Tales From The Road: Getting Around in India - Inner City Transport

March 15th, 2007 by The Backpackers Team

Guest post by Dominik von Werdt

Indian transport - Photo by Guy-Claude Portmann

There are many way to make your way around India’s busy cities.

The most evident would probably be the black-and-yellow auto rickshaw taxis – they’re cheap, and you’ll definitely never ever have trouble to find one, since they’re everywhere – thousands of them.

It’s a lot of fun to cruise around in these pollution-exhausting three-wheeled vehicles, at least if you’re after an adventure. For those who are looking for a bit more security, though, there are also proper taxi cabs in most places.

Another option is local buses, which will take you almost every place within a city that’s of interest to a traveler.

While rickshaws are cheap, local buses are dirt-cheap, though not quite as much fun. A forty minute bus ride can cost as little as seven rupees – plus, it’s a good way to get into touch with locals.

Indian transport - Photo by Karen Rennie

My favorite way of getting around, however, is on foot. It can take a lot more time (which backpackers usually have plenty of anyway), but you see so much more if you don’t rush through main streets and instead try finding your way through narrow alleys.

That way, you’re sure to find plenty of things that aren’t in any guidebook – and the good thing is, should you ever get lost, there’s always a rickshaw around the corner that will bring you home.

Related entries:
‘Tales From The Road: Mumbai Madness’
‘Tales From The Road: Planning A Trip To India’

Useful related resources for backpackers:
Lonely Planet Transport Guide – a travellers’ guide to transport into and around India
IndiaMike – online community for India travelers, and your resource for researching and discussing travel in India with others just like you
Hostels in India – find and book cheap hostels at special discounted online rates.
Cheap travel insurance for backpackers – get a free insurance quote and make sure you’re covered.

(Photos by Guy-Claude Portmann and Karen Rennie)

Posted in Destinations, From The Road, Transport, Travel Tips & Planning