Need a comfortable 12+ seater vehicle for trip to Kanyakumari

deepakchiniwal · 19th October 2010, 11:57

Hello Folks,

I am looking for a 12+ seat comfortable vehicle to travel to Kanyakumari/ Rameshwaram/Madurai etc from Bangalore.

We have few 45+ yrs old people and kids of 2 yrs old as well. Considering this, I am looking out for travel options. Please provide me some pointers.

Date of travel will be Nov 14 - 22

As usual will look for places to be visited from our friends here on TBHP.

Thanks

bullinb · 19th October 2010, 20:30

12+ people in comfort = TT. No other option.

sachinj12 · 19th October 2010, 21:04

That Swaraj Mazda vehicle. Look no further.

StarVegabond · 19th October 2010, 21:10

Ensure that you get a vehicle which is not only in good condition (insist on the recent service report) and has excellent tyres, but also the driver (+cleaner) does not have drinking/smoking habits.

Try to meet the driver before finalizing the vehicle/driver. Explain them (the owner as well as driver of the vehicle) about your trip schedule in advance, agree with them that you will tip them handsomely if they agree to meet your schedules/timings apart from regular daily allowance etc.

this is essential for successful completion of week long trip with family as well as efficient and effective use of the time/comfort of the vehicle.

aargee · 19th October 2010, 21:12

I've seen several Tempo Travellers (some called luxury) even with A/C, curtains & what not? They can comfortably accomodate 12+ (1 or 2 more) passengers & suits for your trip.

On the other hand, if you're looking for some extra seats, say upto 15 or 16, then it may not be helpful; you might instead want to take a mini bus. Not sure about BLR, but in Chennai, most mini buses are made out of Tata 608's chassis with custom made body which provides anywhere between 19-24 seaters. Trust me, these are not as comfortable as Tempo Travellers.

deepakchiniwal · 19th October 2010, 21:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by sachinj12

That Swaraj Mazda vehicle. Look no further.

Any pointers for good travel agencies you know of, for hire?
Please suggest!

deepakchiniwal · 19th October 2010, 23:28

Ok folks, sort of freezed on the itenary for our trip.

Date
From
To
12th Nov, 2010
Bangalore
Tirchy, Tanjavoor, Rameshwaram (H)
13th 14th Nov, 2010
Rameshwaram
Rameshwaram(H)
15th 16th Nov ,2010
Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari (H)
17th 18th Nov 2010
Aallepy
Aallepy(H)
19th ,20th Nov,2010
Guruvayur

Ooty(H)
21st Nov,2010
Ooty
Mysore
21st Nov,2010
Mysore
Bangalore

We are about 13 Adults and 2 kids.

Please note: We need to be in Rameshwaram on 14th morning at any cost.

Please feel free to help me freeze on the places and others.

ampere · 20th October 2010, 08:34

At what time do you start on 12th? Doing Bangalore-Trichy-Tanjore and reaching Rameshwaram in the evening would be hectic.

Though possible you should start by 2/3AM so as to reach Trichy by 7/8 AM. That is the only way you can finish Tirchy and Tanjore visits before the temples close. In that case you should be able to reach Rameshwaram by evening.
Also in Trichy what you plan to visit? Srirangam, Malai Kottai ? Any other place?

Trichy-Tanjore would take at least one hour. Hence you should plan in such a way that you dont find Tanjore temple closed.

Given the fact that you would be on a TT, you can also catch up on your sleep.

Lukeskywalker · 20th October 2010, 08:43

Try Sathya Sai travels in Jayanagar, have seen that most of their vehicles are in good condition and they are known to have good drivers too.

deepakchiniwal · 20th October 2010, 10:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampere

At what time do you start on 12th? Doing Bangalore-Trichy-Tanjore and reaching Rameshwaram in the evening would be hectic.

Though possible you should start by 2/3AM so as to reach Trichy by 7/8 AM. That is the only way you can finish Tirchy and Tanjore visits before the temples close. In that case you should be able to reach Rameshwaram by evening.
Also in Trichy what you plan to visit? Srirangam, Malai Kottai ? Any other place?

Trichy-Tanjore would take at least one hour. Hence you should plan in such a way that you dont find Tanjore temple closed.

Given the fact that you would be on a TT, you can also catch up on your sleep.

Thanks ampere!,
we intend to start from Bangalore by about 9 or 10 in the evening, plan to reach Tirchy by early morning freshen up and go around Tirchy/Tanjavoor etc.

