Join our family’s train journey from Jaipur to Delhi . Discover travel tips, challenges, and reflections on exploring India as a family.
Table of Contents
- Main Journey
- Unexpected Challenges
- Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Local Travel Tips
- Reflections on India
Main Journey of Traveling from Jaipur to Delhi by Train
We bid farewell to Jaipur and boarded a train bound for Delhi, moving closer to the end of our time in India. It was a challenging day, to say the least, but also a reminder of the resilience we’ve built during this journey.
Early Morning Departure
Our day started early with a quick check-out and an Uber ride to Jaipur Junction. Julie wasn’t feeling any better, her symptoms worsening overnight. Still, she powered through, insisting on carrying her own bag and caring for Sweetie as we navigated the sprawling train station.
Finding Our Train
Indian trains are notoriously long and chaotic to board, but luckily, our coach wasn’t far from where we stood. Julie even managed a smile for the camera, though I knew she was barely holding up.
Our train from Jaipur to Delhi Sarai Rohilla Station was less crowded than expected, which gave Sweetie a chance to claim her own seat occasionally. Of course, I had to negotiate with neighboring passengers to make space, but seeing her happy and settled made it worth the effort.
Unexpected Challenges
- Julie’s Worsening Condition
Watching Julie, usually the healthiest and strongest, struggle was hard. India’s relentless heat and unfamiliar microbes had tested her like never before. - Train Journey Realities
Despite this being one of the more comfortable trains, the 5.5-hour ride felt endless with Julie’s illness and the constant need to entertain Sweetie. We made do with snacks like bananas, chai, and even popcorn sold onboard, but the journey drained us all. - The Arrival Experience
Sarai Rohilla Station, smaller and less chaotic than other Delhi train stations, still had its share of challenges. The absence of proper station facilities and the swarm of persistent rickshaw drivers added to the stress of our arrival. Thankfully, Uber saved us once again.
Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Prioritize Comfort on Long Journeys
Choose less crowded trains with shorter travel times, even if it means avoiding major stations like New Delhi Railway Station. - Pack Entertainment and Snacks
For Sweetie, having familiar snacks and small toys made the train ride more bearable. Bananas and popcorn were lifesavers! - Protect Against Heat and Illness
Keep plenty of water, oral rehydration salts, and baby-safe hand sanitizers to combat the effects of India’s heat and less-than-ideal hygiene standards.
Local Travel Tips
- Choose Sarai Rohilla for Delhi Arrivals
While less central, Sarai Rohilla is less chaotic than New Delhi or Old Delhi Railway Stations and can save time and money. - Use Uber for Convenience
Rickshaws may seem cheaper, but haggling is exhausting, and the prices often match Uber’s fares in tourist-heavy areas like Delhi. - Seek Familiar Comforts
In bustling areas like Paharganj, you’ll find restaurants like Shimteo that serve authentic Korean food—perfect for soothing upset stomachs and homesick hearts.
Reflections on India of Traveling from Jaipur to Delhi by Train
Mixed Emotions
As we arrived back in Delhi, Sweetie shouted, “Home!” when we reached our familiar guesthouse in Paharganj. It felt oddly comforting, despite our exhaustion.
Over dinner at Shimteo, Julie’s first real meal in days, her spirits began to lift. Sweetie devoured her doenjang-jjigae, and we all found solace in a shared moment of normalcy amidst the chaos of India.
Final Thoughts on India
This leg of our journey taught us resilience, adaptability, and the importance of finding joy in small victories. While India’s intensity has tested us, it’s also given us stories to tell and lessons to carry forward.
With just two more nights in Delhi, we’re holding onto the thought that brighter days lie ahead—and maybe, just maybe, we’ll laugh about this chapter someday.
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