JOIN USFor people who are planning a holiday, the second and third weeks of August seem to be the perfect time. With two state government holidays falling in line,
travellers feel it’s the right time for a quick escape.
As both Eid-ul-fitr (August 9) and Independence Day (August 15) fall on Friday and Thursday respectively, many in the City are going on long weekend trips to places like Hampi, Shringeri and Goa.
This time, however, it’s not just techies who are planning vacations on extended
weekends.
As the second Saturday is a government holiday, many government employees too are ready to zip up their bags and head out of the City.
Vijaya, a civil engineer, says, “My husband and I have planned to go to Mysore as it is closer to the City and we will not have to drive too far. The monsoon only adds to the holiday mood. We just want to relax and this break is perfect for a small vacation.”
However, not all are planning a trip to make the extended weekend special.
Shruthi H, who is employed with a consultancy firm, prefers her home over holiday destinations.
“All major tourist spots will be crowded. Also, you have to make hotel reservations at least a month in advance. I did think of going somewhere with my friends, but when I called hotels to check for accommodation, most of them said the rooms were full. Concerned about the rush, I dropped the idea of a holiday,” she says.
It isn’t just people in the City; Bangaloreans who work in different cities are making their way back home during the extended weekend.
Vandana Shankar, a homemaker, says, “My son is studying in Chennai. After a long time, he will be back home for four days. I feel when festivals fall a day before or after a weekend, families get more time to be with each other. However, one of the setbacks will be that public transport plying to other cities will be very crowded.”
Interestingly, for some, the extended weekend does not end on August 11, but on August 18.
Akmal Baig, a techie working with an IT firm on Bannerghatta Road, says, “My family members and I planned our holiday a month before. Since Eid-ul-fitr is on August 9, we plan to leave the City the next day. After three days, there is a holiday for Independence Day. We decided to make our holiday a week-long affair and return to the City only on August 18. We are off to places in coastal Karnataka and will begin the journey from Dandeli.”
Students from other states too are making the most of holidays and heading to their hometowns.
Gunn A, an MPhil student, says, “I am flying to my home in Delhi. As students, we don’t get many holidays and when government holidays fall on a Friday, it’s an incentive for us to go home.”
According to a popular holiday organiser, there is a rush for international holiday destinations too. Malaysia and Thailand are the most preferred places right now.
Senior executive with the agency, Namit, says, “There is a surge in the number of travellers going outside the City from August 9 to 11. Goa is attracting a lot of tourists right now as it is monsoon.
It is mostly families who have been booking with us.”
Keeping up with the demand for buses to other places, the KSRTC has introduced more buses for the weekend. The KSRTC Central Division officer says, “About 100 extra buses will be introduced to 25 locations to meet the needs of passengers. Some of the major locations will be Panaji, Kerala, Hyderabad and Tamil Nadu.”
Looks like the City is all geared up to enjoy the holiday and festival season.