TamilNadu: Recommend agencies/drivers they've used?

quell

I'm interested in rounding out our family visit to India with a tour of Tamil Nadu. Hotel Preference is 3-4-Star (as I didn't see anything 5 star that was Available there), around $70US.

So, I'm looking for a CUSTOMIZABLE PACKAGE DEAL from a reliable company (ie, they take care of the booking the driver and the hotels and we both determine the itinerary).

I would like it to include Ooty and travel in the Blue Mountain Railway, and Sri Meenakshi Temple and POSSIBLY go all the way across the state to see Pondicherry. I'd like it to be a Cultural experience for the kids (and still be Safe and somewhat comfortable!) We plan to start the Tamil Nadu tour starting out from Kerala on Tuesday, Jan 1 and need to be in Bangalore by Sat, Jan 5 evening.

I attempted the "get a driver, and do your own itinerary" for our week in Agra/Delhi/Jaipur (and that is what we are doing), but its been a tedious 3-week research project of Finding hotels and planning a route. The driver came recommended from family who've used him/company before, so I think we'll be fine with him.

So... for TamilNadu: does anyone have recommendations of companies/drivers you've used, and/or would you recommend a reliable tour company that would take care of hotel arrangements too?

Thank you.

quell

ok, We're most likely going to go with "South Tourism" (listed in lots of tour books and recognized/recommended by some family also) for our week-long trip. Their trip-planning and flexibility has been great so far....I'll update here in January on how it actually turns out.

quell

Ok, we're back in the States.

The driver (and his tour company) turned out to be Great.

"South Tourism" and their sister company, "Indian Panorama" turned out Amazing. Our driver ("Bala") was a Huge Contrast to the "not-nice" guy we had for a week in North India (I'll do another post on that experience ).

This driver was courteous, HONEST, reliable, patient and flexible. He never once took us to any commission-based restaurants nor "museums" (unlike our Delhi driver). He even helped me find good-quality bargains in Commercial Street in Bangalore (and similar in Pondicherry). He spoke fluent English (plus Tamil).

I must say that the DRIVER makes all the difference for a long tour in a private car. And, a good tour company will pay good drivers well, so that they can keep them. Also if they are paid by their company well, the driver won't feel he has to rip-off the rich foreign visitors to make a living.

So, I'm happy with Indian Panoram (South Tourism).

dhans

Second that! Faith is great.
www.tourism-southindia.com

Hans

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Tips for trips to India with (young) children: India with kids
Stories about our travels in India: Journal

snonymous

In Tamil Nadu I recommend the govt run Hotel Tamil Nadu chain of hotels, they are basic but absolutely safe, besides you get huge off season discounts and an extra 10% off if you stay more than 3 days. Ive found the staff to be courteous. Usually the food is tasteless but the locations being very central, there are plenty of options nearby and the room boys are happy to get you food from outside for a small tip. tamilnadutourism.org has more details.
Regarding car hire, we usually go once or twice a year to the Nilgiris or Palani hills Kodai, ex Coimbatore and always use the same driver Jagadeesan 9442370007. He is more of a friend now but has been consistently reliable, honest and a good driver and guide. Heartily recommend him.

Scandojazzbuff

This is another opportunity to plug Travel South India. Mani is the owner and can be reached spmani6500@yahoo.com

Cannot beat the level of service and price that these people offer. I'm sure there are other companies out there that people like. I would use them again without hesitation.

rebeccam

Quell, thank you for updating on your experience after you returned home!
Glad it turned out to be a great trip. The info you share is useful for us "imminent" travelers to So. India!

relkins

I took Scandojazzbuff's advice and used Travel South India a few weeks ago for a car and driver in both Karnaktaka and Tamil Nadu. Actually, 2 cars with 2 drivers, with an interval in between.

I can report that my wife and I found their service to be reliable and of good value. The cars were in good shape (we loved the classic white Hindustan Ambassador), and both drivers were excellent and very helpful. That made me want to recommend them here myself. Their website is http://www.travelsouthindia.co.in/

I don't normally post like this on boards, but these guys are a small company, and I was so happy with them that I want to let people know about them who might otherwise never hear of them.

Cardamom

I loved the progression of this thread - always nice to get updates post-trip. Im possibly (touch wood!) going to TN in Dec/January for a combo business/wedding/vacation trip. This is something that would be nice to do after the wedding. Thanks for the recommendations!

-C