We left Jaislamer for our epic train journey to Varanasi which consisted of two trains with a 50 minute change over in the middle. The first leaving Jaislamer at 00.45 and arriving to Ajmer at 12.00 and the second leaving Ajmer at 12.50, arriving at Mughal Sarai (nr Varanasi) at 04.55 the next morning.
Hand painted platform signs
Given that Indian trains are notorious for being late we were a little cautious of this small gap between them!
To date we had been lucky with the trains, perhaps running 5-10mins late but mostly on time! But having a rail pass meant we could book as many trains as we liked within the 21 days of travel so we decided to book an safety net extra ticket for the next day just case!
Again luck seemed to remain on our side as the train left Jaislamer on time, we had the area of 4 bunks all to ourselves and a quiet carriage so got a good nights sleep, waking at 10am to get ready to arrive in Ajmer at 12pm which we did!
Getting comfy for the journey
Having already scouted out what platform we needed in case we had to run, we strolled over to Platform 4 where our next train was ready and waiting.
Again it was a quiet journey to Jaipur and at about 4pm we were joined by a lovely young deaf couple who had just got married the day before.
Chris and the Groom
It was amazing how we managed to communicate together, he knew English and could lip read us very well so we ended up hearing all about the wedding with photos on their phones, including how they circle a fire 7 times before they are officially married, the amazing decorated horse that he rides on with sword in hand to protect his now wife and her amazing sari and henna that was all the way up her arms and legs. Plus along the way we met all the family that were also on the train!
Her Henna went all up her arms and legs!
We became well acquainted and even received an invite to visit Kerala (her home town) and Mumbai (her sister's). They wanted us to join them in Kerala for their after party which has we not wanted to get to Varanasi for Dev Diwali we would have, but we promised to keep in touch and if we ever came back to visit them all!
Julia and the Bride!
We bedded down for the night and woke at 4.30am for our stop. But the station didn't appear and 3 hours later we were still on the train!
Our friendly couple once they awoke were surprised to still see us on the train, forcing ourselves to stay awake so we wouldn't we miss our stop! And finally 3 hours later we pulled into Mughal Sarai where our tour of India would continue...
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