Transportation in India: Driving

 Driving in India

Making your way around any new city or country can be intimidating. At some point, you will find yourself in a car, whether it is a taxi, bus, or rental car. In India, this is no different. Here are a few things you would want to be familiar with if you plan on driving in India:

Lanes don't always exist

In busier areas, such as Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, you aren't going to see clear lanes that guide where you go. Especially at turns, it is a fend-for-yourself type of drive. The turns in congested areas can block up easily, and it almost looks like a puzzle that is how intermixed the cars are. Luckily, guards will help clear the traffic, but it can take 20+ minutes especially if you are in a tour bus or larger vehicle. However, traffic normally moves in a steady manner, and you don't find yourself at many dead stops besides at busy turns. 

Honking is encouraged

In America, people do not liked to be honked at, and you don't see people honking often unless they are about to be hit. However, in large Indian cities, you will hear almost constant honking, which does help push people through and guide the cars quicker. Honking is also a nice way to let people know that you are coming through. Honking is good for pedestrians because you can't always see a motorcycle, for example, when crossing if it is in a blind spot, but you will hear the honk. 

Tuk-tuk is the fastest way around

If you want to go for a quick bite, then you can call for a Tuk Tuk on the side of the street, or if you want to know the price beforehand then you can download the Uber app and order one. This applies mostly to large cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai, but I would still recommend having the app even in smaller cities. The Tuk Tuks are the small yellow and green mini cars driving around. These cars can swerve past the traffic to get around. They don't normally have doors, which makes it easy to get in and out of quickly, and although small, you can fit up to 4 people in one. Our tour guide shared the front seat with the driver while me and two other students squeezed into the back seat. 

Vehicles aren't the only way to drive around

If you find yourself in a more secluded neighborhood, then you might also find a camel or other animal that can take you where you need to be. Below is a picture of a camel driving six passengers to the Taj Mahal. You can also see a guard who helps conduct traffic. 

Overall, don't let the driving style of a city deter you from visiting. Even the most hectic roads are manageable, and they are worth the new experience!