chennai autorickshaw drivers are famous, rpt famous for ripping people off. and they dont ever use the meter.

hire a car for a day and drive around .. its aircon and you dont roast, and theres a fixed rate. dont ask for a car from the hotel concierge.. thats a huge ripoff too.

http://www.carzonrent.com is the local hertz affiliate, and they have cars in most indian cities.. or there are other car providers you can book off the Indian Railways website www.irctc.co.in [yup you can also book train tickets on it] .. that'll prove rather cheaper.