Kochi to Bangalore in KSRTC Ambaari Utsav Volvo: 4 likes & 3 dislikes

The interior is very plush & bright. There's even a curtain provided in between the double berth for privacy.

BHPian bejoy recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Last Saturday, I travelled from Kochi to Bangalore on one of these and it was the second trip on this particular bus. Started from the KSRTC bus stand at 7:20 pm and was at Bangalore (Silk Board) at 6:45, with a dinner break and passenger pick-up at the Thrissur Bus stand. Fare was Rs 1700.

I travel rarely by bus, but whenever I do, I take KaRTC or KeRTC Volvo sleeper buses. Comparable buses are KSRTC Dream Class (Volvo B11R Rs 1500) and KeRTC SWIFT Gajaraj (Volvo B11R Rs 1227).

Adding to the observations made by @vigsom and comparing with the other buses.

Likes

1. Berth is slightly (maybe an inch or two) longer than the Ambari Dream Class (B11R).
2. Very plush, bright interiors. The quality of materials and fit and finish is top class.
3. Double USB charging port per berth (instead of 220v outlet of Dream Class).
4. Curtain in between of double berth for privacy.

Dislikes

1. Speed locked to 80kmph. The vehicle crossed 80kmph at exactly 4 instances (from my GPS log) on the entire trip (530kms), maybe on a down slope. This is the most tiring part. I don't know about the private buses now but gone are the days when I get to Kochi in 7-8 hours in a Volvo.
2. White interiors may get dirty soon.
3. The fare is 1700 compared to 1500 for Ambari Dream Class. As a passenger, there is nothing much you get with this extra cost.

A few pics taken during the dinner break.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.