Sabarimala pilgrimage: How to book KSRTC's 'Temple Connect’ trip; ticket prices

Alappuzha: KSRTC’s budget tourism cell has launched the ‘Temple Connect’ package that offers trips to 72 temples across the state, including Sabarimala, on a budget. The project has been launched in association with the Travancore Dewaswom Board. Pilgrims going to Sabarimala can visit all the major temples along the way. Up to 1600 chartered trips to Pampa and 72 chartered packages will be scheduled in the first half of the pilgrimage season. Meanwhile, the number of packages will increase if demand rises. 

The package tour from the northern districts is for two days, while a one-day trip is available from the Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts. A single group or multiple groups could book the seats. The chartered service will be scheduled when 90 per cent of the seats are booked. The Ayyappa Darshan pilgrimage circuit is another attractive feature of this package. 

The package covers places that hold prominence in the legend of Lord Ayyappa, such as Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu, Achankovil, and the Pandalam Valiakoyikkal Dharmashasta temples. Meanwhile, free facilities have been arranged for the BTC pilgrims at the Pampa depot. Pilgrims from the northern district could choose a package that includes the famous Guruvayoor temple. In contrast, those from the southern districts can choose from packages that include a trip to the Kottarakkara Ganapati temple.

Ticket fare, how to book
The ticket fares for the package will depend on the tour's departure location. For those from places like Thrissur, it would be around ₹500-₹700 per person. KSRTC is also offering a 3% commission to the group leader for bulk bookings made on weekends and a 2.5% commission for weekdays. 
For enquiries, contact BTC coordinators in Pathanamthitta (9188938524) and Chengannur (9188938525).