Elephants and Camels On the Road in India

An elephant sharing the road with trucks? In India, sure!

As I re-learn to drive with a new baby in the car here in Boston, I thank my lucky stars I am not re-learning to drive in India, which has some of the most hectic roadways I have ever seen.

Check out these shocking (well, for my sheltered American eyes) vehicular sights from our teacher tour of India last year…

Um... I think your car might be too full. — Er… I think your vehicle might be too full.

These boys are riding like this on the back of a rapidly moving truck on the highway!!! — These boys are riding like this on the back of a rapidly moving truck on the highway. ARGH!

I think he can fit a few more barrels on top. — A ridiculous amount of barrels.

Ooof-- That horse has got a load. — Ooof– That horse looks less happy than Mickey Mouse.

My 6’6″ brother fitting in a tiny (sort of Nike brand) tuk tuk.

Camel taxi coming through... — Camel taxi coming through…

These men (and the tree behind them) look very imposing.

Another elephant on the highway. — Another elephant on the highway!!!

Dirty car graffiti happens in other languages, too! Can anyone translate this? Does it say "Wash me"? — Dirty car graffiti happens in other languages, too! Can anyone translate this? Does it say “Wash me”?

Wowza. Doesn’t India bring “diversity in action” to a whole new level? So, which of these modes of transport would YOU most and least like to try?

Lillie Marshall

The author, Lillie Marshall, is a 6-foot-tall National Board Certified Teacher of English, fitness fan, and mother of two who has been a public school educator since 2003. She launched Around the World “L” Travel and Life Blog in 2009, and over 4.2 million readers have now visited this site. Lillie also runs TeachingTraveling.com and DrawingsOf.com. Subscribe to her monthly newsletter, and follow @WorldLillie on social media!

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surender singh

Tuesday 29th of March 2016

the graffiti on the car says "Radhe-Krishna"......(krishna is name of hindu God.

Lillie

Thursday 31st of March 2016

Ah, thanks for the translation!

Sam

Wednesday 7th of January 2015

This article was very interesting and it will help me very much with my upcoming quiz. I also really want to ride an elephant now.

Amber R.

Wow! I can't believe that there are animals roaming the streets in India! I would never imagine myself being on one. But I really loved your article. Go Ms. Marshall! <3

Jazmin

I find it very interesting how in India they have crazy and different ways to travel on the road. Because usually Americans drive in cars and there is laws on the road but in India there seems to be a whole bunch of different ways to go.

Saravana Kumar

Monday 5th of January 2015

Nobody can show India like you :-)