As summer vacations begin, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is experiencing a noticeable rise in passenger numbers, especially to prominent tourist destinations. Travelers from across the state are using KSRTC’s affordable services to visit scenic locations such as Munnar, Vagamon, Gavi, Thekkady, Kumarakom, and Alappuzha.
Among these, Munnar remains the top favorite, especially for those starting from Kottayam. The scenic journey through Ettumanoor, Koothattukulam, Muvattupuzha, Kothamangalam, and Adimali takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, costing Rs 212 per head. Thekkady is another popular choice, with direct buses departing Kottayam at 9:50 AM and 5:10 PM daily, covering key towns like Pampady and Kumily. The fare is Rs 161, and the trip duration ranges from 3 to 5 hours.
For those heading to Alappuzha, KSRTC provides half-hourly services between 8:10 AM and 5:40 PM, with a ticket price of Rs 100. These buses pass through scenic routes such as Kumarakom and Thanneermukkom. Other towns like Erattupetta, Pala, Cherthala, and Changanassery also offer services to destinations like Illikkal Kallu, Gavi, and Palani.
Apart from leisure travel, there’s also increased demand for pilgrimage trips. Religious places such as Guruvayur, Chakkulathukavu, Madurai, and Velankanni are seeing more passengers. Notably, the previously halted Kottayam–Velankanni route has resumed, with services departing from Changanassery and continuing through Kottayam. The fare to Velankanni is Rs 850. KSRTC also runs regular buses from Kottayam to Madurai, Tenkasi, Mangalapuram, and Bengaluru, catering to both tourists and pilgrims during the holiday rush.
