Hitchhiking is my thing – from various countries to now exploring the roads of India. Just spent a couple of days at it, but every moment counts.
Where Did I Hitchhike?
Starting from Dehradun’s airport, my journey spanned about 250 km into the Himalayan region. This experience might reflect the whole country, listening to conversations with someone who hitchhiked across all states.
Accompanied by a friend from Germany, we stepped out of the airport and walked to the nearest main road. A motorbike rider offered a lift, squeezing three of us plus luggage onto the bike – an amusing start indeed!
Useful Insights:
In India, “hitchhiking” and “autostop” might not ring a bell. They use “lift” instead. Shared taxi drivers often engage in discussions but tend to seek payment even after agreeing to “autostop.”
One workaround involves downloading Indian payment apps, although they require an Indian bank account. If stuck in a payment hassle, feign a block on your SIM card and express inability to pay immediately. It’s a tactic I used once to defuse a tricky situation. Though not always advisable, due to not being such a nice thing. I personally would only use it in scenarios where you actually said “no money” and “autostop” beforehand and the person agreed. Otherwise I would not agree to using that as an option.
Does Hitchhiking Work Well?
It’s hit-or-miss; success often depends a bit on the people like always. Few people do not understand the concept, considering the almost non-existing bus fares. Especially in the north, where fewer big cities exist, you drive and stop between small villages. Covering 250 km in two days might seem too little, but at least the well-maintained roads made the journey a bit more enjoyable. People are friendly, greeting and smiling as you stand by the roadside. Night hitchhiking seemed manageable, yet we didn’t attempt it due to mosquitoes, though minimal danger seemed to be there for a guy.
Hitchhiking as a Girl
For girls hitchhiking, it might not be the safest idea in India. I haven’t talked to many girls who did it, but I heard some didn’t feel safe just walking alone. I think it’s essential to be extra careful.
While it’s possible to do it safely, I’ve heard stories about safety issues for girls in India. So, it’s crucial to know what you’re doing and stay safe. Always have a SIM card from there and be cautious. India isn’t the safest place for girls, and that’s something many people talk about.
Safety matters a lot, and I believe it’s better to be careful, especially in a new place. If you’re a girl considering hitchhiking in India, being cautious is super important.
Encounters with Locals
Indian people, especially while hitchhiking, exude warmth and friendliness, a characteristic which you find throughout the country. As a foreigner, you often receive preferential treatment owing to your ethnicity, which is something I don’t enjoy!
Navigating Challenges
The police, though well-intentioned, might not assist as expected. Their intervention often leads to being forced into a paid ride. So there is the need for clear communication.
Road Conditions and Environment:
Most times, the streets in India are not very clean. You will see cows and lots of trash, and it can smell bad, especially in big cities. Dealing with this is part of hitchhiking, but it might not be so enjoyable and just worse than in other countries.
Comparing India with Other Nations:
Compared to places like Western Europe, hitchhiking in India can feel a bit easier. But when it comes to how friendly and easy it is, some other countries might be better. In the north, it’s doable but not always super enjoyable. Talking well with people is really important to travel for free. But in general it can vary a lot due to timing, situation and just everything. Hitchhiking is unpredictable and you never know how it will end up for you, bringing time and energy with you.
When you just want to save some money, comparison with the amount of stress you might encounter is in my opinion not worth it. When you want to do it due to the experience, then for sure do it!
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