8 Indian Bus Trips that will restore your faith in buses
This is what comes to our mind when we talk about bus trips. Other means of transport are more common for long-distance journeys.
Your Facebook feed might be filled with
“(The person you added 5 years ago and have never spoken to)– is travelling from IGI Airport to Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport.”
Followed by meaningless hashtags such as #mumbairocks #seafood #vadapao #mannat #willwatchsalman #totalfun #willbecomeamoviestar…..
Every once in a while you may have a friend or two checking in at Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (though it’s a rare phenomenon). But has anyone ever seen a “Travelling from Delhi to Leh in an HRTC Bus” post on their timeline?
Bus tourism is not popular in our country (unlike the west). Reasons may vary. Our tendency to prefer comfort over adventure, time constraints and our general distaste towards public transport.
The fact that there are hardly any bus journey travelogues around is indicative of our lack knowledge about bus tours.
So we have found some adventurous bus tours in India. Not only are they pocket-friendly, but also offer a chance to enjoy the scenic beauty.
Delhi – Leh
Riding your Royal Enfield is not the only way to Leh. Try the bus for a change for as low as INR 1365. The HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) launched this tour to popularise tours to Leh. The drivers are highly experienced in driving through rough mountainous terrain; so you can be assured that your journey will be a risk- free.
On every alternate day, the 35-seater leaves Manali at 11 am, arriving in Leh the next day. On this route, you get to see a lot of mesmerising sights.
Chennai-Puducherry
This is a very beautiful ride along the Bay of Bengal coastline. Chennai to Puducherry bus ride is your escape from a busy work life and Chennai rush. As soon as you exit the city, you will see acres of plantations looking over the Bay of Bengal. Take the evening bus if you like sunrises and the morning bus if you are a sunset person.The AC seater Volvos will cost you anywhere between INR 300 and 500.
Bengaluru- Ooty
Or INR 1000 you can explore the immense difference between two neighbouring cities of Bengaluru and Ooty. If you are a Bengaluru techie who is craving for some time away from your cranky boss, this one is for you. The bus route encompasses a part of the coastal region.
As soon as you enter the city of Mysore, you will notice the difference in air quality. Yes, it is clearly noticeable. The change in sights and air quality is accompanied by a drop in temperature. Impressive monumental establish
Bengaluru-Goa
Goa stands for fun. Bangalore stands for…well work and tech. To escape your mundane 9-5 routine, head off to a carefree vacation in Goa in a bus and have your friend accompany you. As you move along the West coast, throughout the journey, you enjoy some amazing views. The trip can be made on any day of the week as regular bus service is available. However, you have to set aside minimum 10 hours of your time.
Delhi-Manali
His trip is quite popular amongst parents taking their kids to summer vacations. To beat the Delhi heat, people escape to the soothing and clean foothills of the Himalayas and try trekking. Even if you are on a shoestring budget (The ride costs just INR 1000 ), you can take this bus trip which is totally worth the 12 hours you spend on your journey. If you start from Delhi early in the evening, you will reach Manali early next morning.
Manali-Kaza
Costing INR 400, this 10-hour ride is for true travel enthusiasts and adventure lovers. The roads can be treacherous, and the rides can be cancelled at the last minute owing to bad weather, especially in the rainy season. However, the sights that you will experience are worth it. You will see some of the most beautiful mountains and rural scenic beauty. As you reach Kazna, you can set up a trekking base or just wander about in the village. The place has a lot to offer.
Delhi-Udaipur
The most beautiful route from Delhi to Udaipur is through the city of Ajmer. This bus ride takes that route and gives you a chance to explore the diversity of Rajasthan. A standard AC Sleeper Volvo will cost you INR 1000 and will last 12 hours. A lot of bus tour operators provide this trip.
Kolkata- Darjeeling
This journey is quite long and is not meant for people who are impatient. However, all that patience is totally worth it, making it one of the most popular bus journeys in India. Darjeeling is a popular holiday destination, especially during summer seasons. As you leave Kolkata, you will start climbing the foothills of the Himalayas, which too on a bus. You get to see some majestic rivers on the way, some plantation fields, small forest areas and lush green vegetation. On NH-34, the journey takes 13 hours and will set you short of INR 1000.
Often ignored, buses must get their long due coverage as an excellent means of travel.
We suggest everyone take at least one bus trip every year, especially if you are a college student and are short on cash. You will have a great time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR – TWINKLE SOLANKI
Freelance writer by day. Bellatrix Lestrange at night. Some wanderlust bouts per day > 10. Percentage of the day spent on researching quirky travel destinations-40. Most of her works are results of complicated witchcraft with her 12-3/4″ wand made of dragon heartstring core. Though she makes sure never to tickle sleeping dragons.
