IRCTC rolls out packages to Wayanad, Thanjavur

Buoyed by the increasing number of tourists from the State, the IRCTC is now all set to introduce packages to Wayanad in Kerala, Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu and Hyderabad.

The packages use a combination of train and bus services to seamlessly offer a good experience for the travellers. The three-day package to Wayanad is largely targeted at the IT population in the City and will consist of travelling by train to Kozhikode and from there to Wayanad, apart from two days of sightseeing. An alternative route to Wayanad by bus to Kalpetta is also in the offing.

Another package known as the Navagraha package is set to be introduced by the end of this year. Tourists will be taken to Thanjavur from Bangalore and will have darshan in nine temples, including the famous Thirunallur Shani temple.

Nilgiri Charter revived

IRCTC Zonal Tourism Officer Ritish Chandra spoke to Deccan Herald about the good response for the Nilgiri charter on the Ooty-Mettupalyam route. The Nilgiri Mountain Rail service, which had been cancelled for some time due to landslides, has been started again.

The popular train service was halted after some sections of the track had been damaged due to landslides. Now repaired and renewed, the route, as usual, has generated a lot of interest. The train with 170 seats can be hired for a one-way fare of Rs 30,000. Tourists can enjoy the 42-km stretch that takes four hours to cover. The picturesque journey was restarted with an aim of attracting students. According to Ritish Chandra, the rail service has found strong favour with foreign tourists. The toy train, which runs on rack and pinion mechanism, has one of the steepest gradients climbing one metre for every 12 kilometres.

Happy with the overwhelming response, IRCTC is making it easier for the bookings, which can be done 15 days in advance.