Every year, millions of people leave the big cities to be with their families for Pongal, Onam and Sankranti. Chennai, Kochi and Hyderabad see some of the largest waves, and buses fill up quickly. Those who book at the last minute find the best seats gone and are forced to take an inconvenient time or a bus that is crowded. A little planning saves a lot of stress. This guide explains why festival travel is different and how to book early, choose well and keep a backup plan in case your leave or your plans change.
Why festival buses fill so quickly
Festivals fall on fixed dates, and most people take the same days off. Everyone wants the evening before the festival or the first weekend, and that creates a rush on a handful of dates. The return rush on the last day of the holiday is just as heavy.
Because the demand is concentrated, the popular times sell out first, and the choice left later is poor.
Many travellers also forget that the return is as busy as the journey home. People who book only the onward ticket often find the return seats gone. Book both together to avoid being stuck.
When to book
As soon as your leave is approved and the dates are known, book the onward and the return journeys together. Do not wait for the last week. If your office has not confirmed the leave, check whether the ticket can be cancelled and what the terms are.
If you have a choice of days, travelling a day before the peak is usually easier.
If your leave dates are not fixed, choose a ticket with flexible cancellation terms, or plan on a date that is likely to be approved. Do not wait for the last day, because the better seats go first.
Pick the right bus and seat
For long festival journeys, choose a bus with comfortable seats, working air conditioning if it is hot and a good record on time. If you travel with elders or children, a lower berth or a seat near the aisle is easier.
Look at the seat map before you pay, and choose a spot in the middle of the bus where the ride is smoother.
Families travelling with luggage for the festival, such as gifts and sweets, should check the luggage rules of the operator. Large items may need to be informed in advance.
- Book both ways at the same time
- Choose the day before the peak if possible
- Choose a lower berth for elders
- Check the boarding point on the ticket
Plan the boarding point
On festival days, the traffic to the boarding point is heavy. Leave early for the point. If the bus has several boarding points, choose the one nearest to you and easiest to reach.
Keep the ticket on your phone and the operator's number saved.
On festival days, the crowds at the main bus points can be large. Keep your ticket handy, note the bus number, and stay near the boarding point so you do not miss the call.
Groups and families
If a family or a group is travelling together, a full bus or a tempo traveller can be a better choice than separate tickets. You can ask for a price for your route and dates, and the team will reply with the details. Plan this well in advance because vehicles for festival dates are booked early.
If your plan changes
Read the cancellation terms before you pay. The refund depends on how close to the departure you cancel, so decide early if you are not sure. If the date changes, check whether the operator allows a change.
Keep a backup plan for the return, such as an earlier or later bus.
If you have to change your plan, tell your family early so they can adjust. Check the operator's rules on changing the date, and note the time limit.
A simple festival checklist
Confirm the leave, book both ways, save the tickets, read the boarding point and the cancellation terms, and reach the boarding point early. Tell your family when you are leaving and when you expect to arrive.
Finally, keep your expectations realistic. Festival roads are crowded, and a bus can reach later than planned. Carry water, a snack and a charger, and tell the people waiting for you that the arrival time is an estimate.
Questions
How early should I book a bus for Pongal or Sankranti?
As soon as your leave is known. Do not wait until the last week.
Is travelling a day before the peak easier?
Usually yes. The peak evening is the most crowded.
Can I book a full bus for my family?
Yes. You can ask for a price on Oray for your route and dates, and the team replies.