It is a great deal to travel around India by rail! They have now computerized reservation system, prices are resonable and they are almost on time…
I just used this mode to travel by experess train from Assam to New Japalnaguri in the West Bengal. Second class berth for 6 hours-400 kms travel cost me 700 rs- like 15 USD. Breakfast and lunch on board was included.
Then I took motocycle rickshaw to the bus terminal in Siliguri. Siliguri is a gateway for travel to Darjeeling and Sikkim.
I wanted to use famous toy train to go to Darjeeling but I decided to board this train in Kurseong – to skip the less attractive part of 8-hours jouney.
Lonely Planet is not updated: I was waiting for the bus not 30 min but 1,5 hour. We also departed with 30 min delay (it is India…) The road goes all the time along the narrow raiway track. Views are the same, but the bus is faster. It is also less comfortable, cramped and the road is bumpy after first 10 kilimeters. I reached Kurseong – little town on the mountain slopes in the dark and mist… Night in Delhi Durbar Hotel cost me 300 rs – they will bring you bucket of hot water to have a bucket shower. Do you know what is bucket shower? 🙂
