Kerala boasts several different natural wonders, such as the backwater canals of Allepey and the tea plantations of Munnar, or the picturesque beaches of Varkala. Today, the best way to enjoy all this is to have a self-drive car rental in Kerala. Naturally, as this place is one of the major tourism centers in India, prices and conditions for car hiring fluctuate throughout the year. That is why, before you plan your vacation with the use of self drive car rental services, there are certain aspects that should be considered in order to save money.
First of all, you need to realize that there are three main seasons that impact the demand for car rental services.
High season
Undoubtedly, September to March is when Kerala shows off its beauty. It is warm enough to be comfortable, yet cool enough not to feel overheated. This makes it a perfect time to rent a self drive cars in Kerala. If you need to rent a car in Kochi – the gate to Kerala – in December or January, you will find out that most of the car rental agencies are already booked weeks ahead of time.
The Monsoon Season
Although this time is considered unsuitable by many tourists, monsoon car rentals are developing into a kind of novelty. The scenery changes into a lush, vibrant green. Nevertheless, in order to drive through monsoons in Kerala, one needs to have a durable and safe automobile with reliable tire grips. Fewer requests and cheaper prices make the monsoon season ideal for finding the cheapest deals.
The Summer Season
It is a vacation period when people tend to travel more, which makes this time perfect for booking family holiday car rentals in Kerala. People rush to cooler hill stations such as Wayanad or Idukki.
Why Consider Self-Drive Cars in Kerala?
The transition from taxi rental services to self-drive car rentals for tourists has become revolutionary. For instance, self-drive cars provide a lot more opportunities for a private journey. One can just stop wherever he or she wants to, whether this place is a wayside toddy bar or a breathtaking view at Fort Kochi. Additionally, 24-hour car rental services available in Kerala will ensure that your vehicle will be waiting for you at Cochin International Airport when your flight arrives at 3:00 AM. This independence is one of the reasons that car rentals in Kochi have become such a popular choice with international visitors.
The following is an outline of the 3 rules to master with your rental bookings:
60 Days in Advance for Peak Season
Planning your trip during the Christmas and New Year week or Onam festival? You will need to book your car rental two months in advance, as the rental prices during these times will jump anywhere from 50%-100%. Booking two months in advance will not only lock in your lower rates, but you will guarantee to have the exact model of vehicle you desire as well.
Monsoon Rentals
Monsoon rentals offer you greater savings on rental cars than any other time period. All rental agencies typically provide an additional discount, “Green Season” packages. If you do not mind the rain you can book a rental car in July that will save you enough money to rent a luxury SUV rather than a compact hatchback vehicle.
Travelling Mid-week on the Weekend
Like airfares, car rental prices in Kochi (and in many other key mobility hubs) are higher when you travel on Friday or Saturday than when you travel mid-week (i.e. Tuesday or Wednesday); therefore provide yourself with sufficient time to find the best possible daily rate by moving your travel dates up by 2 to 3 days.
If you have five family members with luggage, using a 5-seater hatchback as your rental car will be difficult to travel comfortably along the winding ghat roads; therefore it is best to rent a 7-seater (Innova or Marazzo) as an option for your trip.
Look for 24/7 Assistance: When you book your rental car in Kerala, ensure that your rental company is available for your call at all times.
Make Sure You’re Covered by Insurance: Always select full comprehensive insurance on your rental car. The roads in Kerala are small, and the roads near the top of the hills can experience severe challenges.
To cut out the city’s internal traffic and move immediately into the hills or coastline, it is a good idea to pick up your rental car at the airport (COK). Renting from the capital when going to southern beaches such as Kovalam and Varkala will also help to alleviate some of the hassle. Although the demand for vehicles is slightly more stable here in comparison with Kochi, it is highly recommended that you reserve well in advance during the months of winter.
While having your own car to drive will give you a lot of independence in Kerala, the roads are not forgiving, and should be respected. Honk as a way of letting someone know you’re there: Unlike some of the western world, honking in Kerala is commonly accepted. Especially when driving in the hills on a blind corner, honking is a way of letting others know you are there. You will find that most of the roads in Kerala are narrow two lane (2 lanes divided by a cave or median), therefore, if you are following a State Transport Bus uphill, patience is your greatest asset. Driving during the monsoon season: If you’re renting a car during the monsoon season, take the time to read about how “aquaplaning” can occur when your vehicle makes contact with water and the speed of the vehicle influences whether aquaplaning does or doesn’t happen. You should also always ensure that your windshield wipers and lights are in excellent working order before you drive. Planning your budget for your rental: To really “save money” on your rental, look beyond simply the rate you are being charged for each day you are using the car. There are likely many additional fees that you may need to pay that aren’t included in your daily rental rate. Petrol Policy: Most rental cars will use a “Full to Full” petrol policy so know where the closest petrol station is before returning your rental car. Security Deposit: Most Kerala car hire for family trips will require a refundable security deposit. Hence prepare for this so it will not surprise you.
The slow traveler will get the most out of Kerala—the traveler who stops to talk to a fisherman and enjoys the beauty of a spice plantation. The self-drive car in Kerala provides the opportunity to have time and flexibility. You can have either a car rental in Kochi to take a weekend trip or if you are looking for a long family trip in Kerala you can hire a car for 2 weeks. Book your vehicle early, rent the vehicle that is appropriate for the driving conditions you expect and embrace the local driving style.