In the US, I used to be in a constant state of panic over my car. Do the tires need changed? How much longer can I go before an oil change? How often should I do a wheel alignment? What was that noise? Why does that light keep coming on?
So much so that when I suggested to my wife that we buy a car in India, she was adamant that we shouldn’t add something as stressful as owning a car to our already stressful life. However, I assured her that this would be different, and a few years later I still haven’t freaked out about anything related to the car.
Why?
Because there are so many options. In my home of the US, either you drive yourself to where you are going, or you don’t get there. No trains, no subways, no taxis, and no cheap flights. [Major cities with these things are the exception, not the rule.]
In India, there are so many options that I often take 10 minutes to figure out the best one.
I love the diversity of travel experiences in India, and I’ve been able to experience most of them. There is a lot of information on the internet, but it is either too basic, or not organized very well.
These articles include nearly everything you can learn about transportation in India by reading something online! (The rest is up to you doing it yourself!)
For each mode of travel, you can find:
- When it’s the best option
- How to get a ticket
- What are the Hazards you should be aware of
- The rules of the road, or etiquette surrounding each mode
How to Get Around Your City: Transportation in India
A guide to using autorickshaws, share autos, call taxis, metros, buses, and cycle rickshaws
How to Get to Another City: Transportation in India
Looking at planes, trains, buses, and a car and driver
Airport Fun
Fancy new airports seem to spring up about every month in India. While a lot of the new amenities are really nice, there are still a few things to…
Mark Twain on an Indian Train
Mark Twain's description of what it was like to ride an Indian train in the late 19th century.
Do you speak Air Horn?
The meaning behind many different Indian horn sounds including cars, trucks, and buses.
What To Do If You Are In A Car Accident in India
Editor's note: Dear Mom and Dad, the kids are ok. Everything I learned here happened a long time ago, so no need to…
Photo Credit: kholkute on Flickr