KSTDC Launches Double Decker Bus Tour in Bengaluru

Bengaluru has welcomed back an iconic mode of transport with the launch of the KSTDC Ambaari double decker bus sightseeing service, marking the return of double decker buses to the city after nearly three decades. Last seen on Bengaluru’s roads in 1997, the classic buses are now reintroduced with a modern, tourism-focused approach aimed at showcasing the city’s rich heritage and evolving urban landscape.

The initiative has been launched by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation in collaboration with the Karnataka Department of Tourism. The buses were officially flagged off on January 21 at Ravindra Kalakshetra in the presence of State Minister H.K. Patil. Designed as a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing service, the project aims to offer both residents and tourists a relaxed and structured way to explore Bengaluru without the hassle of traffic navigation or route planning.

Currently operating on a pilot basis, the service runs with three double decker buses on a circular sightseeing route. Authorities have indicated that the network may be expanded in the future to cover up to 26 major landmarks across the city, depending on public response and operational feasibility.

The Ambaari double decker buses are visually distinctive, featuring vibrant exterior wraps that highlight Karnataka’s cultural heritage, traditional art forms, wildlife, and popular tourist destinations. Each bus has a seating capacity of 40 passengers, with 20 air-conditioned seats on the lower deck and 20 open-top seats on the upper deck, offering panoramic views of the city. The buses have been built by KMS bus body builders on an Eicher chassis, combining durability with passenger comfort.

The sightseeing route begins and ends at Ravindra Kalakshetra and passes through several prominent landmarks, including Town Hall, Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha, Chinnaswamy Stadium, UB City, Government Museum, and Queens Road. The circular route has been curated to highlight Bengaluru’s colonial architecture, administrative centers, green spaces, and modern commercial hubs.

The service operates daily from 10:30 am to 8:00 pm, with five circular trips scheduled each day. To ensure a smoother travel experience, the timings have been planned to avoid peak traffic hours. Tickets are priced at ₹180 per person, excluding applicable taxes, with children above five years requiring a full ticket.

Passengers can book tickets online through the official KSTDC website or purchase them offline at the Ravindra Kalakshetra counter, subject to availability. Travelers are required to carry a valid original photo ID and report to the boarding point at least 15 to 20 minutes before departure.

With its blend of nostalgia, accessibility, and structured tourism, the Ambaari double decker bus service is expected to become a popular attraction, offering a new perspective on Bengaluru’s history and cityscape.