midnight train to georgia

Planes,  trains, and automobiles...I've had my fair share of transportation experiences since arriving to India. In fact, getting around in this country is so convoluted that it deserves its own blog focus.

The roads are crowded. Like, shockingly overwhelmingly mind-numbingly (hey, it's a word!) crowded. I've mentioned it before--lanes are merely a suggestion and stop lights are a rare sighting (in Jaipur at least). It is common to see vehicles flooding a single lane, openly vying for the front of the pack. I've seen bicycles on the highway on more than one occasion. Four-way intersections are met with a cacophony of horns and voices as vehicles and people maneuver through the traffic.

typical morning traffic

Rickshaws (read: pedicabs) and auto rickshaws (small 3-wheeled open vehicles) are very common forms of transportation, more so than regular cars. Because of their small size, they can easily weave through traffic, and are a fraction of the cost.

rickshaws/autorickshaws

Motorcycles and scooters are probably the most common form of transportation. It is not uncommon to see a family of four huddled together on the back of one. Women in saris can be seen gracefully riding sidesaddle on the back of a motorcycle whereas I am clutching on for dear life. Law calls for a maximum of two riders and use of helmets, however this seems to be largely ignored. Luckily, my job affords me the use of a driver to transport me where needed.

riding sidesaddle

Trains are the preferred form of travel for long distances, as flights are a luxury afforded by few. The Indian railway transports over 24 million people daily. Although people do use personal vehicles or buses for travel, road conditions and traffic can easily cause a 3 hour trip to morph into an 8 hour trip. Fares depend on which class you purchase (sleeper, AC, etc). The stations are crowded with people, both passengers and those looking for shelter to sleep. The smell is overpowering and be careful of puddles, for they may have questionable origin. 

Oddly enough, my favorite part of the roads are the animals. Cows and dogs roam freely throughout the cities. Don't be surprised to see a cluster of cows grazing or curled up sleeping like cats on the side of the road. I enjoy riding through the city on the back of a motorcycle while the city is still waking. You will see camel-drawn carts delivering goods the market. They may be decorated with colorful garlands or carnations perched upon their noses. Men can be seen riding elephants in the streets along side vehicles and buses.

The noise is ungodly. I mentioned in an earlier post that the honking isn't a rude gesture, rather a warning: "I'm coming up behind you" or "watch out, I'm making a left turn". With the neglect of proper lanes, you can imagine the sheer volume of the streets. Dippers (blinkers) are used primarily at nighttime. Most large trucks have signs painted on the back advising "blow horn" and "use dipper".

Moral of the story? Invest in earplugs, Dramamine, and a sense of adventure when traveling in India!