Road rules in India don’t really apply like they do in other countries. Everyone is weaving in and out wherever they can and things are coming from all angles. To drive here you need to be super aware of everything around you – especially that auto (tuk tuk) that’s about to overtake you on the inside. Sides of the road are suggestions only – as are traffic lights. Many intersections in Kerala had a police officer standing in the middle of them (often wearing masks/scarves over their nose & mouth) directing traffic – they were about the only thing that drivers actually obeyed!

So with all these vehicles (& people) going everywhere – how do you let someone know that you are about to overtake? Or that they need to move out the way? This is where the horn comes in – a quick beep to warn someone that you are overtaking is expected. The phrase “sound horn” is written on the back of most trucks to remind folks but I am not sure anyone here needs a reminder! And, if you are going to proceed into oncoming traffic, then a quick flash of your headlights lets folks know you are coming. (Very different from the UK or Australia where the headlight flash would mean that you are giving way!)

There’s also a lot of very colourful vehicles, especially for pilgrimages – often decorated with garlands of flowers.

Enjoy this hyper lapse video of driving in Kerala: https://youtu.be/YPxdKC5-n2k

Hyper lapse of the peak hour traffic outside our apartment in Chennai: https://youtu.be/Cb6-EYUOMlQ

Here’s how you cross the road in India (spoiler alert – numbers help!): https://youtube.com/shorts/bnmJWvjLnVo

And for those looking for a happy ending: here’s the triumph of the jeep being freed from the deep gutter in Kumily (as viewed from our balcony). I was the only one who clapped when it was freed. Awkward 😬 https://youtube.com/shorts/TM9xTFsvDQU?feature=share