How Do I Get Around In India

How I Got Around in India – My Travel Experience 🚗🚆✈️

Hey there! I’m Arif, and I recently went on an unforgettable trip across India. While most people focus on the places they visit, for me, the real adventure was in how I got around. Every ride, whether on a chaotic auto-rickshaw or a peaceful houseboat, turned into a story of its own. So, if you’re planning to travel to India, let me take you through my journey—full of unexpected surprises, friendly strangers, and moments I’ll never forget.

🚖 1. The Auto-Rickshaw Ride That Turned Into an Unexpected Street Tour

My first auto-rickshaw ride was in Delhi. I flagged down a rickshaw to take me to Chandni Chowk, one of the busiest markets in the city. The driver’s name was Raju, a cheerful guy with a big smile and an even bigger mustache.

Instead of taking the main road, Raju decided to show me “shortcuts.” We squeezed through narrow lanes so tight I could’ve high-fived people walking next to us. At one point, we passed a temple, and Raju stopped—not because of traffic, but to quickly offer a prayer. He even gave me a mini history lesson about the area as we went along.

What was supposed to be a 15-minute ride turned into a mini sightseeing tour, complete with local stories and lots of laughter.

Tip: Auto-rickshaw drivers can be the best impromptu tour guides. Just start a friendly chat—you’ll be surprised at the stories they share!

🛵 2. The Ola Bike Ride That Felt Like an Action Movie

In Bangalore, I had to reach a meeting spot, but thanks to traffic (seriously, Bangalore’s traffic deserves its own horror movie), I was running super late. I quickly booked an Ola Bike. Within minutes, a guy named Vikram arrived with a spare helmet.

The ride was wild. We zipped through tight spaces, dodged cars, and at one point, Vikram even rode over a small patch of grass to skip a traffic jam. It felt like I was in an action sequence, minus the dramatic background music. But here’s the kicker—despite the chaos, Vikram kept chatting like it was just another day: “Bhaiya, Bangalore ka traffic toh aise hi hai!” (Brother, Bangalore’s traffic is always like this!)

Thanks to him, I reached just in time—and with an adrenaline rush to match.

Pro Tip: Ola Bikes are perfect for beating city traffic. Plus, you get the added thrill of feeling like a Bollywood stunt double.

🚍 3. The Sleeper Bus That Felt Like a Moving Capsule Hotel

While traveling from Jaipur to Udaipur, I decided to take an overnight sleeper bus. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much—just a basic seat and maybe a blanket. But when I got on board, I was amazed. Instead of regular seats, there were cozy, private beds with curtains, reading lights, and even charging ports.

I stretched out, watched the stars from the window, and listened to soft Bollywood songs playing in the background. The gentle rocking of the bus felt like a lullaby, and I drifted off into one of the best sleeps of my trip.

Waking up to the first rays of sunlight over Rajasthan’s desert landscape was pure magic.

Tip: Book AC sleeper buses through apps like RedBus for a comfortable, budget-friendly way to travel long distances.

🚆 4. A Train Journey That Turned Strangers Into Friends

No trip to India is complete without a train ride, right? I took a train from Varanasi to Lucknow, and it turned out to be more than just a mode of transport—it was a heartwarming experience.

I was seated next to an elderly couple who noticed I was a bit lost with my luggage. They helped me settle in, and soon we were sharing snacks—samosas, jalebis, and even homemade achaar (pickle). The couple told me stories about their hometown, their children, and even taught me a few Hindi phrases.

By the time we reached Lucknow, I felt like I was saying goodbye to family. That’s the thing about train journeys in India—you start as strangers and end as friends.

Pro Tip: Don’t hesitate to strike up conversations on trains. You’ll often find the most genuine stories and warmest smiles.

⛴️ 5. A Houseboat Ride That Felt Like Floating Through a Dream

In Kerala, I experienced something straight out of a postcard—a houseboat cruise through the backwaters of Alleppey. The boat had a cozy bedroom, an open deck, and a chef who cooked the most delicious Kerala-style fish curry I’ve ever had.

As we floated along, I watched villagers going about their day—kids waving from the riverbanks, fishermen casting their nets, and palm trees swaying in the breeze. The sunset painted the sky in shades of orange and pink, reflecting beautifully on the water.

Later that night, I lay on the deck, staring at the star-filled sky, with nothing but the sound of gentle water lapping against the boat. It was peaceful, surreal, and one of the most unforgettable moments of my trip.

Tip: Book a houseboat for at least one night to truly soak in the beauty of Kerala’s backwaters.

✈️ 6. The Flight That Made Me Realize How Big India Is

After exploring so many cities by road and rail, I took a flight from Kolkata to Goa. It hit me how vast India really is—what would’ve been a 30-hour train ride took just under three hours by air.

The best part? Watching the landscape change from the dense, bustling streets of Kolkata to the serene beaches of Goa—all from my window seat.

Pro Tip: For long distances, flying can save time and energy. Airlines like IndiGo, Vistara, and SpiceJet offer budget-friendly options if you book early.