JOIN USAway from the madding crowd
With a long weekend around the corner, travel enthusiasts and families are wasting no time in packing up their bags and heading out of the city to make the most of the occasion.
Short distance trips top the list of travel plans for many Bengalureans. While some families have booked their vacation in advance, others are making last minute plans to head out of the city. Jayagowri M R, a chartered accountant, is all set to witness the Mysuru ‘Dasara’ with her husband Naveen and daughter Chandana.
“I participated in the Mysuru ‘Dasara’ procession a few years ago. My father owned a vintage car and we took it for the procession. It is a grand affair and I would like to go there once again because our daughter has not seen it,” says Jayagowri. She adds that she is also looking forward to watching the grand elephant procession.
Nidhi Goyal, a homemaker, enjoys unplanned vacations because she thinks that there is an element of surprise in them. She is driving down to Shravanabelagola with husband Arun and children Mehul and Vibhor for the weekend.
“We wanted to travel to Pondicherry but all the hotels there are booked. So we zeroed in on Shravanabelagola because of its historical significance. Our children too were keen to see the place because they have studied about it,” says Nidhi. She says that these short trips are not only refreshing but give them a chance to move away from familiar surroundings.
‘Navaratri’ is special for Uday Shankar Nayak, a businessman and a native of Kundapur, and his family because they drive down to Goa to witness the special programmes held in the various temples there. “My family and I are
driving to Goa this year to visit the temples. We don’t miss the temple festival at any cost. Every temple has a different feel and flavour when it comes to celebrations and it is a grand affair,” says Uday. He also says that these temple visits are planned and the bookings are made well in advance.
Nujo John and his family are heading to their family resort in Kodaikanal. “I am a member of a biking group and travel out of the city at least twice a month on my Bullet. But I never miss my family vacations and
enjoy hitting the road with them. It is interesting to head out with the extended family, even if it is just for a short vacation,” says Nujo.