25 Train Journeys in the span of 25 days -Sachin

Sachin Bhandary set himself the challenge of surviving 25 train journeys in the span of 25 days. This was the first of 12 challenges he has planned across 12 countries.

About six months ago, 32-year-old Sachin Bhandary decided to quit his job and set himself a challenge of visiting 12 countries over 12 months to complete 12 challenges that would help his self-development. He called it The 12 Project. He has since completed an epic train journey across India, taking 25 trains in the span of 25 days, learnt rock climbing in Thailand and found 10 positive stories of Tamil-Sinhalese friendship in Sri Lanka. In another 10 days, he leaves indefinitely for Brazil. From there he will tour Central America and then head to the USA, cycling his way to New York, where he will spend a month attempting to entertain audiences at comedy clubs.

Was the 25-day Indian Railway experience a fun one?

I'd be lying if I said it was a fun experience. I would never do this again. After a point the mundaneness gets to you. But it was a great experience and allowed me to push the boundaries and learn new things. I think we don't fully comprehend how truly diverse our country is until we see it for ourselves. The languages, landscapes; it is beyond our imagination. In Assam, I learnt how proud the people are of their own culture, literature, music, food and tradition. While travelling through UP and Bihar I was able dispel all the rumours about how unsafe it is. I faced no such incidences. Except that perhaps people would chain their stuff and lock their luggage, which not many felt the need to do in the south.

Did you get out of railway stations at all?

Very seldom. I was lucky to have spent a few days in Assam's Dibrugarh and been hosted there by a wonderful family.

If you had to give yourself another travel challenge in India what would you do?

I'd want to cycle across India! If not the entire country, then start from Mumbai and cycle down to Kanyakumari and then go northwards up the eastern coast.

Which train journeys would you recommended the most?

There are so many! For one, it would be the Mandovi express. I also really like the stretch from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari. It has beautiful views of the mountains, fields of yellow and blue skies. Also, there's a sense of excitement you get thinking that you're travelling to end of country. If you're looking for sheer bravado, try the Vivek Express - the longest train ride - you'll find yourself spending four nights in the train.

You recommend Mandovi because of the good food?

Yes! I totally vouch for it and recommend it to everyone. Caterers like the Ahuja Caterers must get the contract for more trains as well. They're far more committed than the others. The state of Indian rail catering is really bad. I want to put pressure on the railways in whichever way I can to ensure they improve it. Because if tourists are going to take railway food as the lasting memory of our gastronomy it's going to be a big problem!

How are you funding your travels?

Well, my crowd-funding campaign gave me a kickstart with Rs1,20,000. I will continue to write for my blog as well as other publications. I've also put up my house on Airbnb, which brings in some money every month. I also hope to manage a few tours for an Indian agency while I'm in South America. I am on several Facebook forums, so sometimes I get free accommodation when people let me stay in their home. I make sure I'm extremely frugal during my travels.

Any tips you'd like to offer fellow 'odd' travelers? 

Visit places that offer experiences you really want to have rather than checking a destination off a bucket list created by someone else.  It is a common misconception that travel is expensive, which has been brought on by the barrage of images and experiences we read about all the time. Those are for tourists! It isn't difficult to travel on a budget. You don't have to have a vacation mentality of travel. I look at it as a learning experience. My friends say they can see the changes in me. I've become more patient, calm, sensitive, tolerant, relaxed, and have learnt to live with uncertainty.

For train travel in the country, I'd say travel second class. It gives you the opportunity to meet more people. Everyone wants to talk all the time, that's just how our country is.

For a detailed itinerary and more about Sachin Bhandary's travels read his blog: theoddtraveller.in

Source :India Today