Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Car
Few people bother with self-drive car hire - not only because of the hair-raising driving conditions, but also because hir-
ing a car with driver is wonderfully affordable in India, particularly if several people share the cost. Seatbelts are either
nonexistent or of variable quality.
Hertz
(
www.hertz.com
) is one of the few international companies with representat-
ives in India.
Hiring a Car & Driver
»
Most towns have taxi stands or car-hire companies where you can arrange short or long tours.
»
Not all hire cars are licensed to travel beyond their home state. Those that are will pay extra state taxes, which are ad-
ded to the hire charge.
»
Ask for a driver who speaks some English and knows the region you intend visiting, and try to see the car and meet
the driver before paying anything.
»
A wide range of cars now ply as taxis. From a proletarian Tata Indica hatchback to a comfy Toyota Innova SUV,
there's a model to suit every pocket.
»
Hire charges for multiday trips cover the driver's meals and accommodation. Drivers should make their own sleeping
and eating arrangements.
»
To help avoid misunderstandings, it's important to set the ground rules from day one; politely but firmly let the driver
know that you're boss.
Costs
»
Car hire costs depend on the distance and the terrain (driving on mountain roads uses more petrol, hence the higher
cost).
»
One-way trips usually cost the same as return ones (to cover the petrol and driver charges for getting back).
»
Hire charges vary from state to state. Some taxi unions set a minimum time limit or a minimum kilometre distance for
day trips - if you go over, you'll have to pay extra. Prices also vary according to the make and model of the taxi; luxury
cabs and SUVs cost more than ordinary hatchbacks.
»
To avoid potential misunderstandings, get
in writing
what you've been promised (quotes should include petrol, sight-
seeing stops, all your chosen destinations, and meals and accommodation for the driver). If a driver asks you for money
for petrol en route because he is short of cash, get receipts for reimbursement later. If you're travelling by the kilometre,
always check the odometer reading before you set out so as to avoid confusions while paying up.
»
For sightseeing day trips around a single city, expect to pay upwards of ?1000/1200 for a non-AC/AC car with an
eight-hour, 80km limit per day (extra charges apply). For multiday trips, operators usually peg a 250km minimum run-
ning distance per day and charge around ?8/10 per kilometre for a non-AC/AC car. If you overshoot, you pay extra.
»
A tip is customary at the end of your journey; ?100 per day is fair (more if you're really pleased with the driver's ser-
vice).
