Want to know which are the top monsoon destinations for urban Indian travellers this year? According to the recent findings by Flight Shop - a wholly owned Indian subsidiary of Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), Australia, these include Lahaul-Spiti (Himachal Pradesh), Tinsukia (Assam), Mandu (Madhya Pradesh), Kausani (Uttarakhand) and Athirapally falls (Kerala). Following the trend are also Mawlynnong (Meghalaya), Panshet (Maharashtra) and Digha (West Bengal).
Monsoon 2017 findings also testify the spike of 30% in domestic travel during the green season with travellers enjoying the fading peak of the summer holiday period while dodging large groups of tourists at popular destinations. The discerning new-age traveller is taking advantage of low tariff rates and discounts, further fuelling to the demand this season.
Enthralling activities and unparalleled experiences clubbed with clutter-breaking deals have steered the urban last-minute travellers - backpackers, adventure enthusiasts, solo travellers and millennials to travel and explore.
Shravan Gupta, executive director, Leisure Businesses, FCM Travel Solutions says, “There is nothing called ‘off-season travel’ in India anymore. In fact, the spirit of India truly comes alive during monsoons, showcasing its dense and diverse natural riches; an exceptional weather is always an add-on and hence, an excellent time to travel.”
Adding, “Especially for the workaholics, refreshing mid-year breaks not just help unwind, also recharge from busy city life. At Flight Shop, we have also observed steep interest from the new-age segment - the last minute travellers indulging in outdoor activities like white water rafting, hiking trails & trekking in rainforests and photography off the beaten path. We have seen a rise of 52% in these last minute bookings, this monsoon.”
{{/usCountry}}Adding, “Especially for the workaholics, refreshing mid-year breaks not just help unwind, also recharge from busy city life. At Flight Shop, we have also observed steep interest from the new-age segment - the last minute travellers indulging in outdoor activities like white water rafting, hiking trails & trekking in rainforests and photography off the beaten path. We have seen a rise of 52% in these last minute bookings, this monsoon.”
{{/usCountry}}He further said, “With travel becoming affordable by each passing day, many Indians seek to international destinations at the very onset of an opportunity. However, during monsoons, there can be no destination worthier than incredible India - from lush greens in the South and lofty mountains in the North. And since it is traditionally still an ‘off-season’, travellers can enjoy all of this at reduced prices.”
In addition to the unconventional destinations observed this monsoon, Coorg, Kerela, Goa and Ladakh continue to be the perennial favourites for its extensive offerings and serene exquisiteness.
Additional trends during Monsoon 2017 include a 15-20% rise in self-drives, especially from Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad through the scenic Konkan coastal route.
Furthermore, solo travel has also seen a 10-15% upsurge, with travellers from key metros (Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and Bangalore) heading to the hills for quick monsoon getaways to the aforementioned off-beat destinations.
Follow @htlifeandstyle for more.
Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.