Useful Websites for India
Like a broken record, I keep coming back to What are the killer web applications for India? So, I decided to make a list.
A list of websites that are useful for most people in India. But what kind of websites am I looking at? The website should be something useful enough to compel a person without internet access to go to a cybercafe just to access this website.
Here’s what I have so far:
- RedBus.in for bus tickets
- Also KSRTC.in for govt bus tickets in Karnataka
- IRCTC.co.in for train tickets
- Inasra.com to book hotel rooms
- HungryZone.com (especially HungryBangalore.com) for restaurant reservations and home delivery
- YellowPages.Sulekha.com for finding local businesses and services
- BookMyShow.com for movie tickets
- MapMyIndia for maps and driving directions (even in Bangalore)
- Handiman for handyman services
Note: The definition of usefulness here is in terms of the concept. However, these websites are not verified in any sense. There’s no guarantee that they are good or even trustworthy, but I would encourage you to check out their services if they are useful. That’s the whole point.
I’ll keep updating this list as and when I find more such websites.
Update: Added BookMyShow, KRSTC.in, MapMyIndia.
Update on 2008 May 15 : Added Handiman
January 25th, 2008 at 10:05 am
RedBus.in seems to cool. Really simple,straight to the point. But I didn’t really get the “Boss is watching” section.
Commission/brokerage is a great way to bootstrap in India BTW Swaroop great going with ion.
http://greenpreneur.blogspot.com/
January 25th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Hey Swaroop…thanks a lot for the information…It was really useful…..:)
January 25th, 2008 at 10:53 am
I would put IRCTC.co.in right at the top of that list.
January 25th, 2008 at 10:57 am
@Greenpreneur: Yes, the clean look and the simple usage is what makes RedBus stand out. The “Boss is Watching” section is simply them having fun, similar to their About page.
@Sangeeta: You’re welcome.
@Umang: Thanks, added it.
January 25th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
ya, the section is nicely placed on the right side :-)Makes sense.
Anil http://greenpreneur.blogspot.com
January 26th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
ixigo.com you could add that as well
January 28th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Good to hear good things about redBus. The “boss is watching” section has a simple thought process. Lots of professionals access the site from office. So, usually when your boss walks by, people try to change their screens etc. This link helps you open a document that looks like you’re working on something serious.
January 31st, 2008 at 8:41 am
@Kausikram: I did use these travel websites sometime back, including yatra.com and so on. Ultimately, my travel agent got me the best deal and that too one of the better airlines. There was a significant cost difference between what the travel agent booked and these online travel websites.
February 2nd, 2008 at 6:28 pm
My mom uses IRCTC all the time when booking for relatives and such. Man does that site suck or what!
My colleague was using RedBus.in 2 days back and he was very happy too. Prompt customer service they have. BookMyShow is pretty popular in ThoughtWorks I think. I have heard people talk about it.
I have not seen HungryBangalore. Will go check out.
February 6th, 2008 at 7:33 am
if you talk about irctc.co.in , you must talk about erail.in, really fast & everything in a single page.