India’s railway journeys can be exciting, affordable and full of unforgettable experiences, but they can also surprise first-time visitors. A Lithuanian tourist named Karisha has discovered both sides of Indian train travel after taking the Vande Bharat Express for the first time. While she praised the comfort of the air-conditioned coach and said her 10-hour journey was worth every penny, the rush of passengers at the railway station left her comparing the experience to The Hunger Games.
Karisha is exploring India with her friend Kristina after the two European women reportedly left their jobs to travel around the country for a month. Their experiences, shared on social media, have attracted attention from Indian viewers, particularly because they offer an outsider’s perspective on familiar parts of everyday life in India.
From crowded platforms to train toilets, Karisha has shared her honest observations about what surprised her most during the journey.
Lithuanian Tourist Compares Indian Railway Crowds to The Hunger Games
One of Karisha’s observations that caught people’s attention was her comparison between boarding an Indian train and the popular film series The Hunger Games.
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In a video shared online, she is seen at a railway platform where passengers are trying to board the train and find enough space for their luggage. The busy scene appeared to be a new experience for the tourist.
“Watching people trying to find space for their luggage felt like the Hunger Games. We struggled too,” she wrote in the video’s caption.
For regular Indian railway passengers, crowded platforms and the challenge of managing bags during boarding may be familiar experiences. However, visitors from countries with different public transport systems may find the rush difficult to navigate, especially when they are unfamiliar with the station layout or the coach positions.
Indian trains carry people travelling for work, education, family visits, holidays and festivals. During busy travel periods, passengers may arrive with suitcases, backpacks, food bags and other belongings.
For a tourist experiencing this environment for the first time, the scene can feel overwhelming. Karisha’s comparison captured that initial shock, even though it did not define her overall experience of the journey.
Karisha Says Her 10-Hour Vande Bharat Journey Was Worth Every Penny
Despite the crowd-related difficulties, Karisha had positive things to say about her first Vande Bharat Express journey.
After travelling for around 10 hours in an air-conditioned coach, she said the experience was worth the money she had spent on the ticket.
Her comments suggest that the comfort offered during the journey made a positive impression, even though getting on the train and managing luggage had been challenging.
Vande Bharat Express trains have become an important part of India’s efforts to improve passenger rail services. Their modern interiors, air-conditioned seating, onboard facilities and emphasis on passenger comfort have attracted considerable attention.
For tourists travelling long distances, comfort can make a significant difference. Spending several hours on a train is easier when passengers have a comfortable seat, a climate-controlled environment and access to basic facilities.
However, the experience can vary depending on the route, coach, ticket category, crowd levels and individual expectations. Karisha’s review reflects her personal experience rather than a guarantee that every passenger will have the same journey.
Why the Tourist Preferred an AC Train Coach
Karisha also compared the cost of travelling in an air-conditioned coach with that of a non-AC train.
She said the difference in ticket prices did not seem large enough to make her choose a non-AC option. According to her, a non-AC ticket might cost only around three euros less than an AC ticket.
She also said that Vande Bharat felt safer to her than non-AC trains.
Her comments have opened up a discussion about the choices passengers make when booking railway tickets. For many Indian travellers, affordability remains an important consideration. A lower ticket price can make a major difference for students, families and people travelling long distances.
Other passengers may prioritise air conditioning, a more comfortable environment or the facilities available in a particular coach.
It is important to remember that Karisha was sharing her personal impression of safety and comfort. Her experience does not establish that all non-AC trains are unsafe. Conditions can vary considerably between trains, routes and journeys.
Her comments nevertheless highlight how differently people can evaluate the same railway system depending on their budget, travel habits and expectations.