Photo: Zana Lake Resort, Udaipur
Holi is just around the corner, giving travel enthusiasts a long weekend of rest. This definitely boosts the spirit of Gujaratis who not only look forward to celebrating festivals with their loved ones but also love to travel and explore new places, cuisines, etc. “Given the unprecedented opportunity that Holi falls on Monday and Good Friday in the same week, many people are taking three days off and enjoying the nine-day holiday at their leisure, according to our data. It shows that domestic and international demand has surged by around 350% compared to last year, locales are different for the extended Holi weekend,” said Thomas Cook (India) Limited Holidays, MICE, said Rajeev Kale, President and Country Head, Visa.
Preference for destinations closer to home Road vacations to offbeat destinations nearby are also up 25%, with stays increasing from 3-4 days to 5-7 days. “Rajmachi, Lohagad, Igatpuri, Lonavala, Matheran, Mahabuleshwar, Bhandardara, Amboli, Sindhudurg, Kolad, Kamshet, Kaas Plateau and Panhala are likely to become popular destinations among the people of Gujarat. “It's expensive,” said Daniel D'Souza, president and country head. Holiday, SOTC trip. For those planning to travel abroad, there is a strong interest in destinations that are closer to home and where visas can be obtained easily and quickly, such as Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Indonesia, Oman, and Ras Al Khaimah. Also Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal. “People also use this holiday to travel to Japan and South Korea to see cherry blossoms,” said travel expert Indivar Rastogi. The announcement of visa-free entry was a game-changer for destinations such as Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Thailand, resulting in a significant increase of around 35%. Sri Lanka has been the biggest beneficiary with demand increasing by 40%, followed by Malaysia with 35% and Thailand with more than 30%.
Build bonds with loved ones through nature and adventure
Interest in outdoor and adventure travel, such as cycling trips, whitewater rafting, paragliding, camping, trekking, snowboarding, kayaking and cruises, is notable, with traveler interest surging in the lead up to Holy Week. Pench, Karha, Corbett and Ranthambore are the top safari destinations among Gujaratis. Since it is festival season, many multi-generational families and groups of friends are seen traveling together and there is a demand for accommodation such as farm stays, heritage bungalows, havelis, palaces, treetops, forts, central locations, etc. It will increase. It’s like a desert or a bamboo forest,” Kale added.
Stories from industry insiders
“Gujaratis are a food-loving people. For them, a trip around Holi means celebrating special festivals like Mathura ka peda, Malpua, Gujiya, Pakole, Thandai, Makan Mishri, Gewar, Rabri, Kachori, Jalebi etc. It's also an opportunity to indulge in delicious cuisine. Learn about the destinations around Holi and their culture and traditions, while learning about Holi's top spots and other Holi attractions.'' – Manvi Oza, Travel Curator
“Guests from Gujarat can take advantage of the long weekend and drive to our stunning accommodations in Udaipur and Ranthambore. We have prepared a truly exciting all-inclusive experience for you to celebrate with your loved ones while soaking up the festive spirit and relaxing in a tranquil environment to beat the post-play Holi fatigue at our resort.” – Akhil Arora, CEO and MD of Espire Hospitality Group (ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts)
Top bucket list destinations Domestic
Cool weather in Kashmir, Himachal and Uttarakhand will be most in demand during the upcoming long weekend. Also in the states of Rajasthan, Kerala, the Northeast, Goa, and the Andaman region. Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan on the Indian subcontinent.
International
Short-haul outbound destinations of high interest include Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. Places like Baku, Amartey, and Vietnam offer direct connectivity, convenience, and ease of travel, encouraging impulse purchases.
