Just wanted to share the fun things I noticed while commuting around India last year—from riding a bus in Kolkata to hailing an autorickshaw involved in a commission racket in Hyderabad. Read on to know what to expect and how to prepare yourself for getting around India and the exciting madness that is India’s roads!
Throughout my three-week holiday visiting nine Indian states in total, I used almost all modes of land transport: Autorickshaws, private cars via Uber and Ola, metros, and buses. I missed pulled rickshaws and taxis (within the city). Needless to say, it was a fun and wild ride! Mostly thanks to the Indian drivers! 😅
I drive in Manila and have a pretty bad road rage that I’m working on, but man, Indian drivers are on a whole another level. From renting a cab from Udaipur to Jodhpur, to reading about a penalty for traveling on roof of train in Delhi, here are my observations.
Indian drivers in a nutshell
| Questions | Answers |
| Should I slow down when I see humps? | No |
| Should I gradually slow down when I see humps? | No |
| Should I stop honking after a couple of times of loudly expressing my frustrations to the vehicle in front that still has not let me pass? | No |
| Should I honk all the time even when not necessary? | Yes |
| Should I increase speed even if there are people in front of me/crossing? | Yes |
| Should I let people cross? | No |
| Do I treat people as people and not vehicles? | No |
| Should I still overtake even if the vehicle on the opposite lane is already inches in front of me? | Yes |
| Should I increase speed every time I get the chance even at already congested areas? | Yes |
| Basically, should I create my own lane and follow my own road rules? | Yes |
My I’m-not-really-afraid-of-death self genuinely loved it. It was heck of an adventure! But of course, not all drivers acted like the above… perhaps just most of them. 😁
Tips for first time travelers
Now that you know what going around and getting around in India is like, here are a few tips to help you prepare and manage your expectations.
Always have coins or small bills with you
While yes, it might be harder for you to negotiate a lower price with large notes, it is more about being considerate and not making it difficult for drivers in case they don’t have change.
Ask locals for the usual prices
From a restaurant owner in Udaipur to my Airbnb host in Delhi, knowing the local rates helped me negotiate better and not get ripped off. Do this especially when some drivers refuse to use the meter even when you demand it. The prices posted on the internet may not be updated, so ask away!
Use Uber or Ola
A better way to prevent the potential of paying more than you should is using ride-hailing apps. Honestly, both Uber and Ola made getting around in India a breeze for me. The costs are relatively the same, sometimes cheaper. Just make sure to pin the right location and be prepared to get a call from your driver—they almost always called me to ask about the ride/location even if I didn’t see the need to!
Get ready to encounter tour promotions
Yes, on my way from the airport in Amritsar to my hostel, the driver handed me a laminated board with tour options. Same thing happened during another Uber ride in Agra. Both drivers weren’t pushy though. I did try it in Agra and it was alright. If you’re not up for it, just be polite and say no. Otherwise, make sure to bargain and finalize the price and places you want to see before starting the trip. Of course, only pay at the end.
Beware of commission rackets
The two times I didn’t book autorickshaws via Ola, I picked drivers involved in some sort of a racket. Nothing harmless. One brought me to a jewelry store before dropping me off at the Charminar. The other one brought me to a house selling souvenirs in between Animal Aid Unlimited and Udaipur City Palace. The first one was polite, mentioning it to me beforehand. But the second one didn’t. He even turned grouchy after I declined his offers to tour me around the city and not buying anything from the house/store. 😑
Sit near the bus driver
If you’re up for an adventure, then definitely try riding the city buses. Fastest and wildest drivers! But be sure to grab a seat in front or near the door because it’s going to get packed. Otherwise, you might find yourself squeezing through people standing in the middle to get out.
Be discerning yet respectful
I think traveling solo made me prone to people offering me a ride. Experienced it twice while walking out of the Kumbhalgahr Fort near Udaipur, and going to the Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. I was too distrustful to say yes. But I believed both drivers did it as a gesture of goodwill. What to expect from traveling to India? Hospitable people who really treat a “guest as God.”
Go to the women’s section if you’re alone
Delhi metros are quite extensive and efficient. You can easily buy a ticket at the station, either from the counter or machines. But the best part? The trains have designated women sections like in Manila. While I didn’t particularly experience anything negative with respect to the opposite sex while in India, I welcomed the separate sections with open arms! Just because there were less crowds and the ambiance was better.
Culture shock in India? Not really. Coming from a third world country, I’m pretty familiar with a deficient transportation system, heavy traffic, highly congested roads, and strenuous commuting experience so I was only mildly shocked. After a day or two, I eventually got used to getting around India, the noise, and the way things are. To be noted though, India definitely has a better train network!
I hope you’ve found something useful! If you’re planning a trip in India, don’t forget to check out my other posts about my 2018 India holiday here:
- What to Do in Kolkata? A List of 7 Things (Itinerary)
- Top Tourist Places in Hyderabad: 6 Cultural Spots to Visit (Itinerary)
- 48 Hours in Mumbai: Exploring Colaba (Itinerary)
- Why is the Rice in Indian KFC Filled with Hot Spices? #cry (Personal, food-related story)
- Beware of This Hotel in Mumbai, India! (Personal)
