Answers galore - the train

I didn't realize so many people were reading this and asking questions too. Let me try answer everything here.

About the train first.

We are in a 2 berth coupe. 2 lower berths only, if that helps. The size is decent, but our Indian Railways 2nd AC is more spacious in terms of width of berth and the legroom between the two berths. 

My best estimate to describe this would be about the width of a 3AC or a regular sleeper berth. Legroom between the berths is a bit narrow. 

The berths are cushioned. Linens are included. We have been given 2 very comfortable pillows and a cozy duvet each. The bunks were covered with sheets with a cover over that.

Each compartment has 2 attendants, a provodnik (male) or provodnitsa (female). They're in charge of keeping the carriage clean, managing the temperature, cleaning the corridor and washrooms every few hours.

They also manage the samovar ensuring 24 hour supply of boiling water. Very essential for tea and instant meals. 

They monitor passenger safety and keep track of boarding passengers.

Our ticket on this leg includes meals. Which are brought to our coach. We can go to the dining car too, for which we pay there. 

Our Provodnitsa, Tatyana, or the train manager, Marianna, can't speak a word of English. Google translate is a blessing. If one has signal or data. 

The OH and I spoke to the catering liaison yesterday about our meals. We told him nyet masya. No meat. He brought us a dish of rice and vegetables and a cheese plate. 

The food is very bland, but I absolutely do appreciate the effort. 

Of course we have a suitcase full of thepla, instant poha, upma, noodles etc.

The compartment next to ours has showers we can use. Showers are apparently available only on some trains.

We're carrying teabags and milk powder. And steel double walled travel mugs. We just get water from the samovar for tea or soups. There's also a space with a sink and some dishsoap and scrub where we can wash our mugs as needed.

Supply of boiling water is unlimited, but plain/cold water has to be bought.

Hope this answers some questions.