Has anyone had experience booking train tickets for travel in India. The sites we have looked at require an address in India?

Also what companies have you used for flights within India?

Check www.seat61.com for info on trains in India. I've never checked the India pages but on other pages thay have listings of companies which are recommended for assistance...

I would fly.
Most inland airlines are quite competent.
I would not take the trains if possible.
They are not up to our standards, and train accidents are not uncommon.
I have even been on the Palace on Wheels, and believe me it is no Palace!
Also, car rentals with drivers are very reasonable if you want to go to a more remote area.
In many cases cheaper than renting a car at home.
You can make a deal when you are at your destination.
I have not been to India for three years, but have been many times, so prices may be higher now.

I see you posted earlier with a question on Cox and Kings. They have a good reputation but they are expensive. They would be able to book both trains and flights for you. I can recommend the travel agent we worked with - Compass Tours, based in Delhi. You can e-mail Durjay Sengupta at [email protected] for more information.

Thank you Craig. Had read your previous report on your trip with great interest. Had looked at Compass and they look good...have a husband who likes to do a lot of the ground work himslf!!

You may also want to look at purchasing a Jet Airways Visit India Pass which gives you unlimited travel within India for a somewhat reasonable fare, check out http://www.jetairways.com/Cultures/e...t+India+Fares/

Hi & greetings from Australia.

We love the Indian trains. 1AC & 2AC classes are perfectly acceptable by any standards. The three rail journeys we took (2 overnights and one day trip) were a great experience & a chance to meet and converse with India people. Indian rail's website is a little tricky but tickets can be picked up in Delhi near the station or can be delivered to your hotel with prior arrangement. You do not have to have an Indian address to purchase tickets. You do need to register though. Check out www.indiamike.com & do a search. There is a lot of info on purchasing train tickets yourself. Any hotel can do this for you at additional small cost. Part of the fun is doing the planning & logistics oneself, imho. We've used air deccan for two flights and jetairways for one. Jet are 100% more expensive than air deccan but a far better, more reliable airline. I would still fly with air deccan as they are cheaper than some trains! Have fun!

Well, if you want to travel by train, its an experience if you choose well. Air travel is any day better, especially if you fly Jet. The Shatabdi and Rajdhani trains are better and faster than most other trains. Train travel in south India is more prompt and safer than in the north, and definetly more than the East. You can check the sites for ideas- www.indianrail.gov.in and trainenquiry.com Getting tickets is a major headache, so please plan ahead. There are some pointers- always look for the foreign tourist quota and if you are of the female persuation, try the ladies quota also. Although these are small, very few people know of this (even some of the railway guys didnt know) and may be useful. Purchase has to be made through agents. Online purchase is available only in the metros for now.
Air Deccan is safe, no frills. Tickets are very cheap, if you plan and book ahead. You could consider this if you would like to save.