We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy. Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.
India is connected with the rest of the world by a robust network of air routes. It has 34 International airports located across the length and breadth of the whole country – from Srinagar in the north to Manipur in the east and Jaipur in the west to Chennai in the south. The following six airports of India are connected with all the top international destinations.
Those traveling from USA may choose either the Pacific or the Atlantic route depending on the time they have at hand, point of origin and the budget.
India is a transit point that connects European and Central Asian countries with East Asia and Australia via the sea route. 7-10 day cruises operate from all major destinations such as Shanghai, Bangkok, Mandalay, Siem Reap, Maldives, Sri Lanka and many more connecting India with the Far East. Those with more zest for the high seas can opt for the 3-week cruises originating in USA that also cover the Middle East, Mediterranean and Europe.
International rail routes in India are limited to only three at present – the Delhi-Atari-Wagah Samjhauta Express, Kolkata-Dhaka Maitree Express and the weekly Jodhpur-Munabo Thar Link Express. It is advisable to look for the latest update on these as operations may sometimes be suspended due to border issues. New train routes that have been approved or are under construction are Tapul/Imphal-Moreh Burma Link to Myanmar, and Jaynagar-Kurtha Rail Line to Nepal. Once the new routes are in place it will be possible to go train hopping up to Thailand and Malaysia.
If your heart is set on India and the visa papers are in order then you are about to undertake one of the most coveted road trips of your life. It is a little known fact but India is an integral part of the 32-country cooperative project of the Asian Highway Network that leads into Europe. From Japan to China, Russia, South Korea, Iran, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Philippines and many nations have come together to make sure that you can enjoy a seamless road trip from Tokyo to Turkey.
Some of the important roads to and from India are:
|
Route |
Origin |
Destination |
|
AH 42 |
Lanzhou, China |
Barhi, India |
|
AH 43 |
Agra India |
Matara, srilanka |
|
AH48 |
Thimpu, Bhutan |
Chandrabhaga, India |
Asian Highway Network coupled with National Highways and State Highways of neighbouring countries spoil you for choice. Make room for some motorway mix-and-match to embark on breathtaking excursions to Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Myanmar and Bangladesh. The upcoming India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway will script the footwork for amazing journeys to come.
Once you have arrived in India, getting from point A to point B is more a matter of your personal preference. It doesn’t have to be the boring but necessary part of your vacation. There are time-tested modes of transport and there are adventurous means to travel that add novelty to your trip. Here’s an extensive directory of all the options available. Turn your holiday into a visual and experiential treat.
Fly High
India has 486 big and small airports that handle 135 million domestic and international passengers annually. 123 of these airports are open for commercial flights. India is the world’s 3rd largest market for domestic and civil aviation.
Set the wheels in motion by booking your tickets much in advance. It will not only fasten your long-distance commute but will also make it more comfortable and reasonably priced.
The six leading airports of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad are connected with the rest of the country with 7 scheduled, 3 regional and 23 charter airlines. Chennai and Kochi airports are connected with the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep respectively.
Add a splash of whimsy to your air travel in India by trying the helicopter charter services. This gives you the flexibility of picking your time of departure and location to the closest minute and metre. India holds the distinction of having the world’s highest helipad at Siachen Glacier at an elevation of 6,400 m. Give the serpentine roads a miss as you fly to destinations at mountain tops.
Trains are known as the lifeline of India. In it lives the world of unforgettable experiences. For Indians, their train travels are fragrant with sweet nostalgia and good times. People become friends for life, love stories blossom and life events are initiated thus. Indulge in the magic of it all by keeping some time to travel by train in India.
The sheer enormity of the Indian Railway grid can breathe some confusion into your itinerary. Steer clear of it by understanding the different types of trains and the purpose you wish to take them for.
Shatabdi/Express/ Duronto/Rajdhani/Tejas/Train 18
These are long distance full-service trains that run between major cities. They maintain high speed (130 km/h to 180 km/h) and have fewer stops. Tickets can be bought online via IRCTC website in advance or in Tatkal (last minute) at fixed
Jan Shatabdi/Garib Rath
These trains are low on amenities and have space constraints but they offer affordable travel at nominal ticket rates.
Jan Sadharan/Antyoday
These overnight trains have unreserved/general coaches. They are equipped with CCTV cameras, bio-toilets and charging points for electronic items. Most of them have weekly service
Mail/Passenger
These are slow trains that stop at every station on the way. If you are headed to an offbeat location then these are lifesavers. They drop you to the smallest outpost.
Luxury Trains
Savour stunning landscapes, impeccable hospitality and heritage destinations in these Luxury Trains of India.
Mountain Railway
Tourists affectionately call them toy trains as the wagons are much smaller in size and ply at such a slow speed that you cannot resist the temptation to get down and walk alongside. They run on narrow gauge tracks. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway (India’s only steep graded train with a toothed rack rail) and Kalka Shimla Railway are on the World UNESCO Heritage Site list.
Suburban or Locals
These are high volume intra city trains that help decongest the commuting problems in big Indian cities and their satellite towns. They can be either the rapid transit Metro trains run by Metro Rail Corporations or they can be suburban local trains run by Indian Railways. The Monorail concept is catching up fast as well, with Mumbai leading the way.
A handy map with colour coded routes and fare charts makes it very easy for you to navigate your way gently through the inner-city train maze. Looking at the huge crowds, travelling in locals is an art in itself. They reduce the travel time within city limits to almost 1/3rd but if you suffer from claustrophobia then taking these trains in non-peak hours will be a great service you can do to yourself.
Sweeten the travel deal with generous dollops of road trips. It is the best way to discover the hinterland heartbeats without touristic veneers. National Highway Authority of India develops and maintains the national highways network (131,326 km). Big cities are connected with six-lane, four-lane and two-lane roads. Some of the important highways to keep in mind are:
Vehicles are available on rent along with trusted drivers well-versed with local attractions and terrains. From a small 4-seater to spacious 7-seaters, taxis come in all sizes. You can avail these services from local tour operators or transport aggregators such as Ola and Uber.
Excellent self-drive rental services are available if you wish to cede to your wanderlust without the bother of having a driver around.
All the states have direct interstate bus transport services. They are comfortable and reasonably priced. Most of them are overnight buses, which means you do not waste any days in travel. Private players in this sector employ sleeper/semi sleeper Volvo buses, should you wish to add the luxury of having a restful sleep by the time you reach the destination.
They are readily available and you can hail them, as and when you need them. There is no need of prior booking.
Coastal cities and islands have ferry terminals that ply on all major tourist routes. Passengers as well as vehicles are welcome on board. You can book a single or return ticket as per your requirement.
