Coimbatoreans are all set to make their getaway from the soaring temperatures in the city.
As the mercury soars and school breaks kick in, Coimbatoreans are ready to pack their bags to escape from the heat and hustle bustle of the city. People of Kovai have always been avid travellers and this year is no exception. Vacationers have already managed to grab some good deals with tour operators and are waiting to take a chill pill.
“It’s destination Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore this year, which is why we have got specialized packages for these countries, apart from Bangkok, Pattaya, Sri Lanka and Mauritius. Coimbatoreans are also exploring Europe, especially Switzerland and are willing to shell out ` 1 lakh for a six-seven-day trip,” says S Rajasekar, of an online travel agency.
Seconding him is the spokesperson from another leading online travel portal. “Last year, a majority of the population headed to Singapore and Malaysia, but this year, Thailand tops the list. Tourists are cashing in on the one-week package we are offering, which comes to around ` 30,000. Among the local destinations, Delhi and Agra top the list,” she says.
Coimbatoreans have always preferred a quick getaway to Kerala to bask in the scenic beauty of the neighbouring state, but it looks like they are gradually widening their horizons. “Earlier, when people wanted to chill out, they would immediately head to Munnar, Wayanad, Poovar and Coorg. But now, they are willing to travel around and splurge more. Hence, places like Delhi, Agra, Kullu-Manali, Darjeeling and Gangtok are in demand. While families prefer to head to hill stations, single men favour Goa. An average family is willing to shed anywhere between ` 35,000 to ` 45,000 for a trip,” says Rajasekar. On the flip side, the number of women travellers has been on a decline this year, after the Delhi gangrape incident, he adds.
Travel agent S Ashok Kumar, who has a busy season ahead, says that every train from Coimbatore that heads to Delhi, Hyderabad, Tirupathi, Mumbai, Chennai, Tirunelveli and Nagercoil is packed for the next two months. “But that doesn’t mean that we have ditched our own paradise, the queen of hills, Ooty. The Ooty Mountain Railway is full for the next two months. As far as international destinations are concerned, Thailand, Pattaya, Singapore and Malaysia have been the all-time preferred destinations and continue to remain so,” he says.
While the itinerary of a majority of Coimbatoreans seems to be packed, there are a few others who are yet to plan their vacations. Businessman Juzar Nazmi says that though he can’t shut shop and go on a long holiday, he will indeed take a chill pill in Cherai Beach, Kochi. “I had gone there some time ago and it’s an ideal place to chill out with the family. It’s a quick getaway from the mayhem.”
Coimbatoreans on their summer holiday plans
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