When you plan a family holiday to Kashmir, it’s essential to find the best transportation for it. Most families tend to book car hire in Srinagar for family tours as the public transport isn’t very suitable for tourists. Traveling in a private taxi is convenient as it is safe, and you can tour Kashmir at your own pace. Therefore, many visitors book their family taxi before they even set foot in Srinagar.
Srinagar serves as the main departure point for exploring Kashmir. Most families visit places such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and the Srinagar gardens. Since all these places are spread across Srinagar, covering them without having a hired taxi can be hectic. Traveling in a taxi would cover all the places without any stress. Additionally, the Kashmiri drivers are well-acquainted with the roads and weather conditions in Kashmir. They are considered to be one of the safest travel options for families.
There are various car hire providers in Srinagar that offer vehicles ranging from small to large families. You can opt for a sedan, an SUV or a tempo traveler according to the size of your group. Besides, most of the taxis include skilled drivers who act as local guides throughout your Kashmir tour.
Overview: Why Families Prefer Car Hire in Srinagar
Families often travel with their children and elderly members. Therefore, comfort and flexible timings are essential while touring. Car hire in Srinagar for family tours helps fulfill these needs. The private taxi ensures your family can stop for lunch, tea, or even a quick break whenever required.
Safety is another major concern while traveling in Kashmir. The Kashmiri roads are mostly surrounded by valleys and mountains. Since the local drivers know the roads very well, they are safe drivers on these terrains. This makes hiring a taxi one of the safest travel options.
Families also don’t have to bother about searching for buses and sharing a taxi every time. They get to have their taxi for the whole tour, making the trip smooth. This way you don’t waste a lot of time searching for transportation.
Many visitors even hire a taxi service for their pickup and drop-off from the Srinagar Airport. Since most tourists are traveling after a long journey, they wouldn’t want to struggle finding transportation from the airport. Thus, the preference for booking taxis is common.
What Is the Best Car for Family Tours in Srinagar?
Choosing the correct vehicle is important when planning for family travel. The number of family members and the luggage carry will determine what sort of car you need to hire. Families should consider opting for vehicles with comfortable seating and sufficient space.
The below table is a guide to commonly used vehicles for touring Kashmir.
| Vehicle Type | Family Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Etios/Dzire) | 3-4 people | Small family trips |
| SUV (Innova/Scorpio) | 5-7 people | Medium family groups |
| Tempo Traveller | 8-12 people | Large families |
| Luxury SUV | 4-6 people | Premium travel experience |
Most of the families book an SUV such as the Toyota Innova, which is comfortable for driving through the valley roads. Furthermore, the vehicle has ample boot space to store luggage.
A tempo traveler would be ideal when a large family group is traveling together. However, the price may increase due to the size of the vehicle.
How Much Does Car Hire in Srinagar for Family Tours Cost?
The taxi hire prices in Srinagar depend on the distance of the journey and the type of vehicle used. Thus, having knowledge of basic taxi charges would be helpful when planning the tour budget.
The table below presents the price estimates for taxi hire for common routes.
| Route | Sedan Price | SUV Price |
|---|---|---|
| Srinagar Local Sightseeing | 2000 – 3000 | 3000 – 4000 |
| Srinagar to Gulmarg | 2500 – 3500 | 3500 – 4500 |
| Srinagar to Pahalgam | 3000 – 4000 | 4000 – 5000 |
| Srinagar to Sonamarg | 2500 – 3500 | 3500 – 4500 |
The prices are somewhat uniform in Kashmir as the union controls the local taxi rates.
Since the prices are dynamic and may fluctuate depending on the season. Families touring Kashmir during summer would need to book early to secure favorable rates.
What Is the Best Family Tour Itinerary from Srinagar?
Most family tours to Kashmir commence from Srinagar, and the average duration of the tour is usually 4-6 days. These package deals are frequently offered by taxi services.
A commonly accepted family tour itinerary can be as follows:
Day 1 – Arrival in Srinagar
- Airport pickup
- Check-in to your Houseboat
- Shikara ride on Dal Lake
Day 2 – Srinagar Local Sightseeing
- Mughal Gardens
- Shankaracharya Temple
- Hazratbal Shrine
Day 3 – Day Trip to Gulmarg
- Gondola Ride
- Snow Activities (depending on season)
Day 4 – Tour of Pahalgam
- Betaab Valley
- Aru Valley
Day 5 – Day trip to Sonamarg
This itinerary ensures that families travel shorter distances each day and don’t feel too tired. It is suitable for children and the elderly.
When Is the Best Time for Family Tours in Srinagar?
Kashmir is a year-round tourist destination. However, different families have preferences regarding the time to visit based on weather and availability of various activities.
Summer (April – June) This is considered the peak tourist season and all the attractions are open to visitors. Since the climate is pleasing and the valley looks vibrant, it’s perfect for family outings.
