I am in a train along with my wife. We are heading for the annual alumni meet of my alma mater - Sainik School, Kazhakootam, Thiruvananthapuram district, south Kerala.
For my trips to Kerala, often in the past, I have taken the flight, owing to lack of time. It's just about an hour by air from Bengaluru.
But this time, we decided to take the train. It's 15 hours by rail. Since the climate is quite pleasant now, we chose the non-air-conditioned coach.
If I have the time, I always prefer the train to flight. And if the climate is good, nothing like the non-a/c cars. Unlike in a/c coaches, I don't feel claustrophobic.
Open windows that provide unfiltered view of the landscape -- lush greenery, undulating plains, hills and valleys, lakes and rivers. And the cool breeze that blows in makes it all the more worthwhile. The close proximity to nature: It's extremely refreshing.
The sound of the train racing on the tracks provides a sort of feeling of travel or movement. It takes a break only when the train stops at stations: the brief pauses in a journey.
If the halt is for some five minutes or more, it's also a chance to step out, have a look around the place, quickly grab a cup of tea or coffee, and then hop back in when it's time to move.
It's nearing 10.30 pm. Most of the lights in the coach are dimmed, with passengers reclining on their berths for a good night's sleep.
I am posting this via Blogger app. And I can't see an option to post photos, unlike on the website.
Too bad you can't post photos, I would have loved to see some pics of the sights. I've never even been on a train before :)
ReplyDeleteMay be I will post them separately here.
DeleteIt's nice the weather isn't too stifling. And it's always nice to be able to take a leisurely trip.
ReplyDeleteYes a much needed break from the daily grind.
DeleteI love train journey in India. Every time we come to India on vacation, we always travel by train. As you said, by plane, we cannot enjoy the nature and sceneries. Some friends suggested to travel by car. To tell the truth, we are afraid to travel long distance by car in India. Looking forward to more blog posts regarding your trip to Kerala.
ReplyDeleteJust curious... Why afraid?
DeleteHi Pradeep - sounds an ideal way to travel ... as the others say - pity about the photos ... but can imagine your joy at seeing your wonderful land as you travel. I'd love to visit Kerala ... someday! Cheers and enjoy the Conference ... Hilary
ReplyDeleteYou must surely visit Kerala ... The state is referred to as the 'God's Own Country' in the tagline of Kerala tourism advertisement.
DeleteIt is decades since I travelled by train.Your post brought back nostalgic memories of countless journeys made with family and the charm they held.
ReplyDeleteYou must travel again.
DeleteI am not used to the Indian style of driving. For example, cars that are going in the opposite direction come to our side of the road (to overtake someone else). They come so close as if to have a head-on collision. After 6 pm, most of the drivers appears to be drunk. On the contrary, we can relax and enjoy a train journey.
ReplyDeleteTrain journey in India in second class coaches is ideal for passengers who want to enjoy it all - the scenery, watching the other passengers, the breeze, the sunlight..I always prefer the Side-Upper berth which gives me the fiexibility to sit all by myself, as well as to lie down for a nap, whenever I wish.
ReplyDeleteI get immersed in articles if they depict travel,past reminiscences, Nature's narration and so on. I feel like reading stories. Yours this one is really nice. I too am a little claustrophobic, so prefer non-A.C copattments. Feasibility is less for me, as others may not prefer.W can keep our eyes wide open to Mother Nature, in train. Expect more with photographs if possible.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteHi Rajan - You are right. Motorists in India are careless when it comes to obeying rules.
Hi Hari - Thanks for dropping by and for your comments. Yes, side-berth has an advantage.
Hi Sarala - Glad to know that you like travelogues and writeups about nature. I like to travel. But finding time in the midst of work is a challenge.