Kottayam: After a brief period of heatwave, the state tourism is picking up again. KSRTC’s budget tourism has been attracting travel lovers and passengers are eager to book their seats as trips have begun from all the depots. The trips to the countryside in Idukki have been incredibly popular as many are looking for a respite from summer. Budget tourism services have begun from the seven depots in the district from the last week of April onwards. In April, the corporation earned Rs 4 lakh as revenue from the four depots. However, the demand for budget trips was relatively low in March due to the high temperature and the school's annual exams. Meanwhile, most passengers seem to be booking tickets for the Chathurangapara trip as it includes the scintillating scenic beauty of Munnar as well as the panoramic views of Tamil Nadu.
New services to Gavi too have begun and they have been scheduled on May 27 from Pala, May 12 from Chanaganassery, May 18 from Kottayam and May 21 from Vaikom. The tickets from the Changanassery depot have already been sold out. Besides, budget trips to Marayoor, Chathurangapara, Malakkapara, Vattavada, Anjuruli, Mamalakandam, Vagamon and Parunthumpara have been scheduled from various depots. On May 16, a mega trip from Kottayam that includes a thrilling cruise ride in Kochi has been organised. At Kochi, the passengers would board the luxury cruise boat Nefertiti for a five-hour long ride in the sea.
Nefertiti is a three-storied luxury cruise boat with all the modern safety features, owned by the Kerala Inland Navigation Corporation. The ticket for this trip costs Rs 3500 per head including food. Meanwhile, leisure trips to various tourist spots in the Palakkad district too would be arranged during the Onam season.
For booking call,
Kottayam: 9400600530, 8078248210
Changanassery: 7510112360, 8593027457
Pala: 89211531106, 8747930338
Vaikom: 9995987321, 9744031240
Erumely: 9447287735
Ponkunnam: 9497888032
Erattupetta: 9947084284