Have you thought about flying? That is what I intend to do.
I don't know which sites you have looked up but SteveM has recommended some here
Glad you like the forum- we do have some great members!
By the way- I added to your title so that it catches the eye of members.

Just found another thread here which should help!

Hi Pinup this time last year we were in the same position as you we had been to goa 5 times but allways flown into goa on a two week holiday flight . what we wanted to do was fly into mumbai and get the train down to goa with lots of info from this site we managed it .

we checked out the internet for hotels in mumbai and chose one near the train station so we could book in for two nights get settled have a nights sleep get up the following day and walk to the train station to get the tickets have a look around return to the hotel have an evening meal etc.. and set off back to the train station the following morning refreshed tickets in hand all prepared . we booked 2nd class which is an air conditioned sleeper you get a nice clean pillow sheet and blanket £15 each tell you more about the train later .

we booked the hotel on the net , when we landed in mumbai we were advised to get a taxi from inside the airport otherwise you get ripped off we found the hotel but they didnt have our booking , it was ok because they had rooms so we checked in for two nights as planned , by the way the hotel looked nothing like on the net just ask for the best rooms which are still cheap £15 a night for two people for a delux room by our standards the room was just ok with bathroom.

we went to the station the following morning and travel agents try to pounce on you telling you all sorts of things to get you to book through them but ignore them and go upstairs to window 52 that deals with tourist tickets you need your passport and if your paying in rupees you need the receipt from changing your money they also accept english money .

the next morning we got a taxi from the hotel because we had a lot of luggage and when we arrived at the station employees came to help us with our bags etc.. in our case we had decided before hand to accept this because we had heavy cases and also wanted to make sure we got on the right train , and they do load your bags right into your carriage the lad that carried our bags wanted 200 rupees but took 50 we had chosen to travel during the day because i dont like cockroaches which i allways think come out at night .

the train times are 7.00am in the morning
or 7.00pm in the evening .

its a twelve hour journey

the name of the train station is chhatrapati shivaji terminus formerly known as victoria terminus both names are still used

its no smoking on the train or the platforms but you can smoke standing near the door

we chose to take our time and do things comfortably it cost us very little but if you choose to rough it , if your a bit younger than us and dont need the comfort you can do without the hotel maybe and travel cattle class by train much cheaper

our actual train journey was thoroughly enjoyable as soon as our bags were loaded and we had sat down we were offered tea or coffee for 3 or 4 rupees and the lads carrying the tea and coffee urns walked up and down every 15mins shouting chi chi nescafe then our breakfast order was taken we had a choice of omelette or dosa for a small charge we were constantly offered drinks snacks chocolate papers magazines then lunch order was taken veg or meat curry you had to pay for everything but it was local indian prices very cheap .
we got on and off at some of the stations to have a look round .
the views from the train were wonderful.
after about 11 hours we finally gave in and had a nap but the guards on the train kept an eye on us and made sure we did'nt miss our station they checked where we were getting off and arranged help off with our luggage to the taxi for another 50 rupees.

it was a great experience and we will probably do it again this year because our daughter is coming with us and it will be a new experience for her

anita

Anita
thanks for a very informative post!

Flying's a bit too expensive. I'm Asian and so don't exchange with the pounds. However, did not expect the train journey to be 12 hours, as opposed to the hour's flight. Damn, have to reconsider seriously. Figured it was a 4-6 hr journey. Train journeys can be fun I guess, but I rather spend the time on the beach, with a pina colada

Wow anita, that was great. I expected links to websites, which for some reason just excapes my understanding. So you think its ok to book on the spot? Is there a way of booking in advance from back home? I am pretty gung-ho but seeing as how Im alone, I rather be completely prepared.

Try spice jet @ http://www.spicejet.com/# , flights are about 1400 Rs one way which is a bargain 8).

I think you can book from home via web sites but like you we could'nt understand them thats one of the reasons we booked in mumbai anita

Hope This Helps
go to http://www.indiarail.co.uk send them an email stating times and dates needed to go to goa and theyll send a reply along with an application form which you just download fill in and send back
one week later you get your tickets no probs
just got ours last week cost 1st class ac £70 return 2nd ac £36 both return we leave on the night train from cst to thivim(for calungute baga ect ) 2300 arrive 0946 train number is 0111 and return is 0112 at 18.48 both trains run 7days a week any more info needed just ask
sharonuk
p.s hope whats happened yesterday hasnt put you off

The trains are great fun, but if you're going to be paying £70 return (is that each?) then I would definately reccomend a flight down.. You can get return flights for £70 (per person), When I travel to mumbai on the train I go second class non AC (AC is not usually required - at least while the train is moving as there's always a lovely breeze through the window). I pay 297 Rs/- (£3.50 One way) although these aren't bookable on the net. If you are worried about booking it when you get there (as trains can be busy) then to help as for a TATCAR? ticket (I think I spelt that correctly) You pay a little prmium maybe an extra couple of pounds but you have a much better chance of getting a seat.

I Agree with you the price is a little steep we paid £35 return 2nd class ac
the non ac is £28 but the reason we booked it this way is we now have our train tickets. They dont send tickets out of india and knowing how busy the trains get i didnt want to be put on a waiting list and with fingers crossed waiting to see if your on or not Myself personaly would of gone by plane but hubbys idea so i just have to go with it
he wants to see the scenery yet we leave at 2300 hopefully when it does get light we will see some great sights Can you tell me about the food and drinks on the train does it have a compartment where you can sit and have something to eat drink
Also since our booking ive found a train jan-shatabdi from dadra to thivim in 8hours just my look
thanks
sharonuk

Don't know about the train you mentioned... I'd be suprised if it got there in 8 hours... The food is good, in the lower classes the food and drink sellers just walk up and down the coach selling their wares which includes bottle drinks, chai, nescafe, dry foods like buscuits, nuts etc, and hot or supposidely hot fors like bread rolls with cheese (Yuk!), veg cutlet etc. My favourites are the veg birinai etc. The train also has a canteen where you can order food, sometimes they come round and ask others they don't - It's a good reason to have a walk up and down the train to see how the other half lives.. (2nd Class 3 tier is great, not sure if I'd try the cheaper carrigiages though with the woodern seats...

i do really love to mix with the locals so very freindly
last yr was the second time there and the welcome we got was so heart warming Never in my whole life have i felt so welcome in another country

hi arl hope this info helps anita

Great Info, Anita you have answered my questions, Much rather pay £15 than £70 so may just book when we get there. Was the £15 each way (return) but maybe fly from goa to mumbai on return? would mean more time in GOa? I'll think some more

hi arl £15 was one way second class A/C sleeper we got a flight back to mumbai with kingfisher for £33 each anita

hi rhea theres lots of info here we are doing the train journey again this year really looking forward to it anita

Fantastic info here, cannot wait to do this train journey. Maybe do it on the way back too!! Thank a bunch Anita the info is great. Feel much better and confident about doing this as before was a bit apprehensive. Roll on November 11th