The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) on Wednesday announced new luxury tour packages that include short stays in Hyderabad and a budget-oriented three-night trip to Lakshadweep islands, the corporation said in a statement.
Two Hyderabad itineraries; Lakshadweep trip from Kochi
Organised by the KSRTC Budget Tourism Cell, the Hyderabad offering comprises two choices for travellers based in Hyderabad: a three days, two nights package and a two days, one night package. Both itineraries include accommodation, meals and entry fees for selected tourist attractions, KSRTC said.
The longer Hyderabad itinerary is scheduled to run from 3 p.m. on the first day and conclude with the return journey at 10 a.m. on the fourth day, the corporation added.
Separately, the Lakshadweep package begins with a flight from Kochi and covers visits to Agatti and Kalpitti islands. The Lakshadweep trip spans three nights and four days and is described by KSRTC as designed to fit within a "commoner’s travel budget" while offering both homestay and resort accommodation options.
What the Lakshadweep package includes
According to KSRTC, the Lakshadweep package includes the following as standard:
- Entry permit for Lakshadweep
- Airport transfers to and from Agatti
- Twin-sharing accommodation
- Meals, Wi-Fi and insurance
- A special boat trip to Kalpitti Island
- Water- and shore-based activities such as snorkelling, glass‑bottom boat rides, kayaking and chances to spot dolphins and sea turtles
Those wishing to try scuba diving or parasailing must pay additional fees of ₹4,000 and ₹3,500 respectively, KSRTC said. KSRTC also noted that travellers will need to personally bear any charges levied for storage of mobile phones, bags or footwear at certain tourist sites.
Accommodation, meal preferences and booking terms
For the Hyderabad packages, accommodation will be provided on a triple‑sharing basis (three persons per room). KSRTC said travellers preferring vegetarian meals should inform organisers at the time of booking. To secure a seat, the full payment must be made at the time of booking, the corporation added.
| Package | Duration | Key inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Hyderabad (Option A) | 3 days, 2 nights | Accommodation, meals, entry fees; visits including Ramoji Film City, Golconda Fort, Charminar |
| Hyderabad (Option B) | 2 days, 1 night | Shorter sightseeing list including Charminar, Salar Jung Museum, Ramoji Film City |
| Lakshadweep | 3 nights, 4 days | Flight from Kochi, permits, transfers, twin-sharing accommodation, meals, boat trip, water activities |
Practical considerations for travellers
The Lakshadweep package involves inter‑island boat transfers and marine activities. Travellers should note that:
- Special activity fees for scuba and parasailing are not included in the standard price.
- Storage charges at some attractions are payable by visitors themselves.
- Accommodation choices include both homestays and resorts; travellers should clarify preferences at booking.
KSRTC’s description positions the Lakshadweep tour as accessible to budget‑minded travellers while still offering island experiences such as snorkelling and wildlife spotting. The corporation did not disclose the package prices in its statement.
Local impact and context
Lakshadweep tourism relies heavily on controlled visitor inflow because of environmental sensitivity and limited infrastructure on the islands. Packages that bundle permits, transfers and standard activities can simplify travel logistics for visitors and generate predictable demand for local hospitality providers, including homestays and small resorts on Agatti and Kalpitti.
For those planning to travel, KSRTC’s requirement of full payment at booking may affect prospective visitors who prefer flexible reservations; it also underscores the need to verify cancellation and refund policies before payment. Travellers with specific dietary or medical needs should inform organisers at booking, KSRTC advised.
Further logistical and safety information — including precise flight schedules from Kochi, permit processing timelines, and rules for marine activities — should be sought from KSRTC or the tour organiser directly before making travel arrangements.
