Driver in South India
 

Hello!
We are planning to visit South India (Mysore, Hampi, Badami, Goa) and would like to arrange a car and driver for the trip. Although we could arrange this through an agency or our hotel, if anyone has a personal recommendation for a driver, we would love to contact them.
Thanks so much!

Generally speaking, such things as drivers arranged from home will cost more than the same things arranged on the spot. If it doesn't matter, then I understand wanting it pinned down ahead of time. But since there are so many good everythings in India, because tourism is such a big part of the economy, you'll likely get a similar driver for a significantly better price by booking after arrival, as long as you're clear about requirements.

My advice always is to book through an agency. You may pay a bit more, but you will have back-up if something goes wrong with the vehicle (the agency will trade out the vehicle) or with the driver (e.g., a driver who takes you to shops when you ask them not to).

I've actually had better results hiring locally than I have through an agency. When I'm there, talking to accommodation owners and tell them I want an English-speaking driver, I've always gotten one. That wasn't the case when an agency provided the drivers and that's why I changed tactics.

I've never been taken shopping, in either case, unless I'd asked to be taken to particular shops or shopping centers. And never had trouble with cars, after a number of trips and some very long drives. Maybe this just shows it can work well either way.

Hi both! Just back from our stay in South India. We were not able to book in advance (no agency could accommodate our request) and ended up booking locally. Worked out very well even though our trip was very complicated (which is why we wanted to have everything arranged beforehand).
If anyone is looking for a driver in Mysore area, we had a good experience with Nagaraj - +91 09448765003