The best way to see India is by road – you are close to the local way of life and you will have the best opportunities to stop, engage and interact with the people as you make your way through cities, towns, villages and the rural landscapes. The pace of travel is up to you, but we plan itineraries so that you aren’t rushed – we believe you will see far more, and enjoy yourself more, taking time to properly explore India rather than rushing through, merely stopping at the ‘photo op’ sites. India’s roads are quite different from the west. The highways and byways of the country are not just a way to get from A to B – life itself is on display along the roadside.

Travel averages around 40 kilometers per hour, and we plan our itineraries to include no more than 6 hours driving in any one day, unless it is unavoidable. We also employ planes and trains in your itinerary to get you over longer distances, so that your valuable time in India isn’t consumed by driving.

There are a range of vehicles available for transport:

• Ambassador: the classic Indian touring car, suitable for 2 people travelling together
• Tata Indigo: a modern vehicle, also suitable for 2 travellers
• Toyota Qualis: Large touring vehicle similar to a standard SUV but 2, not 4-wheel drive, suitable for up to four people travelling together
• Toyota Innova: Toyota’s luxury touring vehicle, similar to the Qualis but with greater amenities and comfort
• For larger groups there are a range of vehicles suitable for groups of up to 35 passengers

The role of the driver in India is unique. It is near impossible to be a self-drive tourist due to the road rules, road conditions and lack of maps, signposts or other information.

The driver is there to assist you with all your requirements throughout the trip, and while they are not licensed guides, they will point out and discuss places of interest and describe different socio-cultural things you will see, such as marriages, funerals, festivals and other parts of daily life. The car is at your disposal – to go out for dinner in the evenings or take short excursions to places close to your main destination. We want you to experience the most you can and do not have hard and fast rules about the kilometers driven.

Most travel in India runs smoothly and with a minimum of hassle. In the unlikely event of a problem, our drivers have mobile phones and quick access to communication with our offices to enable difficulties to be overcome, allowing you to get on with your holiday quickly.