Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Aug 7: The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) has opened its iconic Ambaari open-top double-decker bus for private bookings, allowing Bengaluru residents to host birthday parties, corporate events and pre-wedding photo shoots on wheels.

Previously used only for hop-on, hop-off city sightseeing tours, the Ambaari bus can now be hired by individuals and groups seeking a unique venue for celebrations. Couples can also use the moving bus as a backdrop for pre-wedding photography while travelling past Bengaluru's iconic landmarks.

The buses cover 26 major tourist attractions across the city, offering passengers a scenic experience through destinations including Ravindra Kalakshetra, Hudson Circle, Kasturba Road, Kanteerava Stadium, Cubbon Road, Vidhana Soudha and the Visvesvaraya Museum.

Launched in January 2026, the Ambaari service currently operates three double-decker buses for city tours. Encouraged by the positive response from tourists, KSTDC has now expanded the service to include private celebrations and photography sessions.

Rental charges

The full-day rental charges are:

• Weekdays (Monday-Friday): Rs 32,000
• Weekends (Saturday-Sunday): Rs 40,000

For five-hour celebrations:

• Weekdays: Rs 26,000 + 5% GST
• Weekends: Rs 28,000 + 5% GST

Bookings exceeding the allotted duration will be charged at the applicable full-day rate.

Pre-wedding shoot packages

Couples can hire the bus for two-hour photo shoots at:

• Weekdays: Rs 12,000 + 5% GST
• Weekends: Rs 16,000 + 5% GST

Additional charges apply beyond two hours:

• Weekdays: Rs 6,000 per extra hour
• Weekends: Rs 7,000 per extra hour

KSTDC officials said the initiative is aimed at creating an additional revenue stream while offering Bengaluru residents and visitors a distinctive venue for celebrations.

According to officials, nearly 20,000 passengers have used the hop-on, hop-off service since its launch in January. The popularity of the open-top upper deck, especially during pleasant weather, prompted the tourism corporation to introduce private bookings for birthdays, corporate events and pre-wedding shoots.

With panoramic city views and a route covering some of Bengaluru's best-known landmarks, the Ambaari double-decker bus is expected to become a unique destination for celebrations on the move.