Hi!
If you're here, that means you are planning to visit India. How exciting!!
I remember my planning progress, I was so lost and didn't know how to even start. So I am here to help anyone who is also struggling.
I visited India in 2023, and I have spent more than two months in the country, traveling alone as a 22-year-old. You can imagine the comments I got from everyone around me, about India not being safe, and why would I even want to go there especially alone?? But I guess you can relate. To be honest I was a lot more scared than I needed to be, if you plan your time there right, and you take the precautions needed, there is nothing to be worried about.
I would like to emphasize that the country is much larger than one would think. I really couldn't grasp the vast distances there, so if you want to reach multiple places, you'll likely rely on Indian trains.
Crossing the country is really not that scary if done right. I have traveled by planes, trains, buses, TukTuks, and I have even rented a bike at some point (I know, very brave of me, this is something I wouldn't recommend doing to anyone who isn't used to riding a bike in Southeast Asia)
So I would consider myself somewhat experienced in Indian transportation. So let's break it down.
Trains
Let's address the elephant in the room (or should I say, the train compartment) – booking your tickets. Picture this: you've got your heart set on exploring the majestic landscapes of Rajasthan or the serene backwaters of Kerala, only to find out that tickets sell out faster than you can say "chai, please!" Talk about a bummer, am I right?
But fear not, my fellow adventurers! I come bearing wisdom (and maybe a few survival tips). First off, if you're planning to hop aboard the Indian railway rollercoaster, you better book those tickets in time. With millions of people using the railways daily, it's no surprise that seats fill up quickly. I'm talking way in advance, folks – like, before you even start packing your bags. Trust me, you'll thank me later when you're not stuck hitchhiking on the back of a camel to your next destination.
Now, let's talk survival tactics. When it comes to navigating the chaos of Indian railways, a little preparation goes a long way. For starters, make sure you pack enough snacks to feed a small army – because let's face it, the onboard catering options can be a bit hit or miss. And don't even get me started on the infamous train bathrooms – let's just say, you'll want to invest in a sturdy pair of flip-flops.
But perhaps the most important piece of advice I can offer is this: embrace the madness. From the hustle and bustle of the platforms to the never-ending chorus of chai wallahs hawking their wares, train travel in India is a sensory overload like no other. So sit back, relax (if you can find a seat), and soak it all in. After all, it's all part of the adventure!
Let me tell you about my experience with Indian train stations. People kept warning me about how confusing they can be, and they weren't wrong – they're like mazes! But you know what? Despite the chaos, I found some really helpful people. Even though we couldn't really understand each other because of the language barrier, they went out of their way to assist me. It was reassuring to know that at least I had my ticket in hand. It was like my lifeline amidst all the craziness.
Now, I know what you're thinking – "But how on earth do I book my tickets without losing my sanity?" Well, fear not, for I have the solution you've been searching for. Drumroll, please... 12Go! Yep, you heard me right – with just a few clicks, you can wave goodbye to ticketing woes and hello to hassle-free travel. So what are you waiting for? Hop on board the ticket booking express and let the adventures begin!
Flights
Traveling by train is its own experience, and it's definitely something you shouldn't miss while visiting India, but sometimes the distances are so big that train rides take up two 20-30 hours easily. So I sometimes flew instead of taking trains, which is a bit more costly but it can save a lot of time for you. Especially if you're only staying a few weeks, you don't want to miss days sitting in a train (altough the scenery is magical every time)
Air travel comes with its challenges – crowded airports, long layovers, and unexpected changes. But with some simple rules – arrive early, pack light, and stay flexible – you can ease the journey.
But what about those curveballs? That's where a reliable booking platform comes in. And let me tell you, when it comes to booking flights in India, there's one name you can trust: 12Go. As I mentioned before, this site helps you book not only trains but flights as well. With their 24/7 support and commitment to smooth journeys, they've got your back every step of the way.
Whether you're planning a trip from Delhi to Chennai or Kolkata to Bangalore, this website provides a seamless booking experience for flights, ensuring a smooth transition between destinations. By leveraging such platforms, travelers can optimize their itineraries and enjoy a stress-free journey.
Buses and other options
In addition to trains and flights, India offers a myriad of transportation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Long-distance buses provide a cost-effective way to travel between cities, offering comfort and convenience along the way. Local buses are ideal for shorter distances, providing a glimpse into everyday life in India.
For travelers exploring within cities or covering shorter distances, options like tuk-tuks, taxis, and rental bikes offer flexibility and ease of access. Tuk-tuks are a quintessential mode of transportation in many Indian cities, providing an authentic and adventurous way to navigate bustling streets. Taxis offer comfort and convenience, especially for those traveling with luggage or seeking door-to-door service. Renting a bike allows for a more immersive experience, allowing you to explore at your own pace and uncover hidden gems off the beaten path.
By utilizing platforms like 12Go, travelers gain access to a comprehensive range of transportation options, empowering them to plan their journeys with ease. Whether you prefer the charm of train travel, the speed of air travel, or the flexibility of other modes of transportation, this platform simplifies the booking process, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
This platform has already helped more than 3,500,000 travelers from around the world get from point A to point B trouble-free and with a high-quality service guarantee.
Getting around in India is tricky, but this platform helped me during my travels, wherever I went, so I recommend it with love, and I hope it will be useful to you too!
You can book your flights here.
If you're interested in a more detailed exploration of train travel, don't hesitate to reach out! And remember to subscribe to receive notifications for new posts. Happy travels!