The journey to a hill station will most likely comprise a combination of air, train, bus and rail travel. Apart from Shimla, Darjeeling, Ooty and Matheran, no railways will take you all the way to your hill destination, and the last part of your journey will have to be completed by bus or car. The same can be said of air links with a few exceptions, notably Kashmir.

Internal Flight

Indian Airlines has been augmented by new private airlines like Archana Airways, Jagson Airlines, Jet Airways and Sahara India. Domestic flights are bookable with an international flight, and arriving in India with confirmed seats is essential during the high seasons (wait-listing is thoroughly unsatisfactory). So book as soon as you know your dates and reconfirm the bookings on arrival. Indian Airlines runs various discount deals including Youth Fares and the Discover India Ticket, bookable with an international ticket. Indian Airlines plies routes to larger towns and cities while Archana Airways and Jagson Airlines fly to Kullu. Be prepared for delays. In the depths of Delhi's winter, its airport is often shrouded by fog in the early morning when many flights leave. Naturally this can have a disastrous effect on the day's scheduling.

TRAINS

Don't expect to buy a ticket and be on the train a few minutes later. Book in advance if possible, and always book in advance for overnight trains. Booking procedures are much easier than they once were now that computerized booking offices have been introduced in many cities. However, for a reserved seat, and you are strongly recommended to get a reserved seat, unless you enjoy traveling rough, you still have to fill in a form with your name, age, sex, address etc. In major cities like Delhi and Mumbai there is also a special tourist quota of reserved seats on many trains, which can be booked the day bfore departure from the railway's tourist guide. His office will also sell Ind rail passes. Travel agencies can help you with rail tickets, although some would rather have you travel by car so they can make a bigger profit. For some hill destinations you can book a through passage - for example Madras to Ooty, or Delhi to Shimla - by certain trains. The higher the class the more comfortable the accommodation, but remember if you want to see the countryside you can do so better from a non-air-conditioned carriage where you can open the windows. On the hill railways, where there are no air-conditioned carriages, try to get a window seat.

HIRED CAR

This is a convenient way to travel if you can afford it. Cars come with drivers. Rates depend upon car type, number of days and distance, with a small fee for the driver's food and lodging, which is often payable daily (plus a good tip for a good driver given directly to him). Cars hired at the hill stations may be more ramshackle than those hired from a reputable city firm in the plains.

Bus

The Indian bus system is one of the most remarkable in the world. You will find buses wherever there is a roughly motor able road, and they will be very well patronized. Bus drivers in the hills are thankfully more cautious than their brethren in the plains, although the state transport buses themselves may appear a little the worse for wear. There are now frequent deluxe services from the plains to most hill stations, which stop at fewer places on the way than normal buses. Some deluxe buses also have air-conditioning, and if you are unlucky, a video on board. When catching buses in the hills be prepared for unpunctuality and a slow journey and take them in your stride.