Riding the rails - Indian Railways

By far one of the most memorable aspects of the trip was taking the trains in between destinations (I say memorable in the same sense that people who were there talk about the Woodstock festival - it being both the best of times and worst of times). Most of the journeys I took were overnight with a duration of around twelve hours, the sleeping arrangements were basic but comfortable via fold down beds with either 4 or 6 to a compartment depending on the class travelled.
I'd been warned about security on the trains but encountered no difficulties at any point, but if you think you're going to get a good nights sleep, forget it. Having five other people in your compartment usually meant one of them will snore (loudly) and the frequent stops at other stations throughout the night with people coming and going was not conducive to a nice slumber.
Anyway, people normally started stirring at dawn and a chai wallah would usually appear walking through the carriage offering your morning wake up at a cost of only five rupees. I'd then walk down to the end of the carriage and open up the heavy train door to be met with the rising sun over the countryside and the fresh breeze as we rattled along the tracks. I really can't think of a better way to start the day and once you see this all thoughts of the interesting nights sleep you've just endured will be immediately forgotten.
The following shots were taken with me hanging out of the train door as we were whisked along, one hand on the camera, the other holding the handrail - tightly.