I realise this post is a little incongruous with the others, more ‘real’ travel blog or whatever that might mean. It’s because when we were trying to pick up some tips on Indian hitching we found a dearth of information. When I’ve hitched around Europe I’ve sometimes relied on great online resources like hitchwiki but this information is kind of lacking for India.
On the off chance that some poor soul googles “hitching in India”, here’s a few tips for you.
First thing’s first. Don’t bother hitching long distance. I know, I know, you want an adventure, travel like a local blahblahblah. No person who has ever successfully hitched likes being told hitching is a bad idea. However, India is really not the country for it. You probably already know about the huge prevalence of drink driving and the shitty roads, but hitching doesn’t always work in India because most people just have no idea what you want from them.
This is kind of hard to understand, seeing as little lifts are so common in India; people jump in your rickshaw or jeep all the time. Apparently the rules are not the same for foreigners. In fact, I’ve had multiple lifts stop for me only to insist that they will only drop me as far as a bus stop or train station. Every lift that stops insists that it is too dangerous and only crazy people would pick me up (the irony in this obviously eludes them). Nonetheless, I can see their point. Buses and trains can be so cheap that there really is no point hitching in India.
But if you really insist (we did, after all) then here’s a few pointers:
1. Hitching isn’t free. You’ll be expected to give a bit of cash (and don’t be surprised if you get a disdainful look and told you should give more, no matter the amount)
2. Often the people who will pick you up will be truck drivers. And the trucks are slow on crap roads. Especially if you account for all the chai stops. Many of the main roads connecting big cities can have only two lanes, so don’t expect to travel fast.
3. Be sure to make small talk. Indian culture can be very inquisitive, so if you’re sitting silently you’re seen as standoffish.
4. Don’t say “are you going to X?” instead ask “where are you going?”. If you ask a yes/no question, you’re likely to just get an indeterminate head waggle as a reply. And keep an eye on the roadsigns.
5. If you’re trying to cross state lines, remember that not all trucks have an All India Permit; many commercial vehicles only have permits to be in certain states.
6. National Highways or NH road often have a lovely big dirt-track on each side that is perfect for pulling lifts over. Failing this, try next to a dhabba or chai-stop.
7. India was made for short lifts. If you’re going a few km or to the next village then hitching is perfect. Nothing like watching the sunset from the back of a pickup.
8. You are really going to have to put your big girl shoes on and buckle up for the weird looks and millions of questions you’re going to get. It can be quite overwhelming at times.
9. All the normal safety things are super important in India. Be really careful with the traffic, don’t hitch at night and NEVER get a lift with someone you have a bad vibe about. Personally, I wouldn’t hitch alone as a girl in India, but I know people who have.
Good luck and happy hitching!
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