• Airlines- India has several major domestic airlines. Private carriers include Jet Airways (rated #1), Sahara Airlines, Spice Jet, Air Deccan, and Kingfisher Airlines. India's major international airline, which also flies around within the country, is Air India.
• Railways- The Indian Railway System is unlike travel anywhere else. There are different classes and several different types of trains. The railways can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but they are worth a try, as they are essential to the true "Indian" experience.
• Buses- Buses are different from state to state- but the typical choices are: ordinary, express, semi-luxe, deluxe air-con, and the deluxe sleeper, each of which travel several different routes. Private buses are faster, more expensive, and more comfortable.
• Rental Cars- Rental cars are easy to rent, and are usually rented daily with a limited number of kilometers per day- packages can be arranged for a long trip. The main down side to renting a car is that it can be quite difficult to navigate your way through the crowded streets of India without experience, which leads us to the next option...
• Car and Driver- A car and driver can be arranged very easily and for little cost. Although some drivers can be very speedy, they are generally reliable and knowledgeable about the sights.
• Motorcycles- Motorcycles are a great way to travel through the narrow streets of India and avoid traffic jams. Be careful not to bring your own bike if it is very fancy and expensive, because it will most likely be poked and prodded when left lying around. Also, if you do not have much experience with motorcycles, I do not recommend you try for the first time in India, because the drives can become wild.
• Taxis, Auto-rickshaws, Cycle-rickshaws, and Tongas (horse-drawn carriages) - There will be taxis in most larger cities, but they are not usually in great condition- generally not a good option and not too reliable. Three-wheeled, auto-rickshaws are less expensive than taxis, but the smell of the diesel fumes can give anyone a headache! Cycle-rickshaws are no longer common in larger cities, but they are one of the main forms of transportation and only options in smaller towns. Although each of these options has its own benefits and draw backs, they are all relatively inexpensive and all are worth the adventure!

 

A tonga- much fun!