This station lies on Lucknow - Pratapgarh - Varanasi line and most trains including VB stop here. It is the junction point from where tracks for PRYJ/ALD and BSB diverge. There are 2 food stalls at the station [though nothing much was available when I visited], FOB [though not sloping one, some stations in LKO-RBL stretch have both normal and sloping FOB] and RPF.

The bus stand is ~1km and main LKO-PRYJ/ALD road is ~3km away. Transportation for there is readily available in form of e rickshaws usually. Some fooding options around...
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the station but as usual, nothing very high quality.

Bilimora is a Modern Indian Station with very good amenities and great maintenance. The heritage railway line begining from this station just amplifies the amazing experience.

I had been to Bilimora Jn in Feb 2024 and listing down some tips based on my experience:

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Platforms: Bilimora is a junction which serves both broad and narrow gauge trains. The broad gauge trains use Platforms 1, 2 and 3 while the narrow gauge trains use Platfrom 4 on the east side. Platform no 1 is the main platform that has all the important amenities and is directly connected to the road. There are two bridges with a third one under construction. If you want to go to the narrow gauge platform (PF4), you have to take the first bridge towards Surat and while getting down, you have to climb down a long ramp that takes you to the road and then walk back in Virar direction to get to PF 4. There are no escalators on bridges at Bilimora Jn currently.

2. Amenities:
A. Waiting Rooms: Sleeper Class waiting room and a separate ladies only waiting room are available on PF 1 near the main exit. The Sleeper class waiting room was very maintained with the toilets and bathroom in satisfactory condition.

B. Toilets: Toilets are available at two points: one on platform no 1 towards Surat end and the other on Platform no 4. Both these toilets were clean. You may also use the toilets at waiting rooms if you have a valid ticket.

C. Luggage and Parcel Office: Luggage and Parcel office is available on PF1 next to the waiting rooms.

D. Parking: Car and Bike Parking spaces are available at the Platform no 1 side which seemed to be free as there was no board regarding the fare. A private parking lot named Somnath Parking with CCTV surveillance is available on Platform no 4 side.

E. Ticket Counters: A reservation office along with UTS counter is available on PF 1 side while another UTS counter (only unreserved tickets) is available on PF 4 side.

F. Benches: Ample benches are provided on all the BG platforms

3. Transportation: The Bilimora bus stand is located 100 mts away from the railway station on the Pf 4 side. The timetable as of Feb 2024 has been attached below. Autorickshaws to nearby places were available from PF 1 as well as PF 4 side.

4. Food: The famous Nandi restaurant is located next to the railway station and is famous for pattice. You may also try the famous Khaman and Fafda from Jay Jalaram Khaman House which is located 400 mts from the station on Pf 1 side. I had tried both and it was worth the hype. There is a market near the railway station on the Platform 1 side. A multipurpose stall is available on Platform no 1 but was closed in the evening.

5. Lodging: There is no retiring room facility at Bilimora and the waiting rooms and the benches are the only means to rest.

6. Cleanliness: It is a very clean station just like many other stations of Gujarat. The cleanliness activity goes through the entire day and you wouldn't have any complaints. I was very impressed with the cleanliness of this station

7. Safety: The RPF inspectors are regularly on rounds at this station which also has an RPF thana on pf1. It is a very safe station.

8. Sightseeing: The Bilimora Waghai Narrow Gauge Heritage route is the main attraction which is 60 kms of pure narrow gauge experience through tiny scenic villages. Saputara is a famous hill station about 110 kms away and frequent buses are available from the bus stand.

9. Railfanning: This is a great station for railfanning with some amazing high speed actions. You would also witness multiple trains getting overtaken at Bilimora Jn. The narrow gauge route begining from this station adds to the wonderful experience.

Have a safe journey.

Vivek

Udupi is an important tourist spot in the Coastal Karnataka Circuit and the Udupi Railway Station is a nice little railway station on the Konkan Railway section. Listing down some tips based on my experience:

1. The Station Premises:
This station is located at an elevated level and hence you must walk up to reach the station. One elevator and a ramp...
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is available for the convenience.

2. Waiting Rooms:
Both Ladies only waiting room as well as general waiting room is available on Platform no 1 near the 10th coach position from MAO end.

3. Lodging:
A. Namah Dormitory: Namah Dormitory is available on the first floor. Contact Details provided in the attached image.
B. Private Lodging: Shri Jayadurga Boarding and Lodging is a hotel that is located at one hundred mts from the station. Cannot comment on the service as I have not availed it yet. Contact Details provided in the attached image.
C. Airbnb: Some great AIR BNB Apartments are available at the centre of the city.

4. Platforms:
Udupi has two platforms with the Platform no 1 being the primary platform where most of the amenities are located.

5. Cloak Room and Luggage Parcel Office:
A Cloak Room is available to keep your luggage safely on PF 1 near the 8th Coach Position from Madgaon end. Make sure your luggage is locked properly with lock (taala), otherwise they will not accept it. The Parcel Office is adjacent to the Cloak Room.

6. Food:
I have noted that exceptionally good South Indian snacks are available on Platform no 1 but did not get a chance to try it out and hence cannot comment.

7. Important Attractions to cover:
Udupi is a very serene place and highly under-rated. There is extremely high potential in Udupi to be better than Goa. Listing down some must visit places of attractions of Udupi:

A. Bengre Delta Point:
This is the confluence of two rivers with the Arabian Sea: Sita and Swarna
B. The Amazing Bridges:
Three bridges in the Moodukudru Area (all called Moodukudru Bridge) provides magnificent views of the backwaters. Kemmannu Hanging Bridge is a wonderful man-made creation but temporarily closed in Jan 2024. Kemthur Hanging Bridge is a wonderful, offbeat location which is very less frequented but a hidden gem.
C. Malpe Beach:
A very crowded beach like the Juhu Beach in Mumbai but it is a very well maintained and clean beach. You can visit the St Mary's Island from the boats available at this beach which charge four hundred Rs Per Person for a 1.5-hour circuit. Ferry to St Mary's Island is also available near the Malpe Sea Walk that charge three hundred Rs Per Person
D. Malpe Sea Walk:
A nice promenade created going inside the sea.
E. Shri Krishna Math:
A prominent temple of Shri Krishna right in the centre of the city. Prasadam Timings: 11.30 am to 3 pm and 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm.
F. The Must Visit Food Joints:
MTR Restaurant, Mitra Samaj, Diona Hotel for Gadbad Ice Cream and Thimmappa Fish Restaurant for Sea Food

Have a safe trip.
Vivek