HYDERABAD:For the first time in South India, ‘Hop-on Hop-off’ bus service was launched here on Saturday. The state tourism department launched this unique one-day city tour package, which covers 10 historic sites in the city and enables the tourists to join the scheduled trip at any location.
Unlike other one-day city tour packages, the ‘Hop-on Hop-off’ bus service allows the tourists to stay longer at any of their favourite locations. They can board the next bus 30 minutes later. The tourism department is planning to operate four to six buses for this package.
For Rs 200, the package covers 10 tourist spots which include Birla Mandir, Salar Jung Museum, Nizam Jubilee Pavilion, Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Laad Bazaar, Chowmahallah Palace, Nehru Zoological Park, Golconda Fort, Qutub Shahi Tombs and Lumbini Park. The first bus will start from the Information and Reservation office, Tank Bund.
Hyderabad will be the second city in India after Delhi to have such facility, B P Acharya, principal secretary, tourism and culture, said. Though TSTDC earlier tried this service in Hyderabad, it didn’t last long. Now, it wants to restore the facility to boost tourism in and around Hyderabad.