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This is the way most of the Indian population travels long-distance, and the majority of cars on a long-distance train will be sleeper class. Sleeper class consists of open plan berths with upper, middle and lower bunks arranged in bays of six on one side of the aisle, and along the coach wall in bays of two (upper and lower) on the other side of the aisle. Bedding is not provided, so bring a sleeping bag. Sleeper class is found on almost all long-distance trains except for the premier 'Rajdhani Express' services. Sleeper class can be quite crowded (although in theory all berths must be reserved, so it can't get overcrowded), and it's fairly grubby and basic. On the other hand, you get a better view of the countryside then in AC coaches, where the windows are sealed, tinted, and sometimes dirty. In summer, there are fans on the ceiling and a breeze from the windows. In winter, wrap up warm at night and take a sleeping bag and fleece, as it can get cold. Sleeper class is used by the more adventurous backpackers, who are prepared to take the rough with the smooth..,

Sleeper Class ( SL ) The Sleeper Class constitutes the bulk of a typical express train. About a dozen of the sleeper coaches are attached to important long distance trains,

You need to reserve a seat in advance to travel by the Sleeper Class. Details on how to reserve your seat/berth is explained in the in Advance Reservation,

Each Sleeper Class coaches contain 72 seats and berths. Reservation for seats and berths are done together by default. In other words, you don’t have to book seats are berths separately,

Sleeper coach contains rows of semiprivate bays of berths. Each bay contains 6 berths (6 seats). That is two rows of 3 seats each facing each other - a side seat, a middle seat and a window seat. Window view from Second Class Sleeper coaches Window view from Second Class Sleeper coaches The upper berth is reserved for the side seat passenger; lower berth belongs to the window seat and the middle seat for the middle berth. The lower berth actually acts as a row of 3 seats for the day time. The middle berth is kept folded during the day and the upper berth is undisturbed during the day. That means the upper berth can be used by the passenger even during the daytime,

So decide your preference first and opt for the choice when you reserve the berth. Consider a few more points in deciding the berth. During the night , the upper berths are relatively more private. Also the noise is much less on upper berths compared to the lower berth, especially when your berth comes just above the wheels. The next advantage of the upper berth is that you can take a nap whenever you feel like, especially during the day time. The plus side of the lower berth is that it comes with the window seat. So during the day time the window seat is more secluded and obviously a first choice to enjoy the outside views,

Apart from the above sets of 6-berth bays, there are rows of single seats with berths on the other side of the aisle. These seats are paired -2 single seats facing each other . The only shortfall of these seats are the shorter length of its berths. If you are very tall, it is a bit difficult to sleep straight on these side berths. Opt for Side Upper (SU) are Side Lower (SL) berths, if you prefer these seats,

When you reserve a seat mark your berth preference - Lower, Middle or Upper. If your choice is available, it will be allocated otherwise it will automatically select the next berth available. When you reserve over the reservation counter you can as for your second choice of berth however,

Side seat ( a.k.a bay seats) in Second Class Sleeper coaches Side seat ( a.k.a bay seats) in Second Class Sleeper coaches Inside the train you can request your co passengers for a possible exchange of the berths. You can see the younger passengers exchange their lower berths with senior passengers with upper berths allocated,

The coaches are fan cooled. No bedrolls are supplied. Carry a set of bed sheets and a pillow ( air pillow). Two toilets each are attached at the either ends of the coach , just next to the doors. One of the four is usually of the western style and the rest are of Indian (squat) type . Water taps are provided inside the toilet. Bring your own toilet paper roll,

The sleeper coaches are marked as S1, S2 , S3 -.etc. Your coach number is marked accordingly in the ticket. When you arrive at a station, enquire with the station staff for the position of the coach. That way you can avoid the last minute hurry when the train arrives. Your name appears in the chart stuck next to the entrance of your coach.