Tips on AC Chair Class, prepaid rickshaws, and staying comfortable during a family adventure. Discover how to travel from Delhi to Jaipur.
Table of Contents
- Main Journey
- Events During the Train Ride
- Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Local Travel Tips
- Travel Reflections
Main Journey of Delhi to Jaipur train journey
After recovering from illness, we decided to stick to our plan and head to Jaipur, the last city on our itinerary. However, just as Sweetie and I were feeling better, Hugh began experiencing high fever and stomach issues, making the journey challenging.
We checked out of our Delhi accommodation at 5:10 AM and walked to New Delhi Railway Station. The early morning bustle of Paharganj and the station was overwhelming, filled with the unique energy of India. Hugh, despite his worsening condition, pushed through as we boarded the train bound for Jaipur.
Events During the Train Ride
Boarding the Train
Indian trains are known for their unpredictability, but ours surprisingly arrived and departed on time. We were traveling in the AC Chair Class, which had a 2/3 seating arrangement—a unique experience compared to trains back home. Despite Hugh’s fever, we managed to settle into our seats, though the tightly packed arrangement left little room for comfort.
The Onboard Experience
The train provided several perks:
- Morning Refreshments: Shortly after departure, staff distributed newspapers, lime juice, and bottled water. Seeing Sweetie, they kindly gave us an extra lime juice, a thoughtful gesture that added a personal touch.
- Chai Service: A tea set with hot water, chai tea bags, milk, sugar, and crackers was brought around next. Sweetie, now fast asleep, missed out on the excitement.
Breakfast
We opted for the non-veg meal when booking through Cleartrip. Breakfast included:
- Two slices of bread
- An omelet
The vegetarian option offered a vegetable fritter instead of the omelet. Unfortunately, Hugh was too unwell to eat, and Sweetie remained sound asleep. I ended up eating alone, packing away the bread for later.
Arrival in Jaipur
The train was delayed by just 20 minutes, and we arrived at Jaipur around midday. As expected, we were greeted by persistent rickshaw drivers vying for passengers. While most quoted exorbitant prices (300 INR for a 2.3 km ride), we managed to find a prepaid auto-rickshaw booth and paid a fair 55 INR for the ride to our accommodation.
Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Book AC Chair Class: The cool environment is a relief in India’s heat, though bring extra layers as it can get chilly.
- Pack Snacks and Water: Trains provide refreshments, but having your own supplies ensures your little one stays comfortable.
- Prepare for Downtime: Bring small toys or books to keep your child entertained, as train journeys can be long and tiresome.
- Stay Hygienic: Carry wet wipes and hand sanitizer to manage cleanliness during travel.
Local Travel Tips
- Use Prepaid Auto Services: Avoid being overcharged by insisting on prepaid options when available.
- Choose Comfortable Accommodation: In Jaipur, we booked a hotel with air conditioning and a pool through MakeMyTrip, a reliable and cost-effective platform.
- Carry Medication: Illness can strike unexpectedly. Keep basic medication for fever, stomach issues, and hydration handy.
- Explore Nearby Dining Options: Research restaurants before arriving, especially if staying in a less central area.
Travel Reflections of Delhi to Jaipur train journey
Hugh’s Resilience
Hugh’s determination to continue the journey despite his condition was both inspiring and heartbreaking. It reminded me of the importance of slowing down when needed, even if plans have to change.
Jaipur’s Promise
Despite the challenges, the grandeur of Jaipur’s architecture and our accommodation felt like a reward. The pool and the spacious, clean rooms offered a brief respite from the intensity of travel.
Kindness in Strangers
The train staff’s gesture of giving Sweetie an extra juice was a small act of kindness that made a big difference in our day. Moments like these highlight the warmth of human connections during travel.
Though the day was exhausting, ending it with sweet watermelon and the comforting presence of family made it all worthwhile. We looked forward to exploring Jaipur, hoping for a smoother experience in the days ahead.
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