Welcome back to the second installment of my lessons from India. If you missed Part 1, I explained why India is such an awesome destination for a long visit. Make sure you check the first post out. Now, let’s dive into more insights and discoveries from my six-week adventure that I hope will be useful for others visiting India.
1) Ride share apps operate differently in various regions
Ride-sharing apps are a godsend for exploring Indian cities as they offer both affordability and convenience. During my time, Uber was my trusty steed, mainly because Ola wouldn’t work on my phone, and it took forever to get a cab every time I tried to use InDrive.
However, be ready for the regional quirks as ride sharing operates differently in various parts of India. In Goa, for instance, GoaMiles, a government-initiated ride-hailing app is the only option. Although slightly pricier, it’s still a bargain compared to traditional taxis in the region, albeit with the caveat of restricted pick-up points. You’ll run into the problem of restricted pick-up points even when using normal ride share apps in other smaller cities in India. For example, in Udaipur, you can only call an Uber from specific locations. Regardless, you would probably beat an Uber to your destination on foot due to the narrow, traffic-heavy tourist-packed streets in the city center.
Despite its chaos, I found that uber worked the best in Mumbai and the prices were REALLY cheap even relative to other Indian cities. I once took a 1-hour ride to the airport for only 200 rupees. A pro tip: splurging on Uber Premium or Comfort (literally only $1 extra) can drastically slash waiting times. However, in some cities like Pondicherry, where ride-sharing can feel like a wild goose chase, hailing a traditional cab or tuk-tuk might save both time, money, and sanity—just remember to haggle like a pro!
2) Don’t Overlook the Metro
I confess I initially shied away from India’s metro systems, haunted by online videos of overcrowded platforms straight out of a nightmare. But, I was very wrong! Beyond rush hour chaos, many metro stations offer a surprisingly smooth and economical mode of transportation.
Mumbai’s metro is stellar and is a lifeline for visiting the entire city’s bustling expanse. My experience using the metro in Chennai was also great! Navigating the public transportation was a breeze, with friendly locals always ready to lend a helping hand. The only annoying aspect is that getting a ticket required an Indian SIM card for the SMS confirmation. While this is great for eco-friendliness, I assume it creates a barrier to entry for tourists on a short trip who might not want to get a sim card. Finally, the provision of women-only carriages adds an extra layer of safety and comfort. So, don’t let preconceived notions hold you back; give the metro a chance. While I can’t vouch for nighttime trips, during the day and off-peak hours, it’s a journey worth taking allowing you to beat city traffic for a fraction of the price.
3) Use India as a base to visit the rest of South Asia
India isn’t just a destination; it can be a springboard to all the adventures across South Asia. With a year-long visa (which only costs a little more than the 30-day visa), I embarked on a tour of all its neighboring countries, all conveniently accessed using India’s airport hubs.
The affordability of regional flights is a game-changer, with fares that won’t break the bank. I flew to the Maldives from Bangalore for a mere $105 and hopped from Sri Lanka to Kochi for under $130. I also flew from Chennai to Bangladesh and then back to New Delhi for under $170. The flights would have even been 40% lower if I were flying from West Bengal.
Indigo, Vistara, Air India are probably the most popular and connected airlines. I found that on average Indigo had the best prices while Vistara had the best service. Pro tip: opt for larger airports to score cheaper flights and use overland journeys to get to that airport—I halved my fare to Nepal by catching a bus from Jaipur to Delhi instead of flying directly.
So, if you’re dreaming of exploring the wonders of South Asia, India should top your list as the ultimate launchpad for multi-country adventures.
4) Flights Frequently Depart Earlier Than Scheduled
Something that recurrently surprised me while taking multiple flights in India is that they almost always departed promptly, sometimes even ahead of schedule! As a habitual latecomer, I was in for a shock when airlines were already done boarding while I was still leisurely strolling towards the gate.
Globally, gates typically close 20 minutes before departure. I’m usually the person that shows up 30 minutes to the departure time which is when boarding begins in most of the flights I have taken. I had no desire to be one of the first to board because all the Indian airlines allowed me to check in my bag for free, and I don’t enjoy waiting around for others to board. However, arriving within a close window might still mean missing your flight in India. There were SEVERAL times when I arrived at the boarding gate 30 minutes to the departure time and the flight attendants were frantically looking for me because I was the last person to board the flight.
The pilots also seemed to fly really quickly. I remember my flight from Dhaka to Delhi arrived 40 minutes ahead of schedule. I didn’t mind the early departures as it provided me with more time to explore my next destination, but it was a bit of a wakeup call that I had to stop being a straggler. So, for those accustomed to last-minute dashes, heed this warning: in India, time waits for no one.
5) Ask a local to help you order on Zomato
Cravings know no bounds, and Zomato, the Indian food delivery app came to the rescue of my taste buds on numerous occasions during my trip.
I remember when I was in Udaipur and randomly craving chole bhature. I was at a hotel that was at the opposite side of the river where most of the restaurants were and was too lazy to walk. Thanks to the kind man that worked at the front desk, I was able to have my meal delivered to the entrance with just a few clicks. A few days later, I was sick while in Jaipur but wanted to try dal baati churma, a Rajasthani delicacy, before I left India. There were no restaurants serving it within walking distance, but Zomato once again saved the day. Someone in my hostel helped me use their app to order my meal. What made these experiences even sweeter? These meals cost less than what they would have at a restaurant as I was able to use the locals’ Zomato discounts because they were regular app users. Plus, I was able to check the ratings to make sure I was getting food from a recommendable place.
This is also a testament to the generosity and hospitality of Indian people—always ready to lend a helping hand. From using their debit cards to reserve a bus, to using their Google Pay UPI to pay for something online or their Zomato account to order food, Indian strangers always came through for me. I always recommend when in doubt to always just ask a local for something. You’ll probably end up with whatever you need in a more convenient and affordable way than you thought was possible!
So there you have it…
My trip to India would have been much smoother if I had known all these tips from the start of my visit. If you found any of these tips interesting or helpful, make sure to comment your thoughts. Look out for Part 3 of my musings on my India discoveries.
