Train to Karnataka

We were keen to see at least a little more of India than just Goa, so we jumped at the chance to take a two night trip to the neighbouring state, Karnataka. The journey there and back was by train, taking about eight hours. That sounds a long while to spend on a train but we loved the journey and found so much to interest us both on the train and outside the windows that we didn’t even open the books we’d taken along to while away the time.

For one thing, I loved seeing the Indian countryside we passed through. The fields were green with rice and other crops, and dotted though them were the brightly coloured saris of women working there. The village houses, occasional ornate temples, lively markets in the towns – everywhere we looked there was something to catch the eye. And the slowness of the train became a bonus not an irritation, as we were able to see things clearly and even snatch a few photos.

On the train too there was plenty going on, with someone seemingly passing through the carriage every few minutes selling snacks and hot and cold drinks. These sellers were all independent of the railway company, boarding at one station, working through the train and alighting at the next, presumably to make the return journey. We bought some tasty cassava chips and cold drinks from one and enjoyed our little on-board snack.

Talking of the stations, there too there was plenty to observe and photograph, whether at the sleepy countryside ones like the one where I spotted a solitary man taking a drink from a water fountain (photo 4) or the bustling ones in towns full of life and colour.

Do consider a journey like this if you get the chance. Travelling second class the train wasn’t the most comfortable I’ve ever been in (the seats were hard and the plastic covering very sticky in that heat) but what it lacks in comfort it makes up for in interest and in photo opportunities.