Autumn (September – October) This season also offers beautiful weather and fewer tourist crowds compared to the summer season. Also, one might get to avail slightly lower prices from local taxi vendors.
Winter (December – February) This season is a heaven for snowfall lovers, and the place is filled with tourists eager to explore Gulmarg. However, roads might be difficult to navigate due to snow. It is advised to hire drivers who are well experienced with the Kashmiri terrains.
Every season has its charm, and the families can choose based on their travel preferences.
How to Book a Family Taxi in Srinagar?
Booking a taxi in advance can help avoid any unnecessary delays or troubles on your trip. It’s generally advisable for families to book their taxis online much before they land in Kashmir.
Follow these simple steps:
- Find reliable taxi services that cater to tourists visiting Srinagar.
- Compare the available options and the prices for different car rentals.
- Confirm the driver details and the trip itinerary with the service provider.
- Request an Airport Pickup Service from the booking provider.
- Inquire about the union taxi charges in Kashmir.
Most tourists prefer to communicate via WhatsApp for quicker booking. However, booking online allows you to compare prices before making the booking.
Make sure to ask if the fare covers fuel charges, driver charges and any parking costs. This will avoid any confusion later.
Important Tips for Hiring a Family Taxi in Srinagar
Some tips should be considered before booking a taxi for your Kashmir trip:
- Always confirm the car model and the capacity of the car before booking.
- Clarify the luggage space available in the car.
- Check if the driver stops at all tourist destinations.
- Always confirm the drivers experience.
- Keep the drivers contact details handy.
The taxi union has rules that forbid outside taxis from plying in Kashmir. Therefore, the best option would be to book taxis with local drivers.
Try to plan your trip between sunrise and sunset time since roads can be quite dangerous during night time especially in the hilly terrains.
Common Mistakes Families Make While Booking Taxis
Many travelers tend to make mistakes while booking a taxi. It is always better to take the time to understand your needs before booking your taxi service in Srinagar.
- Booking an extremely cheap taxi service: While cost is a factor, extremely cheap prices would usually indicate poor vehicle condition and less experienced drivers.
- Not confirming the entire itinerary properly: Due to taxi union rules, local taxis are required for certain tourist destinations and a proper itinerary will avoid the need to hire separate vehicles in different destinations.
- Overlooking the hidden costs: parking fees and toll charges usually add up, and families tend to ignore them while booking.
- Underestimating the luggage space needed:Families should make sure that they pick a vehicle large enough to accommodate all their luggage and belongings.
Avoiding these simple mistakes would lead to a smoother family tour in Kashmir.
Why Choose Local Taxi Services in Srinagar?
There are numerous reasons why travelers prefer booking directly with local taxi vendors in Srinagar. The locals tend to know what the tourists are looking for and work towards fulfilling it.
Drivers in Srinagar can suggest the best restaurants in the valley. They would also help with suggestions of local food places to visit and souvenirs to purchase from the region. With their local knowledge, you wouldn’t have to stress about any road blocks or diversions.
Local taxi providers also offer comprehensive tour packages for families which include your airport pickup and drop, and complete transportation throughout your tour of Kashmir.
Booking with a local operator allows you the liberty to customize your tour package to your family’s liking.
Family Safety Tips During Kashmir Taxi Tours
While traveling with family members, safety becomes a priority. Here are a few useful tips that families should follow while hiring a taxi for their tour.
- Make sure that the taxi that you hire is registered properly. It must have a yellow number plate.
- You may be required to show your ID proof at some of the check posts in Kashmir.
- Try to start your journey in the morning so that you can enjoy the scenic beauty with better visibility and climate.
- Keep the emergency contact numbers saved with you so that you can call them in case of an emergency.
Why Book with Kashmirtaxi.in for Family Tours?
Kashmirtaxi.in aims to provide secure and convenient taxi services for families touring Kashmir. You can book your family taxis easily through their website.
They provide taxis ranging from sedans, SUVs to tempo travelers to suit the size of your family. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about anything as their drivers are local and well experienced with the various touring destinations in Kashmir.
You can easily book airport pick and drop, and tour packages with Kashmirtaxi.in for your family tour in Kashmir. They also ensure transparency in their prices and you wouldn’t be charged extra by the local taxi drivers.
Car Hire in Srinagar for Family Tours – FAQ
Is car hire in Srinagar suitable for family tours?
What type of car is best for family tours in Srinagar?
How much does car hire in Srinagar for family tours cost?
Can families hire a taxi from Srinagar Airport?
Is it possible to hire a taxi for a complete Kashmir family tour?
Are tempo travellers available for large families?
How far is Gulmarg from Srinagar by taxi?
How far is Sonmarg from Srinagar by taxi?
Do taxis allow sightseeing stops during family trips?
When is the best season for family tours in Srinagar?
Can tourists book family taxis in Srinagar online?
Read More