Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Try not to cover too much territory in one day and never ride in the dark - many vehicles drive without lights, and
dynamo-powered motorcycle headlamps are useless at low revs while negotiating around potholes.
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On busy national highways, expect to average 40km/h to 50km/h without stops; on winding back roads and dirt tracks
this can drop to 10km/h.
Organised Motorcycle Tours
Dozens of companies offer organised motorcycle tours around India with a support vehicle, mechanic and guide. Here
are some reputable outfits (see websites for contact details, itineraries and prices):
Blazing Trails
(
www.blazingtrailstours.com
)
Classic Bike Adventure
(
www.classic-bike-india.com
)
Ferris Wheels
(
www.ferriswheels.com.au
)
H-C Travel
(
www.hctravel.com
)
Himalayan Roadrunners
(
www.ridehigh.com
)
Lalli Singh Tours
(
www.lallisingh.com
)
Moto Discovery
(
www.motodiscovery.com
)
Royal Expeditions
(
www.royalexpeditions.com
)
Saffron Road Motorcycle Tours
(
www.saffronroad.com
)
Wheel of India
(
www.wheelofindia.com
)
Shared Jeeps
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In mountain areas, shared jeeps supplement the bus service, charging similar fixed fares.
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Although nominally designed for five to six passengers, most shared jeeps squeeze in more. The seats beside and im-
mediately behind the driver are more expensive than the cramped bench seats at the rear.
»
Jeeps only leave when full; people often bail out of a half-full jeep and pile into one with more passengers that is
ready to depart. Drivers will leave immediately if you pay for all the empty seats and 'reserve' a vehicle for yourself.
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Jeeps run from jeep stands and 'passenger stations' at the junctions of major roads; ask locals to point you in the right
direction.
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In some states, jeeps are known as 'sumos' after the Tata Sumo, a popular vehicle.
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Travel sickness, particularly on winding mountain roads, may mean you'll be asked to give up your window seat to
queasy fellow passengers.
Tours
Tours are available all over South India, run by tourist offices, local transport companies and travel agencies. Organised
tours can be an inexpensive way to see several places on one trip, although you rarely get much time at each place. If
you arrange a tailor-made tour, you'll have more freedom about where you go and how long you stay.
