Navigating Transport and Coping with Travel Challenges in India

Traveling around India has got to be one of the greatest experiences of the journey in this huge subcontinent.

Journeys from one destination to another can be long and hot with significant time periods between toilet/refreshment stops. But these stops tend to be at interesting locations far from the main centres and they are a good opportunity to take in the countryside, sit by a river or chat to local people.

Traffic in the main towns and cities is still considered to be amongst the worst in the world. Sitting through traffic is one of the least pleasant things we have to do when on tour. And some cities have it so much worse than others. If you’re stuck in a traffic jam in Mumbai, Bengaluru or Delhi, you’re on one of the world’s Top 10 most-choked roads, according to the latest TomTom traffic index report.

We found that the suburban trains, for example in Mumbai are a great alternative and here are some tips:

If you’re female, get in the ladies carriage as it is less crowded and more relaxed. (Men can’t ride in these carriages so if you do happen to find yourself in a ladies only carriage move at the next stop)
Don’t travel during rush hour
Consider buying a first class ticket
Don’t attempt to get on or off the train while it’s still moving
Never hang out of the door. If you’re near the door way – hold on tight to a pole!
If it’s too busy/crowded for you then get off at the next station and take a cab instead.

Tuktuks, Auto’s or 3-wheelers roam the cities however we have used these sparingly. They don’t feel as safe as a car in the heavy traffic. We prefer to call up Ola for a taxi back to our hotel particularly after a night out at a restaurant. Download the app here. Fortunately the drivers take cash.

When leaving the city to go on tour we mainly travelled by air-conditioned mini bus and this form of transport never fails to provide insights into the daily lives of people. I love to gaze out the window as we slowly jostle along, sometimes on long journeys from one place to another. There is so much life to see.

However, my favourite way to see India is by train. There is nothing quite like it.

As a note to self, for next time… these are the trains I want to someday travel on.

For self organised travel see multimodal travel here

Of course, India is a huge continent so we also used air travel to cover some of the longer stretches. Our trip included the following domestic flights:-