It's Far East, Andaman islands for B'lureans

Kerala, Singapore, Switzerland and other European nations are passe this year-end. The preferred holiday destinations for Bengalureans are Bangkok, Hong Kong, Dubai and the Andaman Islands.

Travel agents have noticed that most travellers are youth and there is 45 per cent increase in their numbers, while bookings by families have seen a 20 per cent increase.
Kerala and Goa, which were the most preferred by Bengalureans, have slipped in popularity and bookings.

Thomas Cook travel advisor Vishwanth S said: “This year many are rushing to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. Though the crowd is mixed – families and youth – the number of youngsters is more.

Compared with last year, the number has increased by 45 per cent. Further, those preferring to travel in India, the booking to the Andaman Islands is the maximum this year. Those travelling to Kerala, Manali and Shimla – the most common and popular destinations – are less.

Brigade Travels and Holidays proprietor Mohammed Ashfaq Mushtaq said that for those travelling abroad, the choice is high for Far East countries. This is because the weather is apt there, not very cold compared to European nations and the United States. While the youth are heading to Goa on their own, bookings for Kerala and Kochi are less. People are making advance bookings for the Dubai festival beginning January 10.

Cox & Kings Travel consultant Pradeep Maddy said the rush to Far East countries is increasing. There are more bachelors travelling compared to families. The number of bookings has increased by 20-25 per cent. Also, compared to Himachal and Kerala, Andamans has gained popularity.

A Karnataka Tourism Department official explained that the preferred choice of youth has always been Goa, because of carnivals and non-restricted beach parties for Christmas and New Year.

But this time, the crowd to Andamans is increasing. It was considered the least explored destination till recent past, but is gaining popularity because of water sports activities, clean beaches and privacy the destination offers. This experience, according to many, is similar to that of any other foreign destination but at an economic cost, which is why it is gradually gaining popularity.

Kerala has slipped because it is becoming crowded and common. In case of Karnataka’s coastline, it still needs to become tourist- friendly for the newly weds.
Andamans has pegged well on this. Also, over a decade after tsunami, Andamans as a tourism destination has picked up and its wilderness is breathtaking.