How To Travel In India

Have you ever wondered how to travel in India? Traveling in India can be a mix of confusion and frustration but the resources to get around are plentiful. Be sure to be mentally ready for haggling and drivers who try to scam you. This is a way of life in India, and part of their "survival of the fittest" culture that you shouldn't take personally, as a tourist. Read below for tips and tricks to traveling India.

1. Rickshaw - Rickshaws are bicycle operated carriages. Pay no more than 30 rupees for a rickshaw ride. Make sure you negotiate the price before hopping on. If the driver tries to charge you 60 to 100 rupees, just give him the agreed upon amount and walk away.
2. Auto Rickshaw - Similar to the rickshaw, the auto rickshaw, also called a tuk-tuk, is the motorized version of the rickshaw. With a motorcycle attached to the front of the three wheeled carriage, this mode of transportation can also double as a mini-bus or clown car as ten, sometimes eleven people fit into this small ride. Normally ten rupees per person, the auto rickshaw should also be negotiated before hopping on.
3. Taxi - There are pre-paid taxis and taxis on the meter. It is best to find a pre-paid taxi as the taxi drivers will try to scam you by taking long-winded routes to make you pay for more time. A simple five minute destination could double with taxi cabs trying to scam you. Agreeing upon a price beforehand makes your travel cheaper and smoother.
4. Bus - Buses aren't normally ridden by tourists but there are also bus terminals that can take you around to travel different parts of India. Just check the destinations and schedule.
5. Train - Taking the train is the ultimate India travel experience. Train classes come in first, second, or third coach and lower. First or second is the best bet for a foreigners' comfort and safety. Trains are divided into gendered sections of women and men.

Be careful of taxi drivers or auto rickshaws taking you to places you never requested. They get paid on commission to take you to certain points. This can be bothersome for the time squeezed traveler or simply anyone who is not interested. Tell them firmly to keep on going, or split the deal in half with you if you don't mind the side detour.