ESSENTIAL ADVICE

RENTING A CAR & DRIVER

Renting a car and driver is one of the best ways to travel and see the best that India has to offer. Self-drive is not in vogue and not even recommended for travellers new to India. But it is easy to obtain a comfortable car and a skilled and knowledgable driver who not only knows how to navigate through the traffic chaos, but also knows his way around the countryside and the cities.
 
For example, if you plan on a 5-day Golden Triangle trip, your car and driver would pick you up on arrival at New Delhi Airport and be at your disposal throughout from Delhi - Agra - Jaipur until your departure from Delhi Airport. Or if you are considering a classic two-week trip through Tamil Nadu and Kerala commencing in Chennai heading southwards and then across the mountains west into Kerala until Cochin; the car and driver would be with you on your entire trip.
 
The car rental cost typically includes driver, fuel, interstate taxes, toll & parking fees, permits, and driver expenses.
We recommend using air-conditioned cars – not just because it is too warm, but it also keeps the dust and debris out. For individual travel between 2-3 people, there are two standards of vehicles used – an economy or mid-range four-door sedan and a compact minivan.
 
ECONOMY/MID-RANGE SEDAN (2-3 PERSONS)
The sedans normally used are a Tata Indigo (economy) or Toyota Etios (mid-range and more comfortable). These are reliable vehicles with good boot capacity for two large suitcases and 2 small hand bags. They can accommodate up to three people, one in the front and two in the rear seat. Prices for a sedan range from INR 2,500-3,000 (US$ 40-50) per person per day for 2 travellers.
 
COMPACT MINIVAN (2-5 PERSONS; WE RECOMMEND MAX 3 PERSONS)
The compact minivan is a Toyota Innova, which is now the standard for long-distance premium touring vehicle in India.The Innova offers excellent comfort and legroom, has mid-row AC vents, and sits high on the road. It’s the perfect car for rough roads and the hills too. They can seat up to 5 people (although we would recommend 3 only). The vehicle has a three row configuration, with the middle row either as two bucket seats or a sofa, and the third row also a sofa. Third row seats have little leg room and can be cramped for long haul travel. This row is normally folded up and used for luggage storage, when there are only 2-3 persons travelling. When the third row is used for passengers, a luggage carrier is installed on the roof of the van. Prices for an Innova range from INR 3,000-4,000 (US$ 50-60) per person per day for 2 persons.
 
For small groups, we use Tempo Travellers, which are 7-11 seater mini-coaches. This is the standard touring vehicle for long distance and reliable. There is minimal luggage space in the rear of the coach, used for hand luggage, and the bigger bags get stored on the roof carrier. Prices for a Tempo Traveller on request.
 
For larger groups, we offer 18-seater and 35-seater coaches.  For individual luxury travellers, we can offer premium sedans or SUVs such as Mercedes Benz, AUDI, or BMW. For small groups, we can offer state-of-art luxury Toyota Commuter Vans.
 
Milesworth has a small fleet of new cars of its own and works closely with the most reliable and experienced transport partners across the country. For more information on our prices for rental in and around Chennai in South India, please contact us.
 
Irrespective of where we offer transport services, our drivers are well-groomed, uniformed, and carry mobile phones for easy communication. Our vehicles carry water and wipes. In the tourist regions, most drivers will understand and speak a fair level of English. In the more remote locations, they will understand English, but perhaps not be able speak it too well.