Ahmedabad: With Diwali holidays just around the corner, it’s time for Amdavadis to escape the city and go on trips. Goa and Kashmir remain among the top destinations much like before.
In spite of the tension prevailing in Kashmir because of the recent terrorist attacks on the non-local workers and killings of the soldiers, Kashmir hotels have been registering maximum bookings from Gujarat.
Travel consultants say families make up about 65% of travelers from Ahmedabad to Kashmir, couples constitute 25% and remaining 10% are groups booked by private tour operators.
Urjit Thaker of World Wide Travels says, “People were avoiding travelling for the past two years. But otherwise, of all the Gujarati travelers, 40% prefer Goa, 20% Kashmir, 20% Rajasthan and the remaining covers the rest of the country, including northern and southern India.” Adds Thaker, “Post-pandemic, upper middle class families have been opting for four or five star properties that cost between Rs45,000 and Rs80,000 per day per person.”
The star hotel choices are made for reasons of safety and Covid hygiene.
According to tour operators, the most preferred locations in Kashmir are Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam. People fond of adventure and camping also add Sonmarg in their itinerary.
Manish Sharma of Akshar Travels says, “People usually prefer five-six nights in the Kashmir trip. They mostly prefer Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam in one circuit.” Sharma, who is also chairman of Travel Agent Federation of India (Gujarat Chapter), adds, “Currently, a ticket for Kashmir costs about Rs40,000 for a round trip from Ahmedabad. This is because of rising demand.”
Many have booked flight tickets in advance for about Rs12,000 per person. A six-day package costs Rs 22,000 to Rs30,000 per person for three-star or boutique hotels.
“Gujaratis are very clear and clever travellers. They have planned their trips after two years. Since they booked hotels in advance, they got cheap deals,” says Alap Modi, MD of Ajay Modi Travels.
