Lithuanian traveller tries Vande Bharat Express in India, says it was worth every penny but compares luggage rush to the Hunger Games and raises concerns over safety and cleanliness

India's everyday travel experiences can look different through the eyes of a visitor. Lithuanian traveller Karisha, who is exploring the country with her friend Kristina, recently shared her first experience aboard the Vande Bharat Express, praising its comfort and safety while pointing out a few drawbacks.

The two friends are travelling across India and sharing glimpses of their journey on social media. In her videos, Karisha documented her experience travelling in an air-conditioned coach, offering an outsider's perspective

Karisha Compares Crowded Railway Platform To The Hunger Games

In one of her videos, Karisha showed the rush on a busy railway platform as passengers tried to board the train and find space for their luggage. Comparing the scene to The Hunger Games, she wrote in the caption, “It was hunger games for luggage space…., but it was worth it.”

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Despite the initial rush, she was pleased with the overall journey. Reflecting on her 10-hour trip in the first AC coach of the Vande Bharat Express, she said, "After spending 10 hours travelling in the first AC coach of the Vande Bharat Express, I can say it was worth every penny."

Traveller Says Vande Bharat Felt Safer Than Non-AC Trains

In another video, Karisha compared AC and non-AC train travel, noting that the difference in ticket prices was relatively small. She explained why she would prefer an air-conditioned coach, saying, "A ticket for a non-AC train might be just a few euros cheaper than an AC coach. But if I had a choice, I would never travel on a non-AC train. Vande Bharat felt much safer."

Karisha Praises Clean Bathroom But Points Out The Smell

Karisha also shared her observations about the train's facilities. While she appreciated the cleanliness of the bathroom, she was less impressed by the smell.

"The bathroom was very clean, but it still smelled bad."

She also jokingly pointed out that the washbasin beneath the mirror appeared larger than the toilet seat.

Lithuanian Friends Explore Delhi, Agra And Kashmir

According to Kristina's Instagram profile, the two friends arrived in India on October 16 and began their trip in New Delhi. They explored the capital using local transport, including an autorickshaw and the metro, before travelling to Agra and then heading towards Jammu and Kashmir.

Their travel plans reportedly include Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Kashmir, with Kerala being considered as a possible destination. Karisha's profile suggests that the friends intend to spend around a month exploring the country.

According to their social media posts, both women have left their jobs to embark on an extended journey across India.

Social Media Users React To Her Vande Bharat Experience

Karisha's observations also prompted reactions from social media users, with some pointing to the challenges passengers face while travelling by train in India.

One user wrote: "Even this train has started getting crowded."

Another commented: "The worst thing about Indian Railways is the difficulty of booking tickets."

[With TOI inputs]

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