Best Cars for Group Travel in Kerala
From the foggy, twisting hairpin bends of the tea estates of Munnar to the tranquil waters of the backwaters of Alleppey, the scenic charms of this coastal state are best appreciated with the people who you love. Be it organizing a large family function, a trip with old school buddies, or a business holiday, there is no denying that traveling in a group gives you great happiness, but the difficulty lies in finding the right transport facility. The special geography of Kerala demands something other than just an ordinary car. You need one that can climb up to the hills, cruise down the coastline, provide adequate space so that you and your group do not feel like compressed sardines in a tin can. Self drive car rental services in Kerala will help you enjoy the vacation, and this blog post will tell you how. The topography of Kerala changes very quickly. From the level roads of the bustling Kochi city to the hilly roads of the Western Ghats – all this could be experienced within a single day. Thus, the following factors would need to be considered in selecting the right ride for you and your party:
● Torque & Power: Necessary to haul your entire group and large luggage across the hilly roads of the hill stations.
● Suspension and Comfort: Necessary to avoid being prone to motion sickness while riding in the ghats.
● Climate control: Good multi-zone air-conditioning is necessary to manage with the humid conditions or rain showers.
What to Choose?
While searching for a car for rent in Kerala, you will have a lot of choices available from small 7 seaters to huge luxury people carriers. Here are some of the best.
1. Toyota Innova Crysta / Hycross: The Unquestionable Champion
It is no coincidence that almost every seasoned traveler suggests the Toyota Innova. It is simply the best car for traveling in a group over long distances in India with a passenger capacity of upto 8 adults. It is most suitable for cross-state journeys, luxurious family holidays, and exploring hill stations.
Why It Is Great in Kerala: The Innova Crysta features a highly-efficient 2.4-liter diesel engine which gives outstanding torque at low-end levels, allowing the vehicle to effortlessly drive up the steep hills even while being completely full. Moreover, its ladder frame construction helps to absorb the vibrations caused by bumpy country roads. And for those who want to travel in a greener way, there is the Innova Hycross that provides an extra roomy hybrid version and makes the trips near backwaters very calm.
2. The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: A Cost-Effective Companion
For those who wish to ensure that their journey is both cost-effective as well as not restricted by passenger capacity, the Ertiga comes to be a much-loved choice for family holiday car rentals. It has a capacity of around 5-7 people (Ideal for 5-6 people on long journeys) and is best for families with budget constraints, weekend excursions, and urban shopping jaunts. Why the Ertiga Stands Out in Kerala: Ertiga is highly fuel-efficient, and its size is also much smaller compared to that of the Innova. This smaller size works in its favor during the journey through the winding urban roads of cities like Fort Kochi or the narrow streets of Kozhikode.
3. Kia Carens: Tech-savvy MVP of Modern Times
The Kia Carens has quickly turned out to be the choice for families that are looking for a luxurious, car-like driving experience with the highest focus on safety and luxury features. It offers a seating capacity of 6 to 7 passengers and is suitable for tech-friendly families/groups with a requirement for luxury seating experience on a budget.
What Makes it Better in Kerala: The Carens offers a very comfortable riding experience with great third-row seating which can actually accommodate adult passengers. Features such as one touch-electric tumbling seats make it extremely easy for elderly family members to enter/exit the vehicle. Safety features such as the presence of six airbags as standard equipment across variants provide immense reassurance on the unpredictable highways.
4. Mahindra XUV700 or Scorpio-N: For the Adventurous
In case you are planning to travel to adventurous terrains such as Vagamon, Gavi or the high altitude locations in Wayanad, an SUV is unparalleled. With a seating capacity of 7 passengers it is suitable for off-beat travels, monsoon travels, and driving enthusiasts.
Why is it Good in Kerala: The SUVs offer an awesome view of the road with high ground clearance that clears water logged areas easily. Some models also feature optional All Wheel Drive systems
The monsoon season of Kerala (from June to September) changes the entire scenery of the place into an amazing emerald paradise. Driving in such conditions, however, calls for a special mind set. Monsoon showers will make visibility zero within seconds and streams can flow over roads in rural areas. Here is a checklist for monsoon car rentals for group tours:
● High Ground Clearance (For easy passage over unexpected water puddles)
● ABS + ESC (Anti-Lock Braking System + Electronic Stability Control)
● Good quality Wipers and Crystal Clear Headlights
● Deep Groove Tires (For better traction on wet tarmac)
While renting out cars during monsoons, it is important to choose off road vehicles or heavily built MPVs like the Innova Crysta or the Mahindra Scorpio N. The weight of these vehicles ensures that they do not hydroplane easily. Additionally, the high ground clearance allows you to view through the rain sheets easily. A choice of hiring a self-drive vehicle will enable you to have complete freedom over time management. You can stop as soon as you see a roadside stall offering freshly fried banana balls (pazham pori) along with a piping hot cardamom tea without having to ask the driver about stopping
The most common starting point for all tourists would be Kochi since it is the economic capital of the state. It becomes very convenient to hire a car from Kochi due to the economic significance of this place. Starting from here would allow you and your friends to immediately load the luggage and start your journey via national highways to Munnar and Alleppey. A road trip in Kerala is an amazing way to bond, have fun and create countless stories. All you need to do is pick up the right transport – whether the lavish reliability of an Innova car to take in a memorable family vacation, or the compact and efficient Ertiga to make a budget escape.
Plot the perfect map, rent a suitable vehicle and get ready to drive through one of the most stunning tropical landscapes in the world!