The places listed on the map though is only the major points. Place to be visited in and around those places are a Question mark yet as this is my/our first trip in TN, except for those normal yelagiri, pondy trips. Who better than TBHP mates can direct to right places

ampere · 20th October 2010, 10:40

Check on @Harshavarthan's comments (post #9 on the followin thread) on route options between Tanjore to Rameshwaram. He suggested ECR to be much better than the standard Puddukotai-Devipattanam route. He suggested to go via Pattukottai and Thondi.

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/route-...nadu-tour.html

Also around Tanjore you have lots temples to visit. Check with others for the same. Starting at night would be ideal, as you would have the whole day to visit Trichy/Tanjore region. (No compromise on sleep as well!

)

ranjith.rajaram · 20th October 2010, 13:08

Hi Deepak, how about Tata Winger I heard it more economical than the TT's which mean it would be cheaper that the TT's per Km cost. But I am not sure which would be more comfortable.

One key point is that make sure the seats head rest are high enough so that you can sleep well for a longer distance with more comfort. If the head rest it till your shoulders your neck with start paining in a day or so.

deepakchiniwal · 20th October 2010, 13:41

@ ranjith, Thanks. I shall check the Winger. Meanwhile I checked with one Travel Agency for a swaraj mazda with AC and 22 seating is 27 Rs per Km. Second he said though his vehicle has All India Permit, we need to pay tax of 7500 for entry in TN and 3600 for Kerala. Is the amount quoted right?

pypkmsrikanth · 20th October 2010, 14:40

With 13 adults & 2 kids I doubt TT would be a comfortable choice. You are left with only a Swaraj Mazda A/c, though you would have excess seats. The tax would be more compared to the TT because you are taking a higher capacity vehicle

deepakchiniwal · 8th November 2010, 22:39

I am looking for decent accomodation in the below said places for 14 adults and 2 kids.
A couple requiring a bedroom for themselves, rest everyone are Ok with Adjustments.
1. Kanyakumari
2. Madurai
3. Munnar - heard of entire bunglow/house given for accomodation
4. Kodaikanal - heard of entire bunglow/house given for accomodation

Can someone on priority help me with the above. Kindly PM me the numbers if you do not want to post the numbers. Need to confirm before I start on 12th :(

19th October 2010, 11:57	#1
deepakchiniwal BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 353 Thanked: 28 Times	Need a comfortable 12+ seater vehicle for trip to Kanyakumari Hello Folks, I am looking for a 12+ seat comfortable vehicle to travel to Kanyakumari/ Rameshwaram/Madurai etc from Bangalore. We have few 45+ yrs old people and kids of 2 yrs old as well. Considering this, I am looking out for travel options. Please provide me some pointers. Date of travel will be Nov 14 - 22 As usual will look for places to be visited from our friends here on TBHP. Thanks
	() Thanks

19th October 2010, 20:30	#2
bullinb BHPian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 218 Thanked: 7 Times	12+ people in comfort = TT. No other option.
	() Thanks

19th October 2010, 21:04	#3
sachinj12 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,187 Thanked: 168 Times	That Swaraj Mazda vehicle. Look no further.
	() Thanks

19th October 2010, 21:10	#4
StarVegabond Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,891 Thanked: 42 Times	Ensure that you get a vehicle which is not only in good condition (insist on the recent service report) and has excellent tyres, but also the driver (+cleaner) does not have drinking/smoking habits. Try to meet the driver before finalizing the vehicle/driver. Explain them (the owner as well as driver of the vehicle) about your trip schedule in advance, agree with them that you will tip them handsomely if they agree to meet your schedules/timings apart from regular daily allowance etc. this is essential for successful completion of week long trip with family as well as efficient and effective use of the time/comfort of the vehicle.
	() Thanks

19th October 2010, 21:12	#5
aargee Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: TSTN Posts: 6,236 Thanked: 9,643 Times	I've seen several Tempo Travellers (some called luxury) even with A/C, curtains & what not? They can comfortably accomodate 12+ (1 or 2 more) passengers & suits for your trip. On the other hand, if you're looking for some extra seats, say upto 15 or 16, then it may not be helpful; you might instead want to take a mini bus. Not sure about BLR, but in Chennai, most mini buses are made out of Tata 608's chassis with custom made body which provides anywhere between 19-24 seaters. Trust me, these are not as comfortable as Tempo Travellers. Last edited by aargee : 19th October 2010 at 21:13.
	() Thanks

