Click it and Unblock the Notifications
The Kottayam depot of the KSRTC received exciting news last Saturday as it got confirmation to operate a tourism service to the Nefertiti luxury cruise vessel in Kochi. The corporation offers this package at Rs 3,560 for adults and Rs 1,250 for children, covering the cruise and lunch. The announcement of the budget cruise package starting May 16 led to an immediate rush, with all tickets for the date selling out quickly.
In 2021, KSRTC initiated budget tours from various depots to popular destinations. However, Kottayam depot had to cancel its multiple day trips due to a shortage of driver-cum-conductor employees. But now, with the Nefertiti luxury cruise service, it seems like a new chapter has opened for tourists.
The Nefertiti cruise trip starts at 12 pm, and the bus will return to Kottayam by night. During the two-hour cruise, tourists will cover a distance of up to 12 nautical miles. The vessel offers impressive facilities, including a banquet hall for 200 people, a restaurant, a lounge bar, a 3D theatre, and a sundeck. It also provides options for hosting business meetings and private parties.
Not only the Nefertiti package, but all tour packages announced by the Kottayam depot for May have been fully booked. Apart from Nefertiti, KSRTC offers packages to Mamalakandam (May 12 and 19), Gavi (May 18), and Malakkappara (May 26). Due to overwhelming demand, a second trip to Mamalakandam was added, and it too got completely booked.
For the one-day tour to Mamalakandam, the corporation charges Rs 950, including lunch. The tour starts from Bhoothathankettu and covers attractions like the Inchathotty Hanging Bridge, Mamalakandam waterfalls, Mankulam, and Anakkulam. The bus departs at 5 am and returns to Kottayam by 11 pm.
The Gavi trip costs Rs 2,150, covering entry passes, boating charges, and lunch. On the other hand, the Malakkappara trip costs Rs 720 and covers tourism centers such as Thumboormuzhi, Athirappally, Vazhachal, Charpa waterfalls, and Sholayar Dam.
Due to the high demand during the vacation season, the corporation is planning to introduce a couple of additional services in May. "We are considering operating services to Konni, Anchuruli, or Munnar in the third week of this month," said Binoj B Chandran, coordinator of the budget packages.
The introduction of these budget tour packages and the exciting Nefertiti luxury cruise service offer tourists an excellent opportunity to explore the beauty of Kerala at affordable prices. With the demand soaring high, KSRTC is gearing up to provide more options to travelers, ensuring memorable and enjoyable experiences.
