Backpackers travel choices in India
India is huge, a massive country and it takes ages to get anywhere. You can be travelling for hours and still be in the same region, nevermind state, it's difficult to describe the scale and magnitude of the country. Fortunately though, there is an abundance of transport services throughout the country and you can travel for hundreds of miles for only a couple of dollars. Rickshaws and private taxis operate through the suburban areas and can be found on nearly every street corner and cross junction. The public buses in India are predominantly cramped for the majority of journeys and because of this it's ill advised to get a bus for a journey any longer than 4 hours if possible. If you take into account your bag, rucksack and other belongings these items also take up space on an already crowded bus.
When travelling in a group of 3 or more you may be advised by the conductor to place your luggage at the very front of the bus beside the driver, as there is a bar and more space at the front where people cannot stand. The signs on the buses and at the stops are predominantly all in the local regional language, making it impossible for tourists to know where they're going without asking some one. This isn't an issue though, often before you need to ask for assistance a local will see a confused foreigner and point them in the right direction. Bus stations also have marked 'Station manager' posts and offices who are also willing to help.
Train travel is also another convenient and reasonably priced method of transport to get to destinations further away and which may take longer then bus. A major benefit of trains in India is that you can upgrade and pay more for a more comfortable seat and carriage, something you cannot do on buses. Trains have different classes and depending on how much you're willing to pay will depend on how better or worse your comfort or travel experience will be. These classes vary from AC first class (1A) to Second seating (2C) and everything inbetween. Some 1A tickets can cost the same as an airline ticket but have the highest standard of Indian rail. 2C tickets are the cheapest and have a thin cushion along a row of seats. Sleeper class (SL) is arguably the most popular class and is a form of travel classed between 1A and 2C. Domestic flights are also available throughout the country but unsurprisingly are the most expensive form of travel due to their short journey times.