Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu to Mumbai, Maharashtra from $9: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• On your train journey from Tirunelveli to Mumbai, you will find catering services provided by major operators like Indian Railways. Most trains on this route offer pantry car services, allowing you to purchase meals, snacks, and beverages on board. If you prefer pre-ordered meals, check to see if your train has an e-catering option through services like IRCTC, where you can select meals from local restaurants to be delivered to your seat.

• The major operators on the Tirunelveli to Mumbai route include Indian Railways (IRCTC), with various classes of seating available. You will typically find options such as Sleeper Class, 3rd AC, 2nd AC, and First Class AC. For a more comfortable journey, opt for 2nd AC or First Class AC, which provide air conditioning, better privacy, and enhanced onboard services compared to Sleeper Class. You can check train schedules and book tickets through IRCTC's official website.

• Upon arriving at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), it's advisable to familiarize yourself with the layout of the station. There are designated areas to leave luggage at the station, and you can find restrooms available for use. Showers may not be readily available, so plan accordingly. To get to the city center efficiently, you can use the Mumbai local train services or take a taxi. The closest local train station is CST itself, which connects you directly to various parts of Mumbai. The fastest way to the city center is via the local train service towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) or Colaba; you can check local transport schedules here.

• Consider booking your bus with popular operators like VRL Travels, SRS Travels, or KPN Travels as they provide comfortable sleeper buses and have good customer reviews; you can check their websites for schedules and booking options: VRL Travels, SRS Travels, KPN Travels.

• To stay comfortable on your almost 26-hour journey, pack snacks like local delicacies from Tirunelveli, such as halwa or banana chips, and don't forget to bring a refillable water bottle and travel pillow for added comfort.

• Upon arrival at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), expect a bustling atmosphere; familiarize yourself with the station layout through this map to easily locate exits, waiting areas, and refreshment stalls, as navigating the crowd can be overwhelming.