How to identify the ideal car when renting
By: Lucifer Goodman
Tags: Sri Lanka, Vacation, Travel, Car Rental, Cars

Although many roads in Sri Lanka are paved and offer smooth surfaces to travel on it can be quite frustrating as except for the expressways many of the roads are just two-lane narrow strips. Choosing a car to rent and travel around the island will be easier with this guide.

Self-Driven Cars

Although there are several public transport options, cars are the preferred transport mode among many Sri Lankans as every citizen aspires to own one. Their numbers have exploded recently leading to traffic jams in cities and even on some long-distance routes. Interestingly many Sri Lankans still treat journeys out of town as something to be enjoyed and stop over at eating places along the way to enjoy a cup of tea or a meal and relax. Cars give them the freedom to do this. While it may be one of the best options for getting around not all cars are made equal and many of the smaller and less powerful models are responsible for causing accidents and delays on the roads. They are also not suitable to negotiate the less well-maintained roads in the hinterland. While visitors may wish to drive their own vehicles, they are advised to ensure its condition and to acquaint themselves well with the country’s highway regulations and be aware of the irregular and dangerous habits of drivers in Sri Lanka especially those in big vehicles. Casons Rent a Car Sri Lanka for instance, or another car rental in Sri Lanka will be able to offer a choice of cars for self-driving or with well-trained responsible drivers for travel around Sri Lanka with the necessary insurance and licenses.

Car and Driver

Hiring a car and driver is among the most convenient and comfortable ways to travel across the country and it offers a great deal of flexibility and practically no stress. As this type of transport is provided by hotels and car rental companies there is some responsibility to ensure that both car and driver are of a certain standard. However, the drivers are not guides unless a driver/guide has been specifically requested. Something to keep in mind is not to be enticed to go to restaurants, hotels and shops recommended by drivers but to make informed personal choices. Prices for cars with drivers will depend on the type of car requested. The larger and more luxurious it is, the more it will cost. Cars can be hired on a dry lease or with fuel and 100/ km per day free mileage. Anything above this will come at an extra charge. Vehicles can also be hired by the day.

SUVs

The other type of vehicle suitable to be used on Sri Lankan roads is an SUV. They come in a variety of makes, many with a 4x4 option. The personal opinion of many local drivers is that these are the most suitable vehicles for Sri Lanka roads as they are larger, more secure and offer good visibility enabling drivers to take evasive action swiftly when the need arises. They are also more suitable to be driven on the less well-maintained roads. SUVs of many makes can be hired from vehicle rental companies especially for family travel but are quite costly to rent. They too come with drivers.

Other Options

These are among the most affordable and popular modes of transport for locals and visitors alike. For visitors, they are the best and cheapest ways to explore areas close to their accommodation and even to go further away. Even in the case of an emergency repair, there are enough repair shops around the country that can attend to them. Using a bicycle or a motorbike is among the best ways to interact with the locals and to experience ‘real’ Sri Lanka. These modes of transport encourage stopping at little wayside eateries and tea houses frequented by locals. Travelling through the night on these modes of transport is not recommended. Riders need to be properly attired and should be mindful of traffic on the roads they have selected to travel.