Last monsoon, a friend of mine stood on a Dadar platform for ninety minutes. The train never came. Her weekend in the hills was gone before it even started. A planned Mumbai to Lonavala Cab Booking would have saved her mood and her soggy sandwiche.
The journey itself is just about eighty kilometer long. However little details make all the difference. Type of vehicle timing point of pick up everything matter. Here is something that I would like people to know before stepping out on the road.
Why Cabs Beat Local Trains
Once you try online car booking for a hill trip train start to feel slow. You pick a time. A driver arrives at your doorstep. Luggage is placed in the trunk the kids sit in the rear and no one has to run to a platform carrying a heavy bag.
Yes traveling by train is inexpensive but your local bring you to the railway station after which you still need a car. The taxi avoids this process and bring you directly to the gates of the villa with wet shoes which is exactly what you wanted to achieve.
Pick the Right Car Size
Two people with four backpacks? With two toll booths, a hatchback is too tight to squeeze in comfortably. Rather go with a sedan. Grandparents traveling with babies and prams might want to consider an SUV because the seating level is high and the doors open widely.
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Boot space is more important than passenger count, truly. A boot that appears spacious online will fit just two bags. You better consult the operator on boot space before booking. Also mention your camera bag or baby buggy. No surprises at pickup time.
Time Your Departure Smartly
Leave Mumbai after seven on weekends, and you’ll find yourself alone on the expressway. Leave after ten, and you’ll end up crawling behind buses near Khopoli. The Friday evening drive is the worst so either avoid it or leave late.
The return trip is pretty much the opposite scenario. Four o’clock on Sunday is a nightmare. Eight p.m. on Sunday is much better. Just inform your driver about your plans beforehand since all of them like taking shortcuts whenever possible.
What the Fare Covers
In all cases you should know what is included in the cost quote. Toll gasoline and driver’s costs normally belong to it. Fees for parking and overnight stops do not normally come in the cost. The low rate that you see on the screen may change after you get out of the vehicle.
You should get the final price in a written form even by text message. In case if your ride is a return one find out whether there is an hourly rate for the wait. Making small effort now can save you from having large argument later as nobody enjoys quarrelling at the tollbooth with a tired baby.
Safety Checks Before Starting
Match the number plate to your booking and then look at the tires they speak more than review about the quality of driving. A tired driver is a potential danger so ask him if he is well rested. It sounds a bit like rudeness initially but he won’t feel offended at all.
Inform your family member about your journey through your app, most apps support live link sharing feature. Charge your battery in advance as there is patchy coverage during ghat drive. And wear your seat belt when sitting on the rear seat, this rule is applicable on the rear seat as well.
Ghat Roads and Monsoon Drives
The ghat at Khandala is beautiful indeed. However in July the fog hangs down and the roads get slippery. Your local guide knows each and every corner of the roads. So let him take it slow. Don’t pressurize him into stopping for taking pictures just because the scenery is right there anyway.
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Have a light raincoat with you. Also keep a plastic bag for wet footwear. In case of any feeling of insecurity due to the heavy rains pull up your vehicle at a roadside stall and wait. Usually hot vada pav and some steaming chai works wonder for the weather.
Small Habits That Help
Note the driver’s phone number when he shows up. Pay him any additional money only when you have finished traveling. Have small bills on hand for toll payments, as they take a while to come out from the toll plaza. The passengers who book their travel through the Internet will have details of the driver beforehand.
Bring some food a power bank and a charger for the car. Give a quick check to the seats as you exit as the phone might have fallen there. Small things like these will ensure your journey becomes relaxed and hassle free this difference can be felt by the second hour.
Conclusion
Preparation for an ideal hill trip starts much before the trip begins. Choose your vehicle, decide on the time and also get details about the cost of the travel. It’s all you need to do. Preparing your Cab from Mumbai to Lonavala in this manner helps in keeping the day bright even when clouds darken.
Get other road related information from cabbazar.com. Plan ahead, pack smartly, drive carefully and enjoy the green hills. You will return to the city and nobody gets harmed by spending some time away.