Mangaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Mangaluru division’s special Dasara package has seen a tremendous response this year, with a record number of passengers availing the service. On Sunday, KSRTC operated 24 buses under the Dasara packages, surpassing the previous record of 22 buses in a single day set during the package’s inaugural year in 2022.

The Dasara package attracted 1,119 passengers, who travelled to various destinations, enjoying the temple tours and sightseeing that the packages offer. The initiative, designed to boost regional tourism and facilitate pilgrimage during the festive season, has clearly struck a chord with both locals and tourists.

Record-Breaking Day for KSRTC Dasara Packages

Rajesh Shetty, the KSRTC Mangaluru Divisional Controller, shared details of the operation, highlighting the overwhelming response. Seven buses carrying 350 passengers operated on the Mangaluru-Madikeri route, while eight buses with 400 passengers were deployed for the Mangaluru-Kollur route. Other packages, including the Mangaluru-Murdeshwar and Mangaluru-Navadurga packages, also saw significant participation, with three buses transporting 150 passengers and four buses carrying 120 passengers, respectively.

Additionally, 46 passengers travelled in one bus on the Udupi-Kollur package, while another bus on the Udupi-Idagunji package carried 53 passengers. The successful operation of 24 buses in a single day under these packages marks a significant achievement for the KSRTC Mangaluru division, demonstrating the appeal of these well-curated travel packages.

Mangaluru Dasara Package Details

The Mangaluru Dasara package offers a comprehensive pilgrimage experience, covering major religious and scenic spots across Karnataka’s coastal and Western Ghats regions. Each package is meticulously designed to cover prominent temples and tourist attractions, providing passengers with a fulfilling travel experience during the festive season.

  • Mangaluru-Madikeri Package:

This package takes passengers to the picturesque town of Madikeri, known for its scenic beauty and spiritual significance. The key attractions include Raja Seat, Abbey Falls, Nisargadhama, and the Golden Temple in Bylakuppe. After a day of exploration, passengers return to Mangaluru, enriched by both nature and culture.

  • Mangaluru-Kollur Package:

Devotees on this route visit the Uchila Shri Mahalakshmi Temple, Kamashile Shri Bramhi Durgaparameshwari Temple (where lunch is served), Kolluru Mookambika Temple, and Maranakatte Shri Bramhalingeshwara Temple. The package is ideal for those seeking blessings from some of Karnataka’s most revered deities.

  • Mangaluru-Murdeshwar Package:

The Mangaluru-Murdeshwar package covers the majestic Murudeshwara Temple, renowned for its massive Shiva statue by the sea. Other      stops include Chandika Durgaparameshwari Temple in Kumbashi, Anegudde Ganapathi Temple, and the Uchila Mahalakshmi Temple.

  • Mangaluru-Navadurga Package:

    This package is a spiritual journey through several temples dedicated to Goddess Durga. Devotees visit Shri Mangaladevi Temple, Sunkadakatte Shri Ambika Annapoorneshwari Temple, Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple, Bappanadu Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple, Sasihithlu Shri Bhagavathi Temple and Beach, Chitrapura Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple, Shri Urwa Mariyamma Temple, and finally the Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple.

Udupi Packages

In addition to the Mangaluru packages, KSRTC also offered Udupi-centric routes. Forty-six passengers availed the Udupi-Kollur package, while the Udupi-Idagunji package saw 53 passengers. These packages cater to the spiritual needs of devotees visiting the region’s renowned temples, such as the Kolluru Mookambika Temple and the Idagunji Ganapati Temple.

**Passenger Satisfaction and Regional Tourism Boost**

The success of KSRTC’s Dasara package demonstrates not only the growing interest in local pilgrimage tours but also the increasing demand for well-organised travel solutions during festive seasons. By offering an affordable and convenient way for people to visit multiple temples and tourist spots, KSRTC has made these religious experiences more accessible to a broader audience.

The feedback from passengers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the seamless organisation, comfortable buses, and carefully planned itineraries. This initiative by KSRTC is seen as a positive step toward promoting regional tourism and encouraging devotees and tourists to explore Karnataka’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.