Over the past few months, the travel industry has faced some challenges due to global events, increasing fuel prices and other factors that have affected travel plans. However, tourism has always been a strong and resilient industry. People will always want to travel, explore new places and experience different cultures. We believe these challenges are only temporary, and better days are ahead. With a positive outlook and continued support from our partners, we are confident that travel will continue to bring people together and create wonderful experiences around the world.
Tamil Nadu and Kerala have recently seen new governments take charge following the elections. In Tamil Nadu, a young, emerging political party has come to power with a significant victory, reshaping the state's political landscape.
Along with these developments, there have already been several increases in fuel prices. Considering the current global situation and market uncertainties, there may be further increases to fuel prices and related components, such as interstate taxes, in the coming months. We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you informed of any developments that may affect tourism operations and pricing.
Our own office in Chennai:
We are glad to inform you that we have moved to our own office building in Chennai from Wednesday, 27th May 2026. Our new officeaddress in Chennai is: Cholan Tours Private Limited, Sunil Sanctuary, F1, First Floor, 30/25, Cart Track Road, Velachery, Chennai – 600042.
Please note that all our contact numbers and email addresses will remain unchanged. Kindly share this update with your team and ensure that all couriers reach the new address henceforth. Thank you.
Cholan Tours Launches Women Chauffeur Initiative for Tourist Transport Services:
https://www.cholantours.com/car-rental/women-chauffeur-driver-india
Having spent over 20 years in the tourism industry, I felt it was time to contribute in a more meaningful way and create opportunities that can make a difference. As part of this vision, Cholan Tours recently launched its pioneering Women Chauffeur Initiative during our 11th Annual General Meeting held in Pondicherry last month.
The initiative was formally launched in the presence of Shri D. Venkatesan, Regional Director (South), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. As part of our commitment to inclusivity, women’s empowerment, and sustainable employment generation, we have already inducted five women chauffeurs in the first phase of the programme in Tamil Nadu and have completed a few client services in the last 3 weeks.
This initiative creates meaningful career opportunities for women in a field that has traditionally been dominated by men. Our women chauffeurs are not only professionally trained drivers but also confident and capable tourism professionals. Most are graduates, some are postgraduates, and many have strong communication skills, including fluency in English, enabling them to interact comfortably with both domestic and international guests.
In addition to driving, they have been trained in guest care and tourism service standards. To support them during long-distance tours, we have arranged safe and comfortable accommodation at 22 major destinations across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This allows them to rest comfortably at the end of the day and be prepared for the next day's tour.
Encouraged by the positive response, we plan to add 25 more women chauffeurs by July 2026, with five already joining our Kerala operations this week.
Building on this encouraging start, we plan to induct an additional 25 women chauffeurs by July 2026 across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In fact, five more women chauffeurs are joining our Kerala operations this week.
While women drivers are now commonly seen in city taxi services across India, women driving tourists on long-distance and interstate tours is still uncommon. Through this initiative, Cholan Tours is creating new opportunities for women and taking a meaningful step towards a more inclusive tourism industry. We hope this gives you one more reason to choose Cholan Tours, knowing that together we are supporting women's empowerment and helping create positive change in tourism.
You may click the link below to know more about this pioneering initiative of Cholan Tours:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uAcCnwBtiF1zWpbn9z661NJHHZ-1Qsao/view?usp=sharing
Women-driven E-Autos in Madurai:
We earlier launched our Women E-Auto Project in Madurai, my hometown and a city that is very close to my heart. After spending over 20 years in the tourism industry, I felt it was important to give back to the community that has been a part of my journey.
In December 2025, we started this initiative to create job opportunities for local women. As part of the project, 20 women from Madurai were trained and employed as professional e-auto drivers. The initiative provides safe, comfortable, and eco-friendly transportation for both local people and tourists. It also helps women earn a steady income and build a better future for themselves and their families.
This project is purely a social initiative and not a business venture. To provide financial security, all the women are employed on our regular payroll, covered under the Provident Fund (PF) scheme, and are also eligible for performance-based incentives.
We are happy to share that the project has received a very positive response and is running successfully. We sincerely thank you for your continued support and encouragement.
Please find below the tariff details for the various services offered through our women-driven e-autos in Madurai. We look forward to your continued support in strengthening this women empowerment initiative.
Women-Driven E-Auto Tariff, Madurai
|
From |
Meenakshi Temple Transfer Rs. |
Airport Transfer Rs. |
Railway Station Transfer Rs. |
Night Ceremony Rs. |
Half day Sight seeing Rs. |
Full day Sight seeing Rs. |
|
Courtyard by Marriott |
200 |
500 |
250 |
600 |
1000 |
2000 |
|
Pandiyan Hotel |
200 |
500 |
250 |
600 |
1000 |
2000 |
|
JC Residency |
200 |
500 |
250 |
600 |
1000 |
2000 |
|
Heritage |
300 |
550 |
250 |
600 |
1200 |
2000 |
|
Taj Gateway |
300 |
500 |
300 |
600 |
1400 |
2000 |
|
GRT Regency |
250 |
500 |
250 |
600 |
1200 |
2000 |
|
GRT Grand |
400 |
500 |
300 |
800 |
1500 |
2000 |
**Half Day sightseeing includes - Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace.
***Full Day Sightseeing includes - Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Gandhi Museum, Vandiyur Tank, Vegetable and Flower Market & Night Ceremony visit.
Additional GST, exclusively for transport services:
We would like to inform you that Cholan Tours has obtained an additional GST registration exclusively for transport services.
Additional GSTIN: 33AAECC2485L5ZF
SAC Code: 998555 – Tour Operator Services
Going forward, whenever we provide only transport services to your clients, invoices will be issued under the above new GSTIN with 18% GST. As committed, you will effectively bear only 5% GST, while the balance 13% will be absorbed by Cholan Tours. Since the invoice will carry 18% GST, you can claim the full 18% as Input Tax Credit (ITC), providing an additional 13% tax benefit to your organisation. So this is another reason for you to select Cholan Tours Services.
However, if the booking includes any other service along with transport (such as accommodation, sightseeing, guide services, etc.), it will be treated as a tour package and billed under our existing GSTIN 33AAECC2485L1ZJ with 5% GST, as per the applicable GST regulations.
This additional GST registration has been obtained to streamline our operations, ensure full GST compliance, and provide greater transparency in our billing process. This is purely an administrative change and will not affect our existing business relationship or the way we work together.
We request you to kindly update your records with the following details for all transport-only transactions:
GSTIN: 33AAECC2485L5ZF
SAC Code: 998555 – Tour Operator Services
New Vehicles in 2026:
As part of our commitment to maintaining and enhancing service quality, we will be replacing all our 2023 vehicles with brand-new vehicles this year. We expect the new vehicles to be delivered by September 2026. In addition, we are exploring the possibility of introducing 40-seater electric buses as part of our future plans and sustainability efforts. We will keep you updated as this initiative progresses.
Toyota Crysta: As with all good things, there comes a time for change. We would like to inform you that the Toyota Crysta is gradually being phased out. However, we have identified an excellent alternative that offers even greater space and comfort, better than the Crysta.
Alternative for Crysta: The new vehicle is the VinFast, an electric vehicle from VinFast, part of Vingroup, Vietnam. Most importantly, it is an environmentally friendly electric vehicle, supporting our commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism.
We have already inducted one vehicle on a trial basis and are extremely impressed with its comfort and spacious interiors. We are confident that it will provide an enhanced travel experience for our guests, while replacing the Toyota Crysta effectively.