KSRTC rolls out 72 temple-connect packages for Sabarimala pilgrims

KOCHI: Pilgrims embarking on spiritual journey to the Sabarimala hill shrine this pilgrimage season have an enriched experience awaiting them, thanks to the novel initiative of the KSRTC Budget Tourism Cell (BTC). The corporation has rolled out an extensive set of 72 temple-connect packages for the mandala season, designed to allow devotees to offer prayers at major temples en route, weaving together a more holistic pilgrimage circuit. The initiative is being carried out in association with the Travancore Devaswom Board. We have introduced 72 chartered packages, involving 1,600 trips, for the first phase of the pilgrimage season. More trips will be conducted depending on the demand. The temple-connect packages, especially those from northern parts, will be of two-day trips, while those from comparatively nearby places like Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta will be one-day services, a senior BTC official told TNIE. The seats of a BTC bus can be booked by a single group or multiple groups. A chartered bus will ply if 90% of the seats are booked. A standout offering among the 72 packages is the Ayyappa Darsanam pilgrimage circuit, which connects four historically and mythologically significant temples Kulathupuzha Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Aryankavu Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Achankovil Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple associated with the life of Lord Ayyappa. Pampa depot facilities to be free for BTC travellers This circuit is a meticulously curated route tracing Lord Ayyappas journey through various life stages as cited in legends. Apart from this, the BTC has listed a wide array of other packages. For instance, pilgrims from the northern parts of Kerala can opt for packages that include the Guruvayur temple, while those from the south can choose packages featuring the Kottarakkara Ganapathy temple. The final schedule for these chartered trips will be tailored to the specific interests of the travelling groups, the official said. The authorities promise that these tours will be offered at reasonable rates, with fares for packages originating from destinations like Thrissur ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 700 per person. To encourage pilgrimage groups, we are offering a commission for bulk bookings. A 3% commission will be given to the groups leader if the booking is done on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and 2.5% on weekdays. The order in this regard has been issued, the official said. For the first time, the KSRTC is enhancing pilgrim amenities by offering dedicated luggage space and refreshment facilities at the Pampa depot free of cost for travellers availing BTC packages. Also, BTC coordinators will be stationed at Sannidhanam to provide direct assistance to pilgrims. The pilgrims will be taken back to their origin destination in the BTC bus. For enquiries, contact BTC coordinator Pathanamthitta (9188938524) and BTC coordinator Chengannur (9188938525).