Jun 18, 2014 06:57 PM
113002 Views
When: 7th June 2014(6th night Departure)
What:APTDC Tirumala Darshan from Bangalore
Bus: Mercedez single axle
Overall rating: Full Five Stars
Will I take it again: YES and only through APTDC even though they are pricey(300 INR more), they use single axle coach whereas private operators offer multi axle Volvo and whereas private operators offer better food options(read Bhimas.).
10PM Friday Marathahalli -> 3AM Hotel in Tirupathy for changing-> 4:30AM depart to Padmavathy temple -> 6:00AM breakfast -> 6:30AM - coach to Tirumala -> 8:00AM wait for tickets(2 hours delay due to Brahmotsavam) -> 9:30 get INR300 tickets -> 12 noon finish darshan(1 hour delay due to Brahmotsavam) -> 1PM arrive at Tirumala bus stand(2 hours delay since 1 passenger did not arrive) -> 3PM depart from Tirumala -> 3:30PM: Bus from Tirupathi to BLR -> 9:30PM Bangalore
My rating(Just FYI - I have taken a few Tirumala package tours earlier and hence can compare)
Bus: Excellent condition
Food stops: OK(above average)
Hotel for changing: OK(above average)
Guide: Excellent. Full five stars
Orchestration: Excellent. Full five stars
Tirupathi - Tirumala coaches: Available. Other operators had made us wait and run after buses. They did not have the clout as APTDC
Darshan: APTDC has huge advantage(as with ITDC and KSTDC) that no one else possess. We were able to get the tickets on a Saturday during Brahmotsavam. Next to impossible through any other sources.
