Patna: Patna is set to get a new tourism package with the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (BSTDC) planning to launch ‘Patna Darshan’ tours in luxury caravan buses equipped with hotel-like facilities. The proposal has been sent to the tourism department for approval, after which fares will be finalised and services will begin.Under the package, tourists will be able to visit Takhat Shri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib Gurdwara, Bihar Museum, Bapu Tower, Golghar and Sabhyata Dwar in a single trip. An optional speedboat ride on the Ganga from Digha Ghat along JP Ganga Path will also be offered at an additional cost.A BSTDC official said the caravans would operate from 8am to 8pm and each vehicle could accommodate 12 passengers. Bookings will be made offline at the corporation’s office on Daroga Rai Path. The corporation will provide the driver, fuel and helper, while a professional guide can be hired for Rs 1,500 extra.Built by the company that manufactures bulletproof vehicles for the Bihar govt, the caravans are already being used for outstation tours. Each vehicle, costing around Rs 2 crore, comes with an All India Permit and is fitted with six CCTV cameras.The fully air-conditioned caravans have five automated recliner seats that rotate 360 degrees, a three-seater sofa, four sleeper berths, a 43-inch smart TV, separate screens for each berth, motorised curtains and charging points. They also feature aircraft-style storage, a direct communication system with the driver and an emergency exit.The vehicles are equipped with a kitchen, including an induction cooktop, refrigerator, microwave and water cooler, besides a dressing area and a bathroom with hot and cold water.Tourists can also hire the caravans for trips to Gaya, Jehanabad, Buxar, Nawada, Rajgir, Banka and Valmikinagar Tiger Reserve, as well as destinations outside Bihar. The service is priced at Rs75 per km, with a minimum booking of 250 km, apart from 5% GST.
