CHENNAI: Exotic destinations like Tashkent in Uzbekistan and Thimphu in Bhutan are becoming popular among Chennaiites over a holiday in Europe or South-East Asia.
With summer and vacations round the corner, Chennaiites have started to make travel plans. Instead of selecting conventional destinations like Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and expensive London, Paris, and Switzerland seasoned travellers have started to enquire about Tashkent, Macau, and Bhutan this year.
Nestled in the Himalayas, amid the North Eastern states, Bhutan's cool climes and proximity are making it a hot pick for the summer. Besides, Indians do not need a visa to go to Bhutan.
Cold climate, heritage and historical sites that dates back to the 16th century and the sheer thrill of travelling to an unexplored part of central Asia is making Uzbekistan popular. Maximum temperature ranges from 21 degrees to 27 degrees Celsius in April and May, which gives Tashkent a weather almost equivalent to that of European cities.
"The climate and the heritage value is making people travel to Tashkent. A group has booked to travel in April and May. They are interested in history and culture and wants to travel to Samarkand and Bhukara and other historical locations," said Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) president Basheer Ahemed.
Samarkand and Bukhara are the ancient Silk Route cities that lie on the edge of the Karakorum desert.
"Bhutan has seen a steady increase in the number of Indian arrivals for the last three years. In fact, one fourth of the visitors to Bhutan last year were Indians. In 2010, it received close to 12,000 Indian visitors," says Karan Anand, head (relationships and supplier management), Cox and Kings. "We expect to see a 25% growth in travel to Bhutan this year.
Bhutan, known as the Land of the Dragon, is emerging as a favourite with those who are looking for an offbeat destination in the Himalayan region for an un-touristy experience. Bhutan's spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna and ancient Buddhist monasteries along with the fact that it is among the relatively unexplored pockets of Asia, makes it appealing.
"Bhutan attracts various kinds of travellers. While some want a combination of culture, adventure, wildlife and leisure, there are some who come to us with requests to customise itineraries to suit their interest," says Kashmira Commissariat, COO (outbound division), Kuoni India.
SOTC recently launched a package to Bhutan for Rs 9,999 per person on twin share basis that includes accommodation for five nights and six days, breakfast, AC transport for sightseeing. Cox and Kings has a package to Bhutan, which is an eight-day and seven-night holiday for Rs 38,520 per person, excluding air fare or train fare. Most travel agencies will charge around Rs 30,000 per person on twin sharing basis for a three-star hotel vacation for five nights.
Although Bhutan has only one airport and one airline Druk Air that operates flights from Delhi and Kolkata, you can also drive into the country from Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.
Bhutan competes with the likes of Nepal, Sri Lanka and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, all of which are destinations that are not too far from mainland India and more importantly, cost more or less the same for a traveller.
Both the destinations are for the seasoned traveller. Vietnam, Laos, Macau were the places these premium travellers explored last year.
Meanwhile, first-time travellers continue to boost tourism in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. Arrivals in Sri Lanka and Thailand from India have increased by 51% and 28%.
Fiji and Seychelles too have joined the list of destinations after tourism boards of the respective countries conducted promotions in the city.