KSRTC Rolls Out Special Dasara Tour Packages From Madikeri

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation has introduced two special one-day tour packages originating from Madikeri to accommodate holidaymakers travelling during the Dasara festival period. The services, which commenced on October 11 and will run through October 26, are designed to streamline regional sightseeing for visitors arriving from Bengaluru and other major urban centres.

The initiative provides structured itineraries for tourists navigating the hill district during peak festive congestion. By linking major regional shrines and viewpoints through dedicated state transport connections, the program aims to ease individual vehicular movement on narrow hill roads while catering to holiday demand originating from the state capital.

Transport officials stated that the first package, titled Kaveri Darshan, departs from the Madikeri bus stand at 6:30 a.m. and returns at 7:30 p.m. This route covers the Omkareshwara Temple, Igguthappa Temple, Bhagamandala Temple, Talacauvery, Abbey Falls and Raja's Seat.

The second itinerary, named Kodagina Sobagu, also leaves the Madikeri bus stand at 6:30 a.m. and concludes at 7:30 p.m. It includes stops at the Omkareshwara Temple, Harangi Reservoir, the Golden Temple at Bylakuppe, Kaveri Nisargadhama, a local coffee plantation, Abbey Falls and Raja's Seat.

Pricing for both tour options has been fixed at ₹400 for adults and ₹300 for children, excluding food and entry charges. Passengers can complete seat reservations in advance through the official transport portal or mobile ticketing facilities.

Corporation authorities have also announced group incentives for travellers. A 5% concession applies when four or more passengers book together on a single ticket, while a 10% reduction is offered on return journey tickets booked concurrently with onward travel.

These tour packages run parallel to a broader festive operation that features over 3,000 additional scheduled buses connecting Bengaluru to multiple destinations across Karnataka and neighbouring states between October 16 and October 20. Return services to the capital are scheduled heavily for October 20 and 21 to clear holiday traffic.

Local transport divisions expect high turnout for the Madikeri itineraries as holiday crowds split between Mysuru celebrations and Kodagu hill retreats. Officials will monitor occupancy rates through the festival window to determine if service frequencies require adjustment before the routes close on October 26.