Skip to main content

Traveling in India – what means of transport are available?

sikkim.ch | Nordostinidien und Sikkim Reisen - Bild zu Traveling in India - what means of transport are available? sikkim.ch | Nordostinidien und Sikkim Reisen - Bild zu Traveling in India - what means of transport are available?

In India, getting around is always and everywhere a big issue. Here is a list of how you can get around in India. 

animal transportation

Dusty roads can be found everywhere in India. The destination wouldn’t be that far away, but the next bus doesn’t leave for another hour. So the farmer with the nice turban and the cow comes just in time. A real experience. On the steep path up to Fort Amber, on the other hand, you sit comfortably on a padded bench weighing 3 tons. A camel safari, for example in the Thar desert, has the advantage of adventure, uniqueness and relaxation.

sikkim.ch | Nordostinidien und Sikkim Reisen - Bild zu Traveling in India - what means of transport are available?

pure nostalgia – train ride

65,000 km of tracks run through the country. It is certainly cheap, but you should reserve seats in advance. The Mountain Railways of India has held the award since 1999 and travels to the various regions and what’s more all the trains were built during the British colonial era.

3. Kettuvalam – The sewn boat.

There are many types of boats in India, which is no wonder with 900 km of waterways. “Stitched boat” because the planks used to be tied together with coconut fiber ropes and sealed with cashew oil, without nails or composite materials. Back then, tours and building materials were still transported through the Kettuvalam. Today, every boat is fitted with nails, but the ride is still romantic.

4. Ambassador-Taxi 

Built 4 million times and frequently used as a cab, the Abby chugs through India like the Beetle once did through Germany. In many cases, the cabs are equipped with very old-fashioned taximeters, so there is no need for tiresome negotiations with the driver. Nevertheless, it is to be hoped that the driver knows the destination.

5. Trishaw

Moped cab, motorized cab, trike cab or tuk-tuk. Almost always a great experience. But there’s no need to be afraid, because the drivers are in control of their vehicles, even if it’s sometimes quite close.

6. Rikscha 

sikkim.ch | Nordostinidien und Sikkim Reisen - Bild zu Traveling in India - what means of transport are available?

India has the most rickshaws in the world. The means of transportation was invented by the Japanese. Many of the cycle rickshaws have been removed from the big cities. For many Indians, the rickshaw is the family’s source of income.

My conclusion about the means of transportation in India:

Each of these vehicles is a real experience, and I was particularly impressed by the tuk-tuk rides. You quickly get used to the speedy driving style, even if it was sometimes quite close, I always had the feeling that an accident wouldn’t happen so quickly here. So, into the adventure! If you are looking for a really good organization for your tour, I heartily recommend Terralaya Travels!