome to the tree by the way!
Welcome to the tree by the way!
#3
jyotirmoy
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Posted 11 September 2007 - 10:07 AM
You mentioned sleeper class so I assume you are travelling in non ac sleeper coaches. Bedding is not provided in the non ac coaches so bringing a light cover, a sheet to spread and an inflatable pillow should be ok. As CH has said it won't get too cold in October.
You mentioned north India which by itself is a big area. What is your itinerary?
You mentioned north India which by itself is a big area. What is your itinerary?
#4
MikeD
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Posted 11 September 2007 - 02:56 PM
We have flights booked to / from Mumbai - we are planning roughly as follows - with lots of train travel
Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow, Agra, Delhi, possibly Shimla or Amritsar, then 2 or 3 of the following - Jaisalmer / Udaipur / Jaipur / Jodpur, then probably Diu.
I have heard there is big engineering work onm the direct route Mumbai - Varanasi. Someone suggested we take a route via Gwalior. may risk direct - whats a few hours late.
We have 4 weeks starting 9th October. Any suggestions / advice welcome.
Cheers
Mike
Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow, Agra, Delhi, possibly Shimla or Amritsar, then 2 or 3 of the following - Jaisalmer / Udaipur / Jaipur / Jodpur, then probably Diu.
I have heard there is big engineering work onm the direct route Mumbai - Varanasi. Someone suggested we take a route via Gwalior. may risk direct - whats a few hours late.
We have 4 weeks starting 9th October. Any suggestions / advice welcome.
Cheers
Mike
#5
jyotirmoy
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Posted 11 September 2007 - 03:25 PM
You have a very tight schedule indeed, so many places in 4 weeks.
First of all Diu is not connected by rail. So you have to travel by train from Mumbai to Ahmedabad and then by overnight sleeper bus to Diu. I think there is only one flight between Mumbai & Diu.
I would suggest you to enter Rajasthan from Mumbai and wind your way to Delhi. From Delhi there are ovenight trains to Varanasi. I am not aware of the engineering work going on the Varanasi-Mumbai rail sector. You have the option of returning to Delhi by an overnight train and take the premier superfast Rajdhani Exp to Mumbai the same day.
Firm up your itinerary fast and do your rail bookings asap. Remember October is festival time.
First of all Diu is not connected by rail. So you have to travel by train from Mumbai to Ahmedabad and then by overnight sleeper bus to Diu. I think there is only one flight between Mumbai & Diu.
I would suggest you to enter Rajasthan from Mumbai and wind your way to Delhi. From Delhi there are ovenight trains to Varanasi. I am not aware of the engineering work going on the Varanasi-Mumbai rail sector. You have the option of returning to Delhi by an overnight train and take the premier superfast Rajdhani Exp to Mumbai the same day.
Firm up your itinerary fast and do your rail bookings asap. Remember October is festival time.
#6
MikeD
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Posted 11 September 2007 - 04:35 PM
Thanks for your advice.
Why do you think its not a good idea to go to Varanasi then head 'anti-clockwise' to Delhi / Agra the through Rajasthan? We though we would do this so we can have a few days in Diu before returning to Mumbai.
I guess the other option is ot head for Delhi - then head east for Varanasi and then back to Delhi and then north / west etc.
I was planning only to bbok my first train trip then to book 1 or 2 days ahead - so we can be flexible on where we go (staying a day more if we like the plac etc). Do you think this will be a problem. We are happy to travel Sleeper class overnight and 'lower classes' for day travel.
Cheers
Mike
Why do you think its not a good idea to go to Varanasi then head 'anti-clockwise' to Delhi / Agra the through Rajasthan? We though we would do this so we can have a few days in Diu before returning to Mumbai.
I guess the other option is ot head for Delhi - then head east for Varanasi and then back to Delhi and then north / west etc.
I was planning only to bbok my first train trip then to book 1 or 2 days ahead - so we can be flexible on where we go (staying a day more if we like the plac etc). Do you think this will be a problem. We are happy to travel Sleeper class overnight and 'lower classes' for day travel.
Cheers
Mike
#7
jyotirmoy
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Posted 11 September 2007 - 04:55 PM
I assumed you will first go to Diu and then from Ahmedabad move in to Rajasthan & also due to your mention of track work on the Mumbai-Varanasi sector.
You can do it the otherway round too.
You must reserve your overnight tickets as early as possible. For travel during festival & holiday seasons people book 60 days in advance in all long distance routes. For short distances it may be possible to book a few days in advance.
You can do it the otherway round too.
You must reserve your overnight tickets as early as possible. For travel during festival & holiday seasons people book 60 days in advance in all long distance routes. For short distances it may be possible to book a few days in advance.
#8
cyberhippie
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Posted 11 September 2007 - 10:45 PM
Sorry if I'm being boring here but there seems to be a gravitation towards big cities only in your plans. It's a natural conclusion to reach that the smaller places might be harder going with food and places to stay. The truth is that's not really the case, accommodation IS available in a myriad of small towns/villages and you can ALWAYS eat.
A trip to a smaller destination has it's own rewards, not the least of which is getting to see India up close and at a more sedate pace, you can soak it all up without dodging touts, auto rickshaws and suicidal scooter drivers
Again I'm only offering pointers here, I'm not trying to appear "all knowing" or mess with your own personal travel plans, the choice is your's but do have a think about going to somewhere more rural to get a feel for the other side of India. It's well worth it believe me.
Whatever you decide have fun and don't be scared to keep on asking questions, there's a great depth to the travel knowledge available on The Tree, from both Indians and Indophiles!
Happy Traveling!
A trip to a smaller destination has it's own rewards, not the least of which is getting to see India up close and at a more sedate pace, you can soak it all up without dodging touts, auto rickshaws and suicidal scooter drivers
Again I'm only offering pointers here, I'm not trying to appear "all knowing" or mess with your own personal travel plans, the choice is your's but do have a think about going to somewhere more rural to get a feel for the other side of India. It's well worth it believe me.
Whatever you decide have fun and don't be scared to keep on asking questions, there's a great depth to the travel knowledge available on The Tree, from both Indians and Indophiles!
Happy Traveling!
