Elephant centre, planetarium, farms: KSRTC launches student tour package in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has launched a low-cost educational excursion package for school and college students, combining sightseeing with practical learning at destinations ranging from an elephant breeding centre and a botanical garden to a planetarium and a dairy farm.
The initiative, named ‘Vignan Darshini’, is being implemented by KSRTC’s Budget Tourism Cell under the direction of Transport Minister C P John. The programme aims to help students learn about nature, science, history and industry through visits to cultural institutions, archaeological sites, factories and tourist destinations.
Initially, the package covers Ponmudi, a popular hill destination in Thiruvananthapuram district, and other attractions in the surrounding areas. KSRTC said arrangements were also being made to extend the initiative to other districts across Kerala.
Vignan Darshini: Which places can students visit?
The initial itineraries in Thiruvananthapuram district include a mix of nature, science and educational attractions.
The destinations listed by KSRTC include:
Kappukadu Elephant Breeding Centre: An opportunity to learn about elephants and their care.
Neyyar Dam: A visit to the dam and its surrounding natural landscape.
Palode Botanical Garden: A chance to explore plant diversity and botanical research.
Jersey Farm, Vithura: An educational visit focused on dairy farming.
Museum and Planetarium, Thiruvananthapuram: Exposure to history, science and astronomy.
Ponmudi: A hill destination included in the initial travel packages.
The itineraries are intended to complement classroom learning with practical experiences. KSRTC has also said that industrial visits and other activities can be arranged according to the requirements of educational institutions.
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Special KSRTC buses for student groups
The Budget Tourism Cell will operate special buses for the programme, with each bus able to accommodate 36 students at a time.
The trips are designed to offer educational experiences alongside recreation at a relatively low cost. However, KSRTC has not specified a uniform package price in the announcement. The cost and itinerary may depend on the destination and the requirements of the institution.
The corporation said the initiative is intended to broaden students’ learning experiences and give them opportunities to understand nature, science and history beyond textbooks.
How to book KSRTC Vignan Darshini trips
Schools and colleges interested in arranging a trip can contact the KSRTC Budget Tourism Cell coordinator for their district to enquire about itineraries, costs and arrangements.
The district-wise contact numbers are:
Thiruvananthapuram North – 9188619378
Thiruvananthapuram South – 9188938522
Kollam – 9188938523
Pathanamthitta – 9188938524
Alappuzha – 9188938525
Kottayam – 9188938526
Idukki – 9188938527
Ernakulam – 9188938528
Thrissur – 9188938529
Palakkad – 9188938530
Malappuram – 9188938531
Kozhikode – 9188938532
Wayanad – 9188938533
Kannur and Kasaragod – 9188938534
Schools and colleges can contact the relevant coordinator to confirm the available packages, fares, travel dates and arrangements for their student groups.
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More districts to follow
While the initial packages focus on Ponmudi and nearby attractions in Thiruvananthapuram, KSRTC said preparations were underway to introduce Vignan Darshini in other districts as well.
The expansion is expected to give more educational institutions access to organised excursions that combine travel with hands-on learning. By bringing destinations such as farms, botanical gardens, museums and science facilities into student itineraries, the programme seeks to make educational trips more accessible to schools and colleges across Kerala.