Head out of Bangalore to have a merry year-end

This year-end some Bangaloreans are heading out of the city to usher in the New Year. Unlike last year, when there were only three holidays, this festive season the city’s travel lovers are blessed with a whole week of free time.

For some, it’s a wise move to get away from the city, which is already tormented with several terror threats and security checks. Also, with city dwellers growing health conscious by the day, the holiday spots chosen have been the kind that will bring them close to nature and wildlife.

A tourism department official has revealed that Bangaloreans are heading to Mysore, Bandipur tiger reserve, Nagarhole tiger reserve, Chickmagalur, Hassan, Kerala, Kodaikanal, Mudhumalai, Ooty, Thekkady and Munnar.

“In fact, these places are packed till January 4,” he said. The tour packages to these places have also been fully booked.

More buses are being added to these destinations to ferry Bangaloreans to their getaway spots. Instead of heading to lesser known destinations, looking at the crime rate throughout the year, tourists have in advance booked rooms in popular destinations, said a private tour operator.

In fact, bookings to Hampi are full because of the long weekend and peak tourist season. Many foreigners who come to Goa head straight to Hampi, as it is the nearest and the next best destination, he said.

Thus all hotels here also are booked from December 31, 2010 to January 3, 2011, added the official.

With respect to the ongoing elections and shortage of accommodations, the official said that only a few bookings have been cancelled as family members of the officials were residing in some destinations.

Travel and accommodation rates have also escalated by 5% to 10% this year. But this has not stopped Bangaloreans from celebrating a nice, quiet New Year with their loved ones in their favourite holiday spots.