Aug 29, 2008 08:02 AM
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Having been to the hills so many times as a child with parents, then with in laws then as a parent. This involved lot of planning and coordination. This time wanted to try out a package. There were 3 choices as we saw it - ITDC, APSRTC & KSTDC. I know there are others, but kept selection process to these 3.
We finalised on KSTDC which was touted as 22 hours package, hectic but very well organised. It was a 45 seater Volvo unlike the cramped 55+ seater which operates in Mumbai-Shirdi-Mumbai route. Only thing missing was a blanket, which normally all the Volvo operators in the South of India provide. Atleast the operator could have mentioned this and we would have got something for ourselves.
We left Bangalore at 10 pm sharp and reached Tirupati at 3.30 am sharp. Mind you this was the day when Chiranjeevi was launching his political party in Tirupati where 10 lakh people congregating for this cause.
The tour operator provided a nice room at Srinivasam pilgrim facilities. It was a good room with hot water and enough to stretch your legs. We assembled in the bus again at 5.10 am and left to see the Padmavati temple.
Next we broke for breakfast and began our journey up at Alipiri where the Volvo had to park as only APSRTC buses operate on the Tirupati-Tirumala route.
The guide from KSTDC made arrangements for those who wanted to tonsure their heads. The guide was effective and ensured the group stuck together. Post which we entered the Q complex around 10 am and at around 11.45 am we got into the sanctum sanctorum and completed the darshan. Well it was crowded inside, but that is how it is.
It seemed a challenge managing two kids but otherwise the experience was exciting and good. Post which we assembled outside for a ride down the hill and lunch. The guide took us to a decent joint for lunch and at 2.30 we began our journey back to Bangalore.
We reached outside Bangalore at 7.30 and and last 15 kms took us more than a hour which is quite normal by Bangalore standards. Finally reached the end point at 8.30 pm, 1/2 hour behind schedule. Though the staff was Government like, but very courteous and helpful.
We had totally forgotten about the missing blanket. This package tour was effective and worth every rupee. The package includes travel, tickets and a room to freshen up. Not to mention the delicious prasadam which they arrange.
