Bangaloreans heading to various destinations around the state and even overseas to make the best of a long weekend ahead.
Packing their bags, Bangaloreans are heading to various destinations around the state and even overseas to make the best of a long weekend ahead.
Friday is a state holiday for Varamalakshmi puja and Monday is a national holiday for Independence Day. After busy weeks, people just want to unwind.
“I am boarding a flight tonight straight after my office and will be at my Mumbai home with my dear ones. On Tuesday morning, I will fly back to Bangalore and head to office,” said Ankur Jaiswal, an IT professional. Some are going abroad.
“A few have opted for three nights and four days package tours to Hong Kong, Macau, and Maldives over the weekend. They are starting on Friday evening and planning to be back by Monday,” said Nirmala, tour coordinator, Zeon Tour and Travel.
As Bangaloreans were busy planning their travel, city’s tour operators claimed 100% booking to various destinations around the city till Saturday night.
All jungle lodges and resorts spread around 15 favourite locations in the state will be houseful this weekend.
“Among the jungle lodges, Kabini remains the most sought after destination followed by Bhadra resorts. Blackbuck resort is in demand by tourists from Hyderabad. Not a single lodge across 16 destinations are available this weekend starting from Friday,” said RK Singh, executive director, project and business development, Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd. Reservations in Jungle Lodges and Resorts are for August 12, 13 and 14.
Other tour operators have similar stories to tell. Besides Kabini, Coorg, Ooty, parts of Kerala and Puducherry are the favourite destinations for tourists.
“The rush is more from last week. Destinations like Ooty, Puducherry, Coonoor, Kodaikanal and Ernakulam are in demand and reservations are full till Saturday night,” an official from Sharma Travels said.
Even non-AC buses are fully booked. “Bookings for this weekend started months ago. And all AC bus reservations were already full. So those who have planned a trip over the last one or two week were not hesitating to book a non-AC transport,” said a source with Vijayanand Travels.
Tickets to Tirupati have been booked for Friday night. For people heading for this pilgrim centre, rates are high on Saturday.
Cabs are also in demand, especially for those heading for Nandi Hills and Shivanasamudram.
Those who could not plan their long weekend properly are trying to make the best of it by organising short trips.
“A group of eight friends will be heading to Hogenakal Falls. We’ll start by dawn. We’re looking forward to a day of fun with friends,” said Anupriya Basu, a teacher.
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