Travel within India

Internal Flights

If you are planning to travel between the major cities of India, then the most convenient and comfortable way to do it is by air. In addition many of the 115 domestic airports in India have been technologically improved with most being well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kalkata and Chennai.
If you book internal flights before leaving for India, it is important that you reconfirm on arrival. Flights can be cancelled or delayed due to bad weather, particularly in the winter months of December and January. Remember therefore to reconfirm your ticket and the times of your flight as well.
Check-in for domestic flights is normally one hour before take-off but allow extra time if you are travelling to politically sensitive areas such as Kashmir, Jammu and some of the northeastern states.

Travel by Train

For a fascinating and exciting way of experiencing India and it's people, there is nothing better than a journey by train. The state run Indian Railways has the largest rail system in Asia and is the second largest in the world. The network covers much of the country, is relatively inexpensive and carries up to 14 million passengers every day. This latter fact underlines the fact that trains are always overcrowded and bookings should be made in advance.
Classes and accomodation types offered on the trains can seem somewhat confusing. Basically however the choices are between first and second class chair-cars plus two and three tier sleeper coaches, all with the option of air-conditioning. Fares for air-conditioning will be greater.

Special train journeys are available where you can travel in style in the height of luxury and comfort. The Palace on Wheels and the Royal Orient both operate week long tours from September to April.
You can also enjoy the 150 year old Fairy Queen, a restored steam engine that features in the Guiness Book of Records as the oldest in the world. Or try the narrow guage Hill Trains. Railways that were completed in the 19th century, linking various hill stations and mountain landscapes. A perfect example of these is the route from Kolkata to Darjeeling, taking 8 hours and crossing 500 bridges. Make sure you do not forget your camera.

Car Hire

Self drive hire cars are available in India but driving on Indian roads is probably not to be recommended for the casual tourist. Indian traffic particularly in the cities is chaotic to say the least. You will however find a large number of chauffeur-driven tourist cars available for hire especially in the main tourist centres.

Travel by Bus

The bus service is extensive throughout India, being most useful in the hill regions where there is no rail system. Buses on the whole will tend to be crowded and uncomfortable.

Taxis and Rickshaws

Taxis, auto-rickshaws and rickshaws are freely available in the larger cities and tourist areas. Some taxis will have meters, some will not. Before starting your journey by taxi or rickshaw, it is best to confirm with the driver how you will be charged or what rates you will be expected to pay.