Agra Auto-Rickshaws
There is yet another popular mode of transportation in the city of Agra - the auto rickshaw. The auto rickshaw is commonly called just an 'auto' or a 'tuk tuk' by the locals. This trishaw or three wheeled small vehicle is really useful while moving through narrow lanes or through a jammed traffic. This is equally useful while driving even in a wide lane. This is also easy on the pockets. There are hand pulled cycle rickshaws as well that are quite slow and are not advisable while in a hurry.
Be prepared to negotiate the rate for an auto-rickshaw, which is the most common mode of transportation throughout the region. Three exceptions are Orchha, Khajuraho, and Badhgaya, which are so small that bicycles, cycle-rickshaws, and/or walking (aside from vehicles) are the best available options.
Especially in Agra, auto-rickshaw fares depend on several factors, including how wealthy you look, how far you want to go, how many times you want to stop, the time of day, and whether it's raining. You can generally expect to pay about Rs. 100 for a half day, Rs. 200 for a full day. If you're not comfortable with the price you're given, look for another auto-rickshaw, and if you don't want to haggle, take a metered taxi or book a car.
Auto-rickshaws are a fast way to scoot through Varanasi's crowded streets, but the fumes from other automobiles can be horrendous at busy times. When traffic is heavy, take an air-conditioned taxi with the windows closed, especially if you're coming from one of the hotels far from the ghats. Ask your hotel or the tourist office for the going rate, and agree on a fare in advance. Note that from 9 am to 9 pm these and other motor vehicles are not allowed beyond Godaulia Crossing, the traffic circle near the central bathing ghat, Dashashvamedh; they'll drop you off a short walk from the river if that's where you're headed.
Especially in Agra, auto-rickshaw fares depend on several factors, including how wealthy you look, how far you want to go, how many times you want to stop, the time of day, and whether it's raining. You can generally expect to pay about Rs. 100 for a half day, Rs. 200 for a full day. If you're not comfortable with the price you're given, look for another auto-rickshaw, and if you don't want to haggle, take a metered taxi or book a car.
Auto-rickshaws are a fast way to scoot through Varanasi's crowded streets, but the fumes from other automobiles can be horrendous at busy times. When traffic is heavy, take an air-conditioned taxi with the windows closed, especially if you're coming from one of the hotels far from the ghats. Ask your hotel or the tourist office for the going rate, and agree on a fare in advance. Note that from 9 am to 9 pm these and other motor vehicles are not allowed beyond Godaulia Crossing, the traffic circle near the central bathing ghat, Dashashvamedh; they'll drop you off a short walk from the river if that's where you're headed.