A seven-hour train ride in India turned into an unforgettable cultural experience for two Canadian travellers — one they say they “wouldn’t change a thing” about, despite losing an entire night’s sleep.
Kim Greenwood, a Canadian tourist exploring India, recently shared a now-viral Instagram post detailing her unexpected journey aboard a sleeper-class train from Jalgaon Junction to Chandrapura. What was meant to be a restful early-morning trip quickly became a lively social gathering after she mistakenly booked tickets in the sleeper class, assuming it would guarantee more sleep.
“One of us — me — booked an early train in a sleeping car class thinking we would get more rest,” Greenwood wrote. “Seemed logical. However, one should read more about the multiple ticket classes available on the trains in India.”
She soon realized that in India’s sleeper class, a reserved berth does not necessarily mean solitude. Instead, the environment is far more communal and dynamic — something that caught the duo by surprise but ultimately left a lasting impression.
From Sleeper Berth to Community Hub
In a video shared online, Greenwood’s travel companion can be seen attempting to rest on the middle berth while a group of curious children gather around, fascinated by the foreign visitors. Rather than feeling irritated or retreating into privacy, the Canadians embraced the interaction.
Soon, the quiet cabin transformed into what Greenwood described as a “makeshift community square.” The children began chatting and playing games with the travellers, and conversations flowed freely among passengers from different families.
“I was so impressed, amazed and filled with all the great feelings one can have while watching a community work together and coexist as one large family unit,” she wrote.
Passengers didn’t just stop at friendly conversation. Some offered homemade food through train windows during station stops, while others shared snacks purchased from vendors moving through the train. Greenwood noted that although the children were excited by the novelty of meeting Canadian tourists, what truly stood out was the sense of unity and cooperation among local families.
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A Sleepless but Meaningful Journey
Despite not getting a minute of sleep during the seven-hour ride, Greenwood described the experience as deeply meaningful. “A 7 hour sleepless train ride, but wouldn’t change a thing,” she concluded.
Her post has since garnered more than 615,000 views, resonating with social media users who applauded the travellers for their open-minded attitude. Many commenters shared nostalgic memories of their own train journeys growing up in India, emphasizing how train travel often creates shared stories and unexpected friendships.
One user commented, “There is a reason people have more stories from train journeys than flights or buses. Everyone becomes one big family.” Another praised the couple’s adaptability, writing, “Most people would get annoyed about losing sleep. Kudos to your traveller mindset.”
The Magic of Indian Train Travel
India’s railway network, one of the largest in the world, is often described as more than just a mode of transport — it is a cultural experience in itself. Sleeper class, in particular, offers an unfiltered glimpse into everyday life, where passengers from diverse backgrounds share space, stories, laughter, and meals.
For Greenwood and her companion, what began as a booking oversight became one of the most memorable parts of their journey through India. Their story serves as a reminder that sometimes the best travel memories are born from unexpected detours — and that embracing local culture can turn even a sleepless night into a treasured experience.
