THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is expanding its Budget Tourism Cell's offerings beyond Kerala with new tour packages to Lakshadweep and Hyderabad, scheduled to be officially launched on September 22, 2026.

The new programmes are aimed at providing travellers with organised and relatively affordable holiday options that combine transportation, accommodation, meals and sightseeing. The launch will also coincide with the introduction of a new online booking system and a waiting-list facility for KSRTC's Budget Tourism Cell.

Lakshadweep Package from Kochi

The Lakshadweep programme will be KSRTC's first flight-based tourism package. The four-day, three-night itinerary will begin from Kochi, with travellers flying to Lakshadweep and visiting Agatti and Kalpitti islands.

Travellers will have a choice of homestay or resort accommodation. The package includes the Lakshadweep permit, airport transfers, twin-sharing accommodation, food, Wi-Fi and insurance, according to details released about the programme. Activities such as snorkelling and boat cruises are also part of the Lakshadweep experience.

The first Lakshadweep trip is scheduled for September 23, while the official launch of the package and the new booking system is scheduled for September 22.

Two Hyderabad Tour Options

KSRTC has also prepared two Hyderabad itineraries, offering travellers a choice between a longer three-day, two-night package and a shorter two-day, one-night programme. Accommodation, food and entry fees to listed tourist attractions are included.

The longer itinerary includes several of Hyderabad's major attractions, including:

• Ramoji Film City
• Golconda Fort
• Charminar
• Salar Jung Museum
• Nehru Zoological Park
• Birla Mandir
• NTR Gardens
• Lumbini Park
• Hussain Sagar
• Chowmahalla Palace
• Mecca Masjid
• Hi-Tech City

The shorter itinerary also covers major attractions including Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum, Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Lumbini Park, Hussain Sagar, Birla Mandir and Ramoji Film City.

New Online Booking and Waiting List

Along with the new destinations, KSRTC is introducing dedicated online booking software for its Budget Tourism Cell. A waiting-list system modelled on the Indian Railways reservation system is also being introduced, allowing travellers to join a waiting list when packages are fully booked.

The initiative represents an expansion of KSRTC's tourism operations from its established network of domestic Kerala tours to organised trips covering destinations outside the state.

For travellers from Kerala, the Lakshadweep and Hyderabad packages offer additional options for planned holidays through a single tourism package covering key travel arrangements.