Notes on traveling in India 4 (Local travel / tourism)

This is a detailed explanation of things you should be aware of when traveling to India (traffic conditions).

ABOUT Domestic travel

City commute

Metropolitan cities in India have a wide range of local public transport which includes taxis, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and buses. There are taxi stands at luxury hotels, airports, stations, etc., and in the city you can get a taxi. Autorickshaw is a yellow and black two-tone color car with a hood modified to accommodate three adults in the back seat. Both have meters, but many are negotiated.

Most of the rickshaw meters currently running in the city are old. The meter calculation is different due to the increase in gasoline prices. The display price of the meter is not as it is. The rickshaw driver usually has a conversion chart, so when you arrive at your destination, the driver will calculate the chart and give you the price. Foreign tourists are often told to raise the price, so it is a good idea to ask the market price before using it. In addition, there are troubles such as being taken to an unreliable hotel or being taken to a souvenir shop, so a clear attitude is necessary when dealing with cab and rickshaw drivers.

There are also city buses. It's the cheapest a way for people to commute, so it's usually very crowded. Bus numbers and destinations are written on the bus body in the local language. It is better to get on after getting directions from people around you. There is also a ladies' seat Usually, private cars used for sightseeing and pick-up on tours are mainly Indian domestic cars. Depending on the number of participants, a minibus or bus may be used.

Domestic Flights

In India, there are several airlines Air India, Vistara, IndiGO and other commercial airlines. Although fares are much higher than trains, they are ideal for traveling long distances across India. Domestic flights cover major cities in the country, but depending on the route, there may be only 2 or 3 flights a week. There are many flights originating from the four largest cities in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai). Reservations and ticketing are possible in Japan.

However, as we make reservations for Indian domestic flights through international flights departing from Japan, in principle, we cannot make reservations unless we ask the travel agency that makes the reservation for international flights. In addition to international flights from Japan, we can make reservations and issue tickets for domestic domestic flights and other companies. Please feel free to contact the person in charge when using domestic flights.

Some routes are crowded and difficult to secure, so be careful. Especially in the winter season, Benares / Khajuraho, Mumbai / Goa (especially Christmas season), summer Delhi / Leh (Ladakh) etc. may be crowded so that we can not wait for cancellation, so please consult early .

Currently, there is a discount fare service for simultaneous booking of Air India (AI) international and domestic flights, and an early fare service set by each company.

Sleeper trains

Indian railways have computerized reservation systems in the suburbs of metropolitan areas, and it has become less common for trains to be lined up for a long time at ticket stations in the past. However, when buying tickets, it is still the mainstream to go to the station and reserve and purchase tickets alongside the counter. There are limited express trains Shatabdi Express and Rajdhani Express that connect large cities. In addition, express trains that stop at major stations, and regular trains that stop at local and local stations. There are vehicles with A / C (air conditioner), first class, second class, sleeper cars, etc. To get on, you need to buy a ticket and make a reservation. Reservation for long distance trains is 120 days in advance. Trains that are cheaper than airplanes are very crowded with local people, so we recommend early booking. Please enjoy India from the train window. For large stations, the departure platform is difficult to understand, so please ask the station staff. There are frequent thefts on the train. Please be careful with luggage management. The tour uses seats (not private rooms) of express trains with “three-tier or two-tier beds and air conditioning”. There are 3 (or 2) beds in the direction of travel, 6 (or 4) beds facing each other vertically across the corridor, and all seats are reserved.

In general, passengers will not be able to come and go at night with the general class (sleepers without air conditioner, etc.), so you can travel safely and comfortably. Smoking is prohibited inside the car. Large luggage should be stored in the gap at the bottom of the bed. A pretty big suitcase is fine. There is no worry about theft of a large and disturbing suitcase, but if you are worried, you can keep the suitcase attached to the chain under the bed, so you should bring a padlock. Since it is difficult to open your luggage in a narrow car, it is a good idea to put the necessary items (toiletries, winter clothes) in your luggage in advance. To prevent theft, be sure to wear valuables when you go to the bathroom.

bus

Long-distance buses are another major mode of transportation in India. In particular, direct buses often run on sections that cannot be reached without a transfer on the railway. In South India, buses are more common than rail. There is always a bus stand in every major town, where you can book buses and sell tickets. At the bus stand window, tell the destination and pay the money and check the departure time. Ordinary (ordinary car) is crowded without A / C (air conditioner). For those who want comfort, there is a deluxe coach and semi-deluxe.

About sightseeing spots

It may be strictly prohibited on temples and temples, so it is convenient to bring a bag to put your shoes in. Also, there are places where photography is restricted, so a camera that can manually switch the flash is convenient. In addition, please check with the guide or local staff as there are places where shooting is not possible. In the case of photography / video shooting, additional fees will be charged at many tourist spots. If you wish to take a photo, please inform the guide in advance and purchase a ticket. Our quotes do not include the cost of bringing cameras or videos.