India Traffic

India traffic is a cultural experience.  The roads are crowded and the traffic signals, signs, and traffic control are few and far between.  Really few and far between.

Thankfully, our company doesn't let us drive whilst in India, so I don't have to deal with the traffic.  I've just learned to trust the driver, have my camera ready, and not be in a hurry to get anywhere.

On my last trip to India, I spent a LOT of time in the car.  Along the way I saw nearly every (or perhaps every) conceivable form of road transport.

In case you think I'm exaggerating,  here we go:

"Traditional" Motorized

See what I mean by bad traffic?

The best seats available.  And I mean seats.

It's a bus.  Not much to say here.

Entire family on motorcycle.  Note the woman riding sidesaddle.  I don't know how they stay on with all of the swerving required in India traffic!

 Moped turned sales vehicle.

"Non-Traditional" Motorized

Auto-rickshaw.  This one's empty.  I've seen more than a dozen passengers "in" one of these.

Tractor.  Why is this non-traditional?  Because tractors here often drive on the same roads as the cars - and not at "off peak" times.  And, it's used as the family station wagon when not used for farming.

"Traditional" Non-Motorized Transport

A cyclist.  There's lots of these.

The women here look beautiful even when walking on the roadside.

"Non-Traditional" Non-Motorized Transport

(Here's where it gets really fun )

Camel.

Donkey.

Elephant?!

Horse with a very fancy bridle.

Oxen.

Ok, so these water buffalo aren't pulling anything, but they are walking in the road.  So wouldn't they be considered "traffic"?

But don't worry.  If you get tired, just sleep in the road.  The cars, trucks, camels & scooters will go around you.