As I had planned this trip to India as a pilgrimage to the Buddhist sites in India, I had decided that I would not stay long in New Delhi and head to the Buddhist sites as soon as possible when I arrive into New Delhi.
Train options and choice
I had 2 train options to quickly get to Varanasi from New Delhi. It is about 8-14 hours by train to get to Varanasi from New Delhi, depending on which train you take.
Varanasi is very nearby Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon. Sarnath is about 10km away from the Varanasi train station.
Varanasi is also where the scared Hindu Ganges River is situated.
The first option was the sleeper train at 11pm and arriving the next morning in Varanasi. This is a bit risky as I land into New Delhi Airport at 8pm but I would prefer this option.
There is also the consideration of which sleeper class I should buy. I was considering getting second class sleeper which seems reasonable with 2 sleeping berths on each side, compared to 3 sleeping berths of each side in third class sleeper. (Meaning on a side of a wall, there are 2 or 3 beds. I slept on such a third class sleeper on my India trip in 2005. You cannot sit upright on the bed.)
The second train option was the more expensive day train to Varanasi. Yes, the day train is more expensive in general compared to the overnight sleeper train.
I suppose that the day train is more popular and would be safer overall.
In the end, not wanting to risk missing the sleeper train, and for comfort, I bought the most expensive first class executive train ticket in India on the day train to Varanasi. In total, it costs 3390.40Rupees (about S$52) for a 8hour train ride. Meals and refreshments are provided.
My train is expected to leave at 6am, from New Delhi Railway Station and arrive at Varanasi Junction Station at 2pm.
New Delhi Railway Station
New Delhi Railway Station is huge!! 16 platforms and each platform is very long, my train has at least 16 carriages.
A small rose.
A bottle of water.
Masala tea and cookies.
(Not shown) Newspapers of your choice. Got an English newspaper to read later.
I at last realised why the air quality is at 400+ these few days. (The air quality was improving a few days earlier.)
It is due to the Diwali (Deepavali) celebrations where people are lighting firecrackers.
I could still hear fire crackers late last night while trying to sleep, which is a day after Diwali.
Bananas were offered later.
Choice of masala tea or coffee was offered later.
Seems like you can ask for seconds.
Decided to go exploring the train.
From what I know, there are only 2 classes of seats on this train.
The First Class Executive Seat which I bought. And the Second Class seats.
From what I see, out of all the at least 16 carriages of the train, there are only 2 First Class Executive carriages, the rest are Second Class carriages.
Food seems to be also provided in the Second Class carriages too.
Toilets: both Indian and Western style toilets are provided on this train.
The train travelled and didn’t stop for 4hours 10mins since departing New Delhi at 6am. Travelling at times, speeds of 125km/h.
The curry chicken at the bottom left was very good.
The train departed at 1240pm.
I suppose this is a way of asking for tips. Since I was quite pleased with his service, I found a 100rupee note (about S$1.50) and put it on the tray.
I noticed the couple in front of me, each took a wet wipe, and the wife gave a 50rupee (about S$0.75) note.
The train arrived at 215pm. Not too bad since it was scheduled to arrive at 2pm.
Thus, ended my 8 hour train ride from New Delhi to Varanasi.
It was an enjoyable train ride, but I suppose because it was the most expensive and highest class possible for Indian trains.
Will travel 