The Kerala tourism development corporation (KTDC), under its new chairman M Vijayakumar, is planning to open budget hotels in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi, besides in pilgrim centres like Mookambika, Tirupati andGuruvayur in five years.

The new hotels will be modelled on the corporation's hospitality venture in Chennai - Rain Drops - which has deluxe rooms, conference hall and a multi-cuisine restaurant.

After assuming charge last week, Vijayakumar had highlighted the ambitious plan while elaborating about the projects to be accomplished during his tenure, with financial assistance from Kerala infrastructure investment development fund board (KIFBI). Among the long-term plans are a comprehensive 'environmental-impact' study by an expert committee, establishment of wayside amenities like clean toilets.