Just an update. In the process of exploring other transport options, we made a few calls to various transport agencies. We got quotes from
Rs 11, 500 to Rs 24,000 (for one way transport of car to Chennai). Everyone promised that they will transport the car in a proper carrier but they would not give anything in writing. There is no way to 'track' the carrier during the transport process. In other words, I would have to believe the company if they say the carrier has picked my car up. Wonder whether any transport company in India have heard of GPS tracking!! One would have thought that the transport industry would have welcomed GPS in a big way but I guess change is not that easy.
Researching the internet gave information about how bad these movers could be (including the so called reliable Agarwal Packers). Lots of dents, scratches, folks eating food and drinking inside the car, lots of mud on the seats and carpets, and with one car the car was even driven for 200 kms!!
I suggested to a few of them that I would like to lock the car up after it has been loaded into the car carrier. But almost with unison every car transport company I spoke with said that was not possible. I wonder why?
Maybe they intend to take my car out a couple of times to change carriers.
Most car carriers want 100% money in advance - That way they can easily shirk responsibility in case there are any damages to the car.
Looks like the bigger the car, the more the problems in transporting it.
Another thing I learnt was - the same car carriers who transport new cars have completely different standards when transporting other not so new cars. With new cars, they take utmost care since it is in their interest to get long term business from these car makers. But with private cars - they know they can get away with murder.
All said and done - It does look like the 'drive to Chennai' option is becoming more feasible now. We still have time for the trip so we will keep on looking at and eliminating other possibilities.