#trip #destination #travel #budget #ksrtc #aanavandi #traveller

KSRTC has launched an exciting initiative known as Budget Tourism Leisure Trips, with the aim of providing affordable travel options to popular tourist destinations while generating additional revenue. This initiative aligns perfectly with the government's focus on promoting domestic tourism. By bringing together individual travelers, KSRTC organizes cost-effective trips that cater to a segment often overlooked by others, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

The popularity of KSRTC's tour packages can be attributed to their affordability, commitment to safety, experienced staff, and the reliability of the government system. Notably, the absence of any employee complaints speaks volumes about the dedication of the team behind this project. In fact, Smt. M.I. Savita, a regular budget traveler from Neyyattinkara, has even published a heartwarming travelogue titled "My Elephant Carriage Travels" to share her delightful experiences.

One of the key advantages of these trips is that they are primarily organized on weekends, allowing KSRTC to generate additional revenue without disrupting its regular services. The success of sightseeing and sleeper bus trips to destinations like Munnar, as well as the positive feedback received for tourist trips to the charming border village of Malakappara, have prompted the establishment of a dedicated department called the Budget Tourism Cell within KSRTC, effective from November 1st, 2021.

Munnar tours have become incredibly popular and highly sought-after, with recreational trips available from 25 different depots. The Malappuram-Munnar Vinoda Yatra has created quite a buzz in northern Kerala, while the entertainment trips to Malakappara, organized from the Chalakudy depot, have allowed tourists to discover the hidden beauty beyond Athirapalli and Vazhachal, captivating the attention of the media. KSRTC's recreational trips to forest areas such as Nelliampathi, Thattekad, Ponmudi, Rosmala, and Arippa have also been incredibly successful.

Another successful endeavor by KSRTC is the Kumarakam Kayal Yatras, a collaborative effort involving the District Tourism Promotion Councils and private entrepreneurs, which has beautifully showcased the mesmerizing backwaters. Building on this achievement, KSRTC is currently developing a backwater tourism project known as "KSRTC Cruise Line," with a special focus on the enchanting districts of Kumarakam, Alappuzha, and Kollam.

In a pioneering move for Kerala, KSRTC has introduced open deck double-decker bus sightseeing tours in Thiruvananthapuram city. Furthermore, preparations for sightseeing trips in Alappuzha and Wayanad are almost complete. The affordable pilgrimages offered by KSRTC have been warmly embraced by devotees, with successful trips to renowned temples such as Velankanni, Tirunelli, Nalambalam, and the Panchapandava Temples. There are also plans underway to connect more pilgrimage centers within and outside Kerala.

In order to provide economical accommodations for tourists, KSRTC has initiated projects to establish AC sleeper buses and AC dormitories, taking inspiration from the successful models in Munnar and Sultan Bathery depots. The objective is to accommodate over 10,000 people per day, ensuring convenience for tourists and other travelers across KSRTC depots throughout Kerala. Additionally, a project called "KS RTC Budget Stay" is in its final stages, which involves collaboration with private entrepreneurs offering lodges, home stays, and dormitories to provide low-cost accommodations.

Under the name "KSRTC Refresh," accredited hotel and restaurant establishments have started operations, guaranteeing quality food options for both recreational and regular travelers across the state. To further enhance the experience, an online pre-booking system for meals is currently in development.

The Budget Tourism Cell has achieved remarkable progress

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