Great gamblers of Gujarat going to Goa Published: Sunday, Aug 21, 2011, 15:21 IST By Kinjal Desai | Place: Ahmedabad | Agency: DNA
Thanks to Janmashtami on Monday, this week will have a slightly longer weekend. With cooling rains, Gujaratis have just the right excuse for a getaway with their family and friends to the beaches and serene blue waters of Goa. "Places in India not very far from Gujarat are most preferred by Gujaratis for short holidays. What better place to spend this weekend than Goa? The state is the hot favourite with most Gujaratis for this four-day weekend," said Keyur Kotak, director, Aatithya Trips Pvt Ltd. Kotak said that other favourite destinations include Udaipur, Kumbalgarh, Mt Abu, Diu and Saputara. "Thailand and Sri Lanka are also very popular with families who are willing to spend a little extra," he added. According to Kotak, the budget for a holiday trip this weekend depends on the package taken. And the packages being offered by tour operators start at Rs20,000 and go up to Rs70,000, he said. Ajay Modi, co-director, Yatra Tours and Travels, had the same thing to say. "The budget varies from package to package. The kind of accommodation you want, and food, sightseeing and leisure expenses decide the total cost you are likely to incur. For a 3 nights, 4 days package to Goa, the budget starts from Rs5,000 per person. A 2 nights, 3 days package for Udaipur, the second biggest favourite, can cost