Now, throw a party for your child on board a HOHO bus in Delhi

Celebrating your child’s birthday in a restaurant or fast-food chain is passé. The newest fad is taking him/her out with his friends to some of Delhi’s popular tourist destinations on board an air-conditioned bus and cut a cake.

Celebrating your child’s birthday in a restaurant or fast-food chain is passé. The newest fad is taking him/her out with his friends to some of Delhi’s popular tourist destinations on board an air-conditioned bus and cut a cake.

And you don’t have to look beyond Delhi government’s low-floor purple HOHO (Hop On Hop Off) bus for such a party.

Quite a number of parents have already opted for the concept, which is slowly gaining popularity.

According to Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) officials, the buses run on two pre-decided routes - red and green - between 8am and 8pm.

“Since you will get the bus for nearly eight hours, you get to decide the spot where you want to spend the maximum time or which ones to skip,” DTTDC general manager Ravi Dadhich said.

While the Red route connects 13 destinations, including Feroz Shah Kotla, Red Fort, Rajghat, Purana Qila, Humayun Tomb, Safdurjung Tomb, National Museum and Jantar Mantar, the Green route includes 10 destinations, connecting Lotus Temple, Saket malls, Qutub Minar, Hauz Khas Village and Dilli Haat.

Delhi Tourism’s HOHO buses were rolled out just ahead of Commonwealth Games in 2010.

For such parties, the department decorates the bus to give it. Every bus has a guide on board. To book a bus, all you need to do is call on the DTTDC helpline 011-40940000 or visit their Baba Kharak Singh Marg office. The department charges Rs11,000 for a party.

Senior tourism department officials said they have additional buses that are given on rent for such parties and don’t disturb their regular service.

“We hit a lean patch during the monsoon when the number of tourists coming to Delhi falls drastically and HOHO buses run near empty. Renting out the buses is a nice way to popularise the service,” an official said.