‘7-hour sleepless train ride’: Canadian tourists share unexpected encounters during sleeper-class journey

Canadian tourists’ sleeper-class train ride turns into lively local adventure. (Image: kimgreenwood1117)

Travelling by train in India often offers more than just a way to move from one city to another. For many, it provides a window into local life, opportunities to meet fellow passengers, and moments that stay with travellers long after the journey ends. Two Canadian tourists recently discovered this during a sleeper-class trip that unfolded very differently from what they had planned.

Kim Greenwood and her travelling companion booked an early morning train from Jalgaon Junction to Chandrapur, expecting a quiet ride where they could rest. “One of us, me, booked an early train from Jalgaon Junction to Chandrapur in a sleeping car class, thinking we would get more sleep. Seemed logical. However, one should read more about the multiple ticket classes available on the trains in India. The sleeper seat is in 3rd class on some of the trains,” Greenwood said.

Almost immediately, local children began watching over Greenwood’s travelling partner, who was trying to sleep on his berth. Rather than being annoyed, the Canadians joined in, and the small cabin soon became a hub of activity.

“I was so impressed, amazed and all of the great feelings one can have while watching a community work together and coexist as one large family unit. The people that amassed on our bunk were from disparate families,” Greenwood wrote in her Instagram post.

The visitors also received food from other passengers; some purchased from vendors walking along the train, and some were prepared by their families. “The kids loved the attraction of Canadian tourists, but watching the relationships and the level of cooperation between the locals is something that everyone should aspire to,” Greenwood added.

Although neither of them got any sleep during the seven-hour journey, Greenwood said she would not change the experience. She wrote, “A 7-hour sleepless train ride, but wouldn’t change a thing.”

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A post shared by Kim Greenwood (@kimgreenwood1117)

Social media users praised them for their open-minded approach. One wrote, “I really hope you enjoyed that train ride. They truly are core memories for us when we were growing up.”

Another commented, “I love how sporty you are about all this. Most ppl would get pissed about losing sleep. Kudos to your traveller mindset, putting such a lovely, fun twist on things. Yeah, it's expected people wanna sit and travel during daytime - so lower and middle berth occupants can't sleep then. But, here's a tip - if the upper berth is empty, you can talk to whoever it's reserved for and crash there with no hesitation. Nobody really objects to that.”

A further comment highlighted what makes Indian train journeys distinctive, “There is a reason people will have more stories while on train journeys, and not on flights or buses. The way all people around you become one big family and share their stories, experiences, laughs, sorrow, and food is just amazing. There are a few exceptions, though, as well. Hoping you have more beautiful experiences all over the world.”