10 Mistakes Tourists Make When Visiting Kerala (And How to Avoid Them)
On the map, Kerala seems so simple: a beach an hour away and hills here and backwaters there. Most first timers don't realize just how much preparation and the proper vehicle is needed to move with ease between these locations. Let's look at the 10 most common pitfalls and how they can be avoided by hiring the right car to rent at Kochi.
1. The assumption that the spread of Kerala is not that wide.
Kochi to Munnar 4 hrs Kochi to Thekkady 4 hrs . Google Maps does not indicate ghat roads or traffic during the monsoons. Plan your trip around driving time, and hire a car rental in Kochi and take advantage of the services of a driver who is familiar with the routes.
2.Dependence: relying solely on public transport
Buses and trains do not run on your schedule and if you miss a bus one, you may lose an afternoon. You can park at any time in the spice plantation or at the sunset view point with the private vehicle without the need to look at a timetable.
3. Reserving a Cab From an Unverified Street Tout.
The taxi service that is the first one that a person can use outside the airport is likely to charge high prices and won't know the routes. Rent a car from a reputable car rental agency that can be checked online. With 16,500+ happy customers, Kalinka Travels has a fleet that is inspected prior to each trip.
4. Choosing the Wrong Vehicle for Your Group.
It's not uncommon to find a family of six people and three suitcases sharing a hatchback. Assign the vehicle to the trip:
| Group Size | Recommended Vehicle |
| 1–3 travellers |
Swift Dzire / Toyota Etios |
| 4–6 travellers | Toyota Innova Crysta |
| 7–12 travellers | Tempo Traveller / Urbania |
| Large groups |
Mini Bus / BharatBenz / Volvo |
Ideal car rental in Kochi should be able to provide the entire gamut from one fleet.
5. Assuming Hill Roads Are Easy to Self-Drive
Even considerate drivers get stranded on Kerala's roads of the ghats and narrow lanes of backwaters. Use drivers that are familiar with them — All drivers in a reputable car hire service in Kochi organisation are trained in the handling of the routes and you can enjoy the scenery rather than watch the shoulder.
6. Not Locking upfront transparent pricing
Extra kilometres, unexplained tolls, a "night charge" are complaints common to surprise charges. Request a breakdown of tolls, driver allowance and fuel. The transparent car rental in Kochi reveals the complete cost upfront, without any hidden charges.
7. No pick up at Cochin Airport Day of arrival
So, you don't want to have to negotiate a fare after a long flight in an unfamiliar arrivals hall. Book your car hire in Kochi prior to arriving by air, from the airport, Ernakulam, railway station or hotel.
8. Overpacking the Itinerary
So if you have 5 days to see Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey and Kovalam then you will have to start the days as early as sunrise. Instead select 2-3 fields.
9.Not Checking Driver Experience or Vehicle Condition
It is not only a comfort issue if you're driven by a driver you don't know on roads you don't know.If a driver is unfamiliar with you and the roads, it's a safety issue as well as a comfort one. Select a car rental in Kochi that services and checks all the cars before they leave. On this very standard, Kalinka Travels have traversed a distance of 300000+ kilometres throughout the South of India.
10. In the Event of Plans Changing There is No Support
Flights are delayed, bookings change, and tourists think that they're "hung up" after they have booked a rental. Select a car rental in Kochi service that's truly 24/7 available, and someone will be there for you when the plane arrives to you 2 hours late.
Conclusion
Almost everyone who visits this city does one if not more of these things. The difference between a pleasant and stressful trip is the type of car rental in Kochi that you rely on for your journey and that you know the roads like the back of your hand and is capable of receiving a phone call when plans change.
Kalinka Travels provides hassle-free travel to travellers all over South India via different vehicles ranging from sedans and Innova Crystas, Tempo Travellers, Urbania vans to BharatBenz coaches, with clear rates and pickup anywhere in Kochi. Take a look at our entire fleet or our Rental packages before your next visit to Kerala.