Travel by Bus from Delhi to Bombay

On the 18th December 2013 I made my first booking via MakeMyTrip.com to travel across India from Delhi to Bombay.

As a westerner living in London UK I was apprehensive as to whether my booking would be successful and whether I would be able to find my way to the bus company, but I decided that the £20 GBP cost of the journey was a worthwhile gamble, even if it all ended in tears!

I'm delighted to report that, not only was the trip a success, but that I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND it to anyone else needing to do the same jounrney.

I found it a wonderful way to see more of India than just airport lounges and hotels and should I ever return to India will undoubtedly do it again.

The reason I have decided to create this little blog is that there were a few things I didn't know, that hopefully, will assist you better when making this choice.

1. I recommend starting your journey from Shririshabh Travel (2 minute walk from Tis Hazari Metro Station)

Yes, it's true that the designated bus route passes very close to Indira Gandhi International Airport but unless you are highly conversant in the local geography and customs, I recommend the security and certainty that starting a Bus journey from the terminus provides.

2. In order to get to Tis Hazari Metro Station I started my journey from the Airport by using the Metro

3. Having changed lines a couple of times and arrived at Tis Hazari Station with a 30kg suitcase I was not in the mood for walking around a strange neighborhood so I took an auto-rickshaw taxi to the Travel Agency.

In retrospect, I wish I hadn't, because the taxi driver (genuinely) didn't know where 92-94 "Kanna Markit" was and tried to drive me instead to the "famous" Khan Market.

The Travel Agency (GPS map above) is less than 2 minute ride from the station in a Southwesterly direction

If you've ridden for more than that you've gone too far!

Location of Shririshabh Agency Highlighted in RED

4. Okay, so you've found your way to the Travel Agency, make sure you've got supplies to last you for 24 hours.

You've got a long journey ahead.

I WISH I had remembered to pack the following: Smartphone Battery Booster, Bottled Water, Pillow

When I travelled the bus left ON TIME*, so please be aware and arrive early.

*It ARRIVED at Mumbai 3 hours late, but who cares? Rather LATE than NEVER

5. When choosing a seat via the makemytrip.com seat selector.

It was merely beginners luck that I booked sleeper seat 1B (Lower Deck just by the Front Door)

This sleeper "cabin" (in my humble opinion) turned out to be the best seat on the bus.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND you book this compartment (if available)

6. The Bus set off from Delhi spot on 7pm

It stopped at the various stops detailed on the website and a few more

(which I assume were at the drivers discretion)

I had to laugh as the cargo was loaded onto the roof of the bus - It brought back memories of this Classic Internet Photo of Overloaded Mercedes Trucks in the Desert in Africa

Thankfully, the loading was reasonable and actually made me feel even more ECO friendly about my trip.

7. I fell asleep whilst the bus drove through miles and miles of straight desert roads

...and woke up to this as we approached Udaipur

8. I had no idea when booking the ticket that there would be a

CHANGE OF BUS in Udaipur and a 7 HOUR WAIT

If I had been in a hurry this might have caused problems - but luckily I was in India TO EXPERIENCE INDIA

So I was overjoyed at this unplanned excursion.

HIGHLIGHTED IN RED: The Shr Irish ABH Office in Udaipur

Udaipur Lake Palace Tour

9. At around 4pm we boarded a new bus from outside the Shririshabh Office

and again headed off into the night

The entire journey from start to finish was 36 hours

10. Thank you for reading my travel blog, I apologize that I cannot finish it satisfactorily.

You see I ended my journey just shy of Bombay.

By giving the driver a small gratuity (100 Rupees)

I was able to jump off the bus at a convenient stop near to Borivali (northern Mumbai)

I took an auto rickshaw the last few miles and I was home 'n' dry

at The Mubai Cricket Association by 9am

Howzat!

Footnote: I found it very odd when making my booking that makemytrip.com asked me to enter my credit card PIN number on the webpage - I have never been asked to do so in the USA or UK so feared that there might be foul play afoot.

Luckily a month later and my credit card has not been fraudulently used, guess that's just how those Indians roll?!

Have a great trip!