Pondicherry to Chennai? Help

capt_mahajan

I have been ripped off big time internationally and nationally both

Just one eg, since offtopic.. getting cigarette wrapping paper in exchange for dollars in Colombo.

And Hamburg.. some other time, its too embarrassing

Nick-H

But isn't that one of the guys who ripped you off being used as a 'mouse' in your avatar?

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capt_mahajan

Nah. He must have had a good drink and laughed loudly

atala

There are lots of places that hire bikes at Mission Street, near Nehru St. crossing, but they overcharge. If you want a reasonable rate (Rs. 80-100 per day), go to Muthu Money Changer, his shop is on Mission St/Nehru St crossing (if you face the ocean, it is to the right, on the left side of the road, perhaps 3rd or 4th shop).

Muthu is a really nice guy. If you need any kind of help in town, go to him.

Kandisa

Thanks a lot. I never seen such an involvement in any forum. Great work.

Regarding Vovlo service, there is one by rathi meena and other (recently started) raj national express.

Raj has started chennai bangalore too and he is cheaper than current operators, may be to enter in the market, but raj is offering online too.
for me its sold out. I am thinking we r 4 and bus travel volvo is approx 1000 for 4 (1 side), it looks taxi will be better.

Any recommendation in chennai. I am new to chennai, so recommendation that will not rip me off which is common in chennai..Autos r my fav

capt_mahajan

If you indicate budget, somebody may be able to help.

Kandisa

anything less than 3k should be ok

capt_mahajan

With that much, you should get decent accomodation anywhere.

Maybe in the area your bus starts from?

Browse the hotel listings here... quite a few from Chennai, IIRC.

http://www.indiamike.com/reviews/sho...1&si =chennai

Kandisa

I am not looking for accomodation but recommendation for taxi operator from chrnnai.

Thanks for being patient

capt_mahajan

sorry, my mistake, reading too hastily again.

Nick-H

This is one of the bigger companies, they need at least 24 hours notice, especially for a larger vehicle, but we used to find their pricing competitive:

City Limouzines... 98411 10786 or 2827 0118.

The latter will be a landline number and will need 44 for Chennai after the +91 for India.

They may or may not be able to provide an English-speaking driver, but if you want one you should ask: most drivers I've come accross do not speak English.

Kandisa

Thanks Nick, will try this service

Nick-H

I can dig out more numbers for you if you want, of smaller companies or a travel agent.

You could try the Pondy company Atala recommends too: where-ever he is based, the driver has to do one way empty: its the same total distance for a pondy driver to collect you as for a chennai driver to take you and return.

Kandisa

That will be nice of you, I spoke to one of the travel guys..
he is chargig 3100 for return trip including 2 day stay for ambassador n indica n other r expensive.

I think getting a cab from pondy will be expensive as he has 2 do empty trip twice.

capt_mahajan

3100 seems a decent price, if you have him for two days.

Do clarify there are no driver waiting charges. (does not include tips, which are up to you)

Toll charges, IIRC correctly, were around 400 for a round trip. This included the ECR toll (100 or so return) plus a heftier toll before entering Pondicherry city. Do check who is paying this.

Like I said, in October I paid 3000 return for two days (car with us), and the only extra was the tip. (200)