40,000 miles journey to discover India

On India's world's largest rail network, travellers move not just through space but through time, from crowded economy trains to luxury trains, every journey is an exciting cultural exploration.

A train crosses the Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu, India. Photo: Veerababu Achanta/Shutterstock

There is a saying in India that the journey is more important than the destination, and this is most evident when you experience train travel .

Meet all needs

The first thing that strikes visitors about India’s train system is the incredible variety of prices. Prices can range from as little as $5 for a seat on a regular train to thousands of dollars for luxury trains.

This huge gap in fares accurately reflects the social stratification and diverse needs of a country of 1.4 billion people, where costs are determined by journey length, train type, seat class and accompanying services.

For those who want to experience local life in an authentic way, Sleeper Class or second class trains will offer “the most authentic experience of life and safety in crowded places”. In contrast, the air-conditioned cars, although more expensive, offer comfort, privacy and almost no disturbance.

At the top of the service ladder are the true luxury trains. When boarding these trains, passengers are treated like royalty with personal butlers, gourmet menus and meticulously designed itineraries that take them to explore the most famous historical sites and cultural attractions.

View of India through the train window

Stepping onto an Indian train, you will find yourself lost in a crowded, chaotic and challenging world , but never boring. While the scenery outside the window constantly changes like a documentary about Indian geography, inside the train compartment, another vivid drama takes place - the daily lives of millions of people with a variety of emotional colors.

Special scenic trains like the Konkan Railway that runs through the misty forests of the lush Western Ghats, or the classic narrow-track trains that run through the tea plantations of Darjeeling, are all about relaxing and enjoying the whole experience.

It is through these trips that trains have become more than just a means of transport; they have become economic lifelines that carry essential goods to the most remote parts of the country, while also highlighting the joys of slow travel in the South Asian nation of a billion people.

In an age where speed is worshipped, India's railway system teaches us another lesson: sometimes slowing down is the best way to truly understand and appreciate a country.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/hanh-trinh-40-000-dam-kham-pha-an-do-3301237.html