Are You Confused Between Car Rentals or Taxi Services for Traveling in Kerala?
Read this out to find which is the better option.
The beautiful tropical heaven, Kerala is set amid the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, and is famous for its tranquil beaches, backwaters, hills, produce, and culture and traditions. Gliding through Alleppey’s waterways, hiking Munnar’s murky mountains, or immersing yourself in Fort Kochi’s culture, excitements await you at every step of your Kerala trip.
But to truly embrace everything this enchanting state has to offer, choosing the right mode of transportation is key. So, what should you go for, car rental or taxi? In this blog, we compare both options to help you decide which one best suits your travel needs and style.
Freedom and Flexibility
When you finally go ahead to rent a car in Kerala without a driver it comes with the super benefit of whole independence. You can set your own schedule, take unplanned detours, and explore hidden gems off the beaten track without having to worry about a driver’s time constraints.
Whereas Taxis come with a driver, so you are dependent on their availability and timing. While experienced drivers know the local routes, your itinerary must align with their working hours.
Car Rentals win for those seeking independence and spontaneity.
Privacy and Comfort
Self drive car rentals in Kerala provides you with full privacy, which is best suited for couples, families, or individuals traveling alone. You can chat openly, listen to the music of your choice, or even pull over for pictures without justifying.
While for a taxi, having someone in the car means less privacy, since we will feel uncomfortable with a stranger there all the time during the journey. In this case, self drive car rentals are a better option if privacy matters.
Cost Effectiveness
If you are planning a multi day trip, renting a car often turns out to be more economical than hiring a traditional chauffer driven taxi . Most agencies offer daily rental packages with unlimited kilometers or flexible options that allow you to budget better.
Taxis typically charge per kilometer, plus waiting charges, night time surcharges, and driver allowances. Over longer trips, this can add up quickly. Considering all these, car rental is more cost effective for longer stays and multiple destinations.
Local Expertise and Navigation
One of the plus points of taxi drivers is their deep familiarity of the locality. They can recommend places to visit, eat, and take shortcuts. If you are visiting Kerala for the first time or are uncertain about directions, hiring a taxi will be an ideal choice, as the drivers can act as a guide as well.
Nowadays, Kerala is simpler to navigate as there are several travel apps and GPS systems to help with the routes. But at some points, navigation can be a bit tricky if the road signs are in Malayalam and you are taking rural roads for the first time. Taxi Services are a winner when you want a local guide on wheels.
Convenience
Hiring a taxi is easy, especially for airport transfers, quick city trips, or when you are short on time. The full responsibility of parking, breakdown and repair rests on the driver, and you are totally free.
When you rent a car in Kerala, while most car rental companies now offer doorstep delivery, you are responsible for the car’s condition, refuelling, and returning it on time. When you ride a rented car, the challenge of finding a parking slot can arise, mostly in busy areas.
When it comes to convenience, taxis are more convenient for short trips or single day use.
Safety and Control
When you drive yourself, you have complete control over the vehicle, speed, and how cautious you want to be. You avoid the unpredictability of someone else’s driving.
While most taxi drivers are experienced, not everyone is cautious or adheres strictly to road safety.
Availability Across Kerala
Self drive car rental services have grown significantly in Kerala, especially in cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, Calicut, Kottayam, and Thrissur. You can even book cars online through mobile application at affordable rates with easy documentation.
Taxis are widely available and more accessible in remote or rural areas, where car rental options may be limited.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to explore Kerala at your own pace, stop wherever the beauty calls you, and have the comfort of privacy, car rentals, especially self drive car rentals, are your best bet.
But if you prefer to sit back, relax, and let someone else take the wheel, especially for short or unfamiliar routes, taxi services will suit you better. Some travelers even combine both, using taxis in cities and renting a self drive car for longer journeys. Choose what works best for your travel style, group size, and itinerary.
Looking for Reliable Car Rentals in Kerala?
Maaz Cars is here to help you. Choose from a wide range of self drive cars ranging from hatchbacks to SUVs, with service available in major cities and airports. We offer reliable service with online booking, flexible pricing, and 24*7 customer assistance. Select your car with the best pricing for weekly and monthly rentals.
Experience Kerala Your Way!