Kerala State Road Transport Corporation’s (KSRTC) Budget Tourism Cell (BTC) has recorded an impressive response to its special pilgrimage packages during the holy Malayalam month of Karkidakam, with thousands of devotees opting for affordable temple tours across the state.
The Panch Pandava Temple pilgrimage has emerged as the most popular package this season. Organised in association with the famous Aranmula Vallasadya festival, the tour covers the five legendary temples at Thrichittatt Mahavishnu Temple, Thiruppuliyoor, Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, Thiruvanvandoor and Thrikkodithanam. The services, which began on July 19, will continue until September 16.
KSRTC has already operated over 100 trips under this package, carrying more than 15,000 pilgrims and generating an estimated revenue of ₹60–65 lakh. Since 2022, KSRTC has been the only organisation conducting this special pilgrimage in collaboration with the Palliyoda Seva Sangham. Pilgrims also get an opportunity to witness the traditional Aranmula Vallasadya rituals and enjoy the grand feast served during the event.
The Budget Tourism Cell has also witnessed strong demand for its Nalambalam pilgrimage packages.
The Thrissur Nalambalam circuit, covering Triprayar Sree Rama Temple, Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple, Moozhikulam Lakshmana Perumal Temple and Payammal Shatrughna Temple, has completed 115 trips with around 9,000 pilgrims, earning nearly ₹30 lakh.
The Piravom (Ernakulam) Nalambalam package has operated around 45 trips, serving more than 2,000 devotees and generating over ₹11 lakh in revenue.
Meanwhile, the Kannur Nalambalam pilgrimage has completed more than 25 trips, attracting around 1,000 pilgrims and earning over ₹5 lakh.
KSRTC officials attribute the success to well-planned operations across 93 units in Kerala, allowing devotees to begin and end their pilgrimage from their nearest KSRTC depot. Affordable fares, safe travel and efficient coordination have made the pilgrimage packages highly popular among the public.
In addition to the pilgrimage tours, KSRTC Budget Tourism Cell has launched a new three-day, two-night Hyderabad tour package. The inaugural trip will depart from Thiruvananthapuram on August 7, with booking facilities available from all districts in Kerala.
The package includes visits to major attractions such as Nehru Zoological Park, Birla Mandir, NTR Gardens, Ambedkar Statue, Amar Jyoti Memorial, Lumbini Park, Hussain Sagar Lake, Ramoji Film City, HITEC City, Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum, Chowmahalla Palace, Mecca Masjid and the iconic Charminar.