19th October 2010, 23:28	#7
deepakchiniwal BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 353 Thanked: 28 Times	Ok folks, sort of freezed on the itenary for our trip. Date From To 12th Nov, 2010 Bangalore Tirchy, Tanjavoor, Rameshwaram (H) 13th 14th Nov, 2010 Rameshwaram Rameshwaram(H) 15th 16th Nov ,2010 Kanyakumari Kanyakumari (H) 17th 18th Nov 2010 Aallepy Aallepy(H) 19th ,20th Nov,2010 Guruvayur Ooty(H) 21st Nov,2010 Ooty Mysore 21st Nov,2010 Mysore Bangalore We are about 13 Adults and 2 kids. Please note: We need to be in Rameshwaram on 14th morning at any cost. Please feel free to help me freeze on the places and others. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

20th October 2010, 08:34	#8
ampere Team-BHP Support Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 17,952 Thanked: 12,943 Times View My Garage	At what time do you start on 12th? Doing Bangalore-Trichy-Tanjore and reaching Rameshwaram in the evening would be hectic. Though possible you should start by 2/3AM so as to reach Trichy by 7/8 AM. That is the only way you can finish Tirchy and Tanjore visits before the temples close. In that case you should be able to reach Rameshwaram by evening. Also in Trichy what you plan to visit? Srirangam, Malai Kottai ? Any other place? Trichy-Tanjore would take at least one hour. Hence you should plan in such a way that you dont find Tanjore temple closed. Given the fact that you would be on a TT, you can also catch up on your sleep.
	() Thanks

20th October 2010, 08:43	#9
Lukeskywalker Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,397 Thanked: 1,243 Times View My Garage	Try Sathya Sai travels in Jayanagar, have seen that most of their vehicles are in good condition and they are known to have good drivers too.
	() Thanks

20th October 2010, 10:40	#11
ampere Team-BHP Support Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 17,952 Thanked: 12,943 Times View My Garage	Check on @Harshavarthan's comments (post #9 on the followin thread) on route options between Tanjore to Rameshwaram. He suggested ECR to be much better than the standard Puddukotai-Devipattanam route. He suggested to go via Pattukottai and Thondi. http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/route-...nadu-tour.html Also around Tanjore you have lots temples to visit. Check with others for the same. Starting at night would be ideal, as you would have the whole day to visit Trichy/Tanjore region. (No compromise on sleep as well! )
	() Thanks

20th October 2010, 13:08	#12
ranjith.rajaram BHPian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Pune >> Bangalore Posts: 356 Thanked: 9 Times View My Garage	Hi Deepak, how about Tata Winger I heard it more economical than the TT's which mean it would be cheaper that the TT's per Km cost. But I am not sure which would be more comfortable. One key point is that make sure the seats head rest are high enough so that you can sleep well for a longer distance with more comfort. If the head rest it till your shoulders your neck with start paining in a day or so.
	() Thanks

20th October 2010, 13:41	#13
deepakchiniwal BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 353 Thanked: 28 Times	@ ranjith, Thanks. I shall check the Winger. Meanwhile I checked with one Travel Agency for a swaraj mazda with AC and 22 seating is 27 Rs per Km. Second he said though his vehicle has All India Permit, we need to pay tax of 7500 for entry in TN and 3600 for Kerala. Is the amount quoted right?
	() Thanks

20th October 2010, 14:40	#14
pypkmsrikanth Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 1,124 Thanked: 283 Times View My Garage	With 13 adults & 2 kids I doubt TT would be a comfortable choice. You are left with only a Swaraj Mazda A/c, though you would have excess seats. The tax would be more compared to the TT because you are taking a higher capacity vehicle
	() Thanks

8th November 2010, 22:39	#15
deepakchiniwal BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 353 Thanked: 28 Times	I am looking for decent accomodation in the below said places for 14 adults and 2 kids. A couple requiring a bedroom for themselves, rest everyone are Ok with Adjustments. 1. Kanyakumari 2. Madurai 3. Munnar - heard of entire bunglow/house given for accomodation 4. Kodaikanal - heard of entire bunglow/house given for accomodation Can someone on priority help me with the above. Kindly PM me the numbers if you do not want to post the numbers. Need to confirm before I start on 12th :(
	() Thanks