I am planning a trip to India with other family members in January 2010. We are trying to book an overnight train from Kolkata (Sealdah station) to NJP Siriguli station. We hope to then get a jeep up to Darjeeling. We have found a train called Uttar Banga Express (train no. 3147) Departing 19.35 arriving 7.00. for the 4th Jan but are concerned about the website for making the booking. Is is legitamate? It is called cleartrip.com based in Mumbai. Does anyone have any suggestions for other websites to book tickets that would be simple and reliable from Australia? Also, can we book a jeep from Australia or should we wait until we arrive at the station? Thank you. Trinied

Have you tried to book on the website for the Indian Railway Service istelf at http://www.indianrail.gov.in/? Personaly, I always wait until I get to India and either go to a station in person or have someone at my hotel do it, but the gov’t website should be OK for making a booking. You might also try posting this question on Indiamike.com which has lots of good advice on trains.

The Darjeeling Mail train is a bit faster than the 3147, saves about 2 hours. Departs at 10 pm and arrives at 8 pm. This would save having to bring dinner on board, and just carry a light breakfast and get tea on the train.

IMO you will have no issue finding transport at the NJP station, so no need to book ahead. (Not even sure I could tell you how to do it). You will need to bargain, and you will pay more for a jeep versus other types of cars. Perhaps others have a recco as to how much you should pay. You can also take the very charming toy train from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling but this does take longer than driving (but may be easiser on the heart than the drive, hah hah!) I would recco the train at least one way for the experience, however; so perhpas on the way down.

You may book your train journey on the www.irctc.co.in. On arrival at New Jalpaiguri rail station, a number of jeeps ply to Darjeeling, which if my memory serves me right, is no more than a couple of hours drive, with the railway track running besides!
The toy train journey should be a 'must-do' but you will need to book up in advance.
There is an overnight bus service from Chowringhee area to Jalpaiguri but this is certainly not recommended.
Please note, you will need to check on the info provided & may be absolete, for I did this sector many years back!
The Glenburn Tea Estate or The Windamere will be excellent for a stay.

FYI, irictc.co.in mentioned above is the booking website for Indian Railways. You can go through that site or http://www.indianrail.gov.in/

Thanks all, We were a littl worried about waiting until we arrived to book trains as I believe they get very booked up. I think my brother in law has tried the indiarail government website but found it difficult to "book ticket". He could see timetables and maps etc. but we will try that site again. We are thinking about the Shangri-la at Darjeeling but I will check out the Glenburn and Windamere.

Cleartrip is perfectly fine. Over the last year three or four booking sites have added IndiaRail.

http://www.makemytrip.com

is another.

I bet you'll find almost ANY of them easier to use than the official website. I'd use them for trains without any hesitation.

www.cleartrip.com is indeed legitimate, and much easier to use than the official irctc.co.in site.

Definitely take the 9am toy train up to Darjeeling, it takes longer but it's a UNESCO World Heritage experience and absolutely wonderful, whereas 4 hours on a bumpy road isn't!