We’ve taken our first overnight train from Bengaluru to Hospete (for Hampi) – our first full size train (not counting the narrow gauge blue railway we took to Ooty).

Back in the UK, I rarely travel first class – the cost is ridiculous, often two or three times a standard ticket price. Unless you’re a retired, single cat lady with money to spare (despite having lost your winter fuel payment due to the ‘nasty’ Rachel Reeves – not my words) – yes you know who I’m talking about Aunty!, it’s completely unaffordable. I think I once had a first class ticket when by some odd quirk the work travel booking system showed that a first class ticket on a late train home from London was cheaper than standard. There must have been a fault in the system. Usually I’m in cattle class, often without even a seat.

Here in India, the first class tickets are not an awful lot more than standard, and they are all very cheap compared to the UK. We have a 15 hour train ride overnight to Mumbai later today and for two of us in first class it’s about £40! However, it’s not first class as we’d know it. It’s pretty basic. There are bunks with sheets and a blanket, the lower ones are seats in the day. We have air conditioning, a plug and a light – that’s about your lot. And as for the loo – I’m keeping my legs crossed, it’s a one hole job! The train does the job though and hopefully will get us to our destinations on time.