There are lots of modes of road transportation in India, and as far as I know we've traveled by most of them. So let me explain my expierences...
Bicycle Rickshaws:
Bike rickshaws are probably my favorite way of transportation, although we can only ride them for short distances. In Agra we hired two teenaged boys, Bobby and Laloo to take us to dinner and such. Sometimes we'd ask them to bring us to their favorite restaurants, and then they'd get a free dinner.
Buses:
Buses are a great, cheap way to move around, as long as . . .
Bicycle Rickshaws:
Bike rickshaws are probably my favorite way of transportation, although we can only ride them for short distances. In Agra we hired two teenaged boys, Bobby and Laloo to take us to dinner and such. Sometimes we'd ask them to bring us to their favorite restaurants, and then they'd get a free dinner.
Buses:
Buses are a great, cheap way to move around, as long as . . .
you are prepared for the bumpy rides. Whatever amount of time the bus people say it'll take, double it, and then you'll get about the right answer. Also, a lot of the time you'll have to sit with your bag at your feet, since the overhead compartments aren't big enough for backpacks. If you're traveling with suitcases I don't recommend a bus.
Auto Rickshaws/Tuk Tuks:
In Thailand Tuk Tuks were a major tourist trap, the drivers being desperate for money. But in India they serve as a good way of transportation, being used by Indian travelers. At times though the price is unreasonable and you have to be prepared to walk away.
Trains:
We only took one train in India, and the experience was most amazing. The ride was smooth and getting on and off was easy. The bus from Jaipur to Agra had been eight hours but the train was only three! We would've taken trains all through India but we could never book a ticket. You'd have to book two weeks in advance and we had no idea where we'd be in two weeks! Mom looked into it and found that you could get "emergency tickets" If you pay 300 ruppees more for each ticket, you get in! They bump the person at the end of the line out and fit you in. Sure, it's cheating, but it works and that is how things are done in India!
-Allie
Auto Rickshaws/Tuk Tuks:
In Thailand Tuk Tuks were a major tourist trap, the drivers being desperate for money. But in India they serve as a good way of transportation, being used by Indian travelers. At times though the price is unreasonable and you have to be prepared to walk away.
Trains:
We only took one train in India, and the experience was most amazing. The ride was smooth and getting on and off was easy. The bus from Jaipur to Agra had been eight hours but the train was only three! We would've taken trains all through India but we could never book a ticket. You'd have to book two weeks in advance and we had no idea where we'd be in two weeks! Mom looked into it and found that you could get "emergency tickets" If you pay 300 ruppees more for each ticket, you get in! They bump the person at the end of the line out and fit you in. Sure, it's cheating, but it works and that is how things are done in India!
-Allie
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