Often ignored and only visited by travellers as a pitstop, Jaigaon is a very underrated destination waiting to be explored by the right travellers. Although it may seem unassuming at first, this destination also has a vibrant culture, history, and lush tea gardens. The clear river flowing at the southern end of the little town, the bustling markets and the warm smiles of people make it so much more than a random pitstop in your journey.
The best way to get around this quaint region is in a reliable and comfortable car. It is easy to get a car rental in Jaigaon, but the paths and terrain aren't easy to navigate. Thus, you may need a proper car rental checklist in Jaigaon to make sure you are getting the best car for your exploration. Here are 7 things you can add to your checklist while making your pick.
1. Research Well on Rental Companies
Due to its popularity as the gateway to Bhutan for most travellers, it is easy to find car rental companies in Jaigaon. However, you would also need to make sure that they are reliable and can accommodate your preferences. You can search online or look for references from your close acquaintances, and make a list of the most prominent ones. This will help you to research their performance by analysing their online reviews and services.
Most of the prominent companies have well-maintained websites and offer a wide range of services to cater to the needs of every type of traveller. These companies also tend to assure you of having well-maintained cars and additional services such as a chauffeur drive. It is crucial not to rush during this stage and assess all aspects of the companies properly.
2. Verify Documentation and Permits
While hiring or renting a car in Jaigaon, it is essential to make sure that the car has all the required papers. This would include permits, registration, as well as insurance and pollution certificates. These are extremely essential as Jaigaon is a border town, and you may be asked to show these documents by an official at various points.
Adding this to your car rental checklist in Jaigaon will also remind you to check for a permit if you are planning to head to the highway in Bhutan, across the border. While indian travellers do need permits to cross the border, the car itself also must be registered. Through this, you will be allowed in for cross-border travel. If at any point you do not provide the requested papers, you may face delays for a minor reason.
3. Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly
Most car rentals in Jaigaon claim to have well-maintained and comfortable cars. While this may be true, it is also essential to check for any issues before heading out for the journey. By checking the car, you can spot any of its visible damages, scratches, and dents.
You can also check if the tires are worn out. Taking a picture of these can help you dodge any possible extra maintenance fee later. Also, make sure to check for things like a spare tire and jacks in case you need to replace the tire. You can also get in the car and check all the parts, such as headlights, windshield wipers, as well as brake lights, to ensure you will be safe throughout the ride.
4. Understand the Rental Agreement and Fine Print
Once you have confirmed your ride, you will be handed a rental agreement in which the company will state details regarding your booking. It is essential to check all its aspects, as some companies tend to add fine print, which can increase your payment later. Make sure to carefully go through everything in the paper and make sure accurate amounts of agave are mentioned.
Read through all the fine print regarding fuel policy, return policy and mileage limitations to make sure you aren't made to pay extra later. If you are not sure about returning on the set time, you can ask if they provide any grace period, along with information about the cleaning fees and tips for the driver. If the rental provider is transparent about all their pricing, you can be assured that they are a reliable agency.
5. Confirm Insurance Coverage
While getting insurance can increase your expenses, it is extremely important when travelling in sensitive regions like Jaigaon, which borders another country. Along with this, Jaigaon also has various dirty paths, narrow roads and is also located closer to hilly terrain. Due to this, the region can be prone to accidents and vehicle damage.
With the help of the insurance, you will also be able to dodge the damage caused by theft, collision, as well as liabilities caused by a third party.
If you have personal travel insurance, it can add an extra barrier of safety for you, but you may need to check its applicability in Jaigaon. By adding this aspect to your car rental checklist in Jaigaon, you can let go of the stress of safety and stay protected from all unexpected situations.
6. Familiarise Yourself with Local Driving Rules
If you are opting for a self-driving experience, you need to understand the local driving rules of the state you are in. By taking suggestions from the car rental in Jaigaon, you can get information about the norms of the region. You can also familiarise yourself with routes in the locality and the speed limits that others follow. As a border town, it can be very busy. Along with this, the roads in this region’s town area are also very narrow. To ensure you travel safely through the town, you can also take help from the GPS, although it may not be accurate for all locations. In case you are unsure about driving, you can always take up chauffeur services, which will help you to focus on exploring and not worry about the safety of the streets.
7. Plan Your Itinerary and Book in Advance
Jaigaon provides access to various destinations, such as Buxa Tiger Reserve, Chilapata Forests, as well as Phuentsholing across the border. However, due to the popularity of these regions, you can face serious crowds of people if you head to these destinations during peak seasons. To ensure you get to make the most of your exploration, try to build an itinerary that fits all your preferred destinations. If you want to explore without the hassle of the crowds, you can also book your trip during the off-season, such as April or August
Conclusion
Connecting with a car rental in Jaigaon is not just a simple transaction, as it allows you to explore Jaigaon from a fresh perspective. It opens up the possibility of exploring destinations in and around the town, with flexible, safe and cost-effective methods. With the help of these points in your car rental checklist in Jaigaon, you will be able to keep track of important aspects that need deliberation before starting your journey.