With Coldplay set to perform in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, it is no surprise that many of you would be travelling to either of these cities. But, what if we tell you that you can cut down on exorbitant flight tickets, extra-long baggage lines, and cramped legrooms and opt for a much affordable (yet luxurious) experience? Yes, you heard us right! The Anubhuti Class in select Indian Railway Express Trains is the perfect option for travelers looking for luxury experiences on a budget.
In our Luxe For Less series, we find you the most premium experiences that you can be a part of without breaking the bank. Let’s ride the Anubhuti Class and get to know more about its various features!
Anubhuti Class Coaches: All That You Must Know
- What Is The Anubhuti Coach?
- Anubhuti Coach Availability
- Anubhuti Class Features
What Is The Anubhuti Coach?
The Anubhuti Coach is a luxury train coach introduced by the Indian Railways in 2017. It has been designed to provide a comfortable and luxurious first-class experience to passengers at an affordable price. When Team Unstumbled decided to travel firsthand in this class, we were surprised to learn that riding in this class is no less than (and even better than) boarding a flight! Yes, we genuinely mean it!
Anubhuti Coach Availability
Currently, the Anubhuti Coaches are deployed on select routes of the Shatabdi Express. These routes are as mentioned below:
Mumbai Central To Ahmedabad
The 492 kilometer (km)-long route between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is covered in roughly 6 hours. Trains depart from Mumbai Central at 6:20 AM and reach Ahmedabad by 12:40 PM.
Fare: INR 2,350 per passenger
Amritsar To New Delhi
Covering a distance of 448 km between Amritsar and New Delhi, trains depart from Amritsar 4:55 AM and reach New Delhi by 11:00 AM.
Fare: INR 2,205 per passenger
New Delhi To Lucknow
Slightly longer than the previous routes, the 512-km long route between New Delhi and Lucknow is covered roughly in 6 hours 45 minutes. Trains depart from New Delhi at 6:10 AM and reach Lucknow at 12:55 PM.
Fare: INR 2,270 per passenger
Anubhuti Class Features: No Less Than Business Class Flying Experience
Now that we’ve discussed the coach and the routes featuring these train coaches, it’s time to explore some key features of the luxurious Anubhuti Class! These features will give premium business classes on flights a run for their money, and we’re speaking based on our own experience!
Seats That Are Oh-so-comfy!
To begin with, you’ll be surprised to know that the seats have way more spacious legroom compared to a regular economy flight. The seats are cushioned with the softest fabrics and come with reclining options, so you’ll not be worrying about sleep or body pain in your journey.
The seats also come with a 2+2 configuration, meaning no more middle seats and awkward movements to move between them! Each seat has its own LCD entertainment system with personal headphones, so you are guaranteed to enjoy your favorite shows and movies en route to your destination.
Each seat will also have its own compact snack table hidden sneakily inside the armrest. You just have to pull it out and you have a handy table to relish on the yummiest food served in these coaches. Also, if your electronic devices run out of battery, you can charge them thanks to dedicated power plugs.
Ergonomic And Clean Restrooms
A major concern for train passengers is the condition of restrooms, and Indian Railways doesn’t have the best reputation for the same. However, we were surprised to find out that the restrooms are equipped with modern facilities and are quite well-maintained.
Restrooms are fitted with touch-free soap dispensers, taps, and hand dryers to ensure maximum hygiene. Touch-free taps also mean less water is used and/or wasted. Additionally, these restrooms are also equipped with bio-toilets that are becoming more common in Indian trains.
Food That Doesn’t Cost You An Arm And A Leg!
If you must’ve traveled by flight, you know how costly and bland food can be! However, Anubhuti Coaches serve a complimentary 3-course meal in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Plus if you get small hunger pangs in your train journey, there’s bite-sized snacks and piping hot cups of coffee and tea available. The food price is worked in your ticket, so you don’t have to worry about shelling out extra bucks for food!
The variety in the meals and the service is quite commendable, if we are being quite honest. Plus, you can enjoy your meals with a view thanks to large windows opening up to panoramic landscapes. Now that is a win-win!
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Summing Up
Even though flying is quite a fast travel option, there are so many drawbacks that economy passengers face. However, for a similar price range, you can travel comfortably and luxuriously by train. Though the time taken will be more than that of a flight, it is compensated by the awesome services, breathtaking views, delicious food, and ultimate comfort. It’s time to skip the long airport luggage line and romanticize train journeys instead!
FAQs
What Is The Anubhuti Class In Indian Railways?
The Executive Anubhuti Class is a premium air-conditioned chair car coach equipped with 2×2 seat configuration. The coach has large windows and cushioned seats with ample legroom, similar to the business class in airplanes.
Is Anubhuti Class Worth It?
Yes, Anubhuti Class is totally worth it. With reasonable ticket prices, passengers will be experiencing superior-quality service, ultimate comfort, and a smooth train journey.
What Is The Coach Code For Anubhuti Class?
The coach code for Anubhuti Class is E. A. – Coach Code K.
