Monsoon is a time of the year that comes with its pleasures and problems. The sweet smell of wet soil, the cloudy sky, and the pitter-patter of raindrops are some things that come to mind when we think of the season.

Travel during the monsoon requires a lot of preparation to ensure the journey does not dampen your spirits and your clothes. There are many challenges and hurdles you may face on your journey that many may not have even thought of.

The more obvious of these can range from slippery platforms to delayed trains. And there are plenty more things to consider upon embarking on the journey. While we may not have much control over the weather, in it is well within our ability to be well-prepared and make the most of the situation.

Here are some tips for train travel during the monsoon in India.

Hygenic Hydration

Ensuring to drink plenty of water and fluids during a train journey is essential to ensure that you do not suffer dehydration and other related health issues. And it is equally important to ensure that the water you consume is safe and contamination-free.

As the quality of the water available on the trains can easily be affected by the monsoon rains, you would be well advised to rely on water from reliable sources such as bottled water. Drinking tap water and water from unknown sources may pose serious risks and therefore should be avoided. 

Besides drinking water, it would also be a good idea to carry other kinds of beverages such as juices and herbal teas. These are useful for relishing your body's electrolytes besides providing basic hydration. These sorts of fluids are also more likely to be safe from any kind of contamination.

Opt for Dark Attire

Wearing dark-coloured clothes during monsoons in India is a smart and practical fashion choice. The muddy streets and railway platforms due to the rains can result in unsightly stains on your clothes. These stains can be easily camouflaged and made less obvious on dark-coloured clothes.

Moreover, dark-coloured clothes also provide the additional benefit of drying faster. The humid and damp weather of the season can cause clothes to take much longer time to dry. But the heat from the sun is absorbed by dark-coloured clothes more quickly.

 If you are in an AC compartment on the train the ACs can help absorb the moisture from damp clothes. However, sitting near the window during the day can help speed up the process as you will be exposed to sunlight while also being shielded from rainwater by the window if it is still raining.

Avoid Chopped Fruits From Vendors

There is a high risk of food bourne ailments by eating cut fruits sold by vendors at the stations and those who come on board the trains. The fruits themselves may have already been contaminated by the rainwater, and they would likely have been cut with knives that have also come into contact with the contaminated rainwater.

Even tap water at the stations and on the trains is easily prone to be contaminated by rainwater. So fruits washed using this water also pose an additional risk of infecting people with waterborne diseases.

To minimize the risk of such ailments, it is best to bring along whole fruits that can be peeled. Furthermore, these fruits should be washed thoroughly with safe, drinkable water before consumption. This is a far safer option than buying cut fruits from vendors either inside the train or at station platforms.

Carry Insect Repellent

Carrying bug repellent is a very wise precaution for train journeys in India especially during the monsoon. The season usually sees a significant rise in the insect population including mosquitoes. This results in a higher risk of contracting diseases such as malaria, and dengue.

Trains can be very conducive to the breeding and infestation of mosquitoes, especially in those sections with open doors or windows. Moreover, when we turn in for the night during overnight and long train journeys, we may come into contact with bedbugs in the bedsheets and blankets. 

Keeping insect repellent handy enables you to protect yourself from mosquito bites thereby reducing the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. You will also be able to stay safe from bed bugs and are thereby assured a good night’s sleep.

Carry Ziplock Bags

The heavy rainfall during the monsoons can often result in damp conditions inside the drain and even water seeping in. Carrying ziplock bags with you when you travel can be a good solution to this. These bags are waterproof and can provide an additional layer of protection.

Besides protection from moisture, ziplock bags also allow you to sort out and arrange your belongings more efficiently. They also allow you to store any wet clothes and keep them separate from the rest of your luggage.

And zip locks also come in handy for keeping other items dry and protected from moisture or even any leakages or spills. This makes them very handy for storing and protecting electronic items such as chargers, or power banks.

Avoid Buying Food At Stations

Avoid buying food sold by vendors at the railway station as there is an increased risk of foodborne ailments during the monsoons. The increased moisture and humidity lead to conditions that are very conducive to the growth and spread of harmful bacteria.

Moreover, there is no oversight or regulations governing the storage and handling practices of food vendors at the station. This itself makes consuming food sold by such vendors risky in general and more so during rainy weather. Food also tends to so stale faster during the monsoons and the lack of regulated food storage practices of station vendors increases the risk.

Additionally, delays and disruptions in transportation are common in periods of heavy rainfall which can lead to inadequate storage or handling by food vendors. This can further add to the risk of spoilage and contamination of food.

It is very extremely vital to prioritize food safety and hygiene while travelling in the monsoon. Probably, the best way to do this is to opt for measures such as packing home-cooked food. Alternatively, you can also use food service apps to order food from reliable sources while you are on the train.

Conclusion

Ensuring that you are adequately prepared will assure you a most rewarding travel experience during the monsoon. Checking on the weather, verifying the train status, wearing appropriate clothing, packing rain gear, wearing appropriate clothing, and staying hydrated are some of the essential steps to remember.

While monsoon travel certainly throws up a lot of challenges, it can also be a most rewarding experience. The monsoon season in India offers its charm, from flowing rivers to lush greenery. And by following the tips we have covered, you can ensure that you enjoy the best of it all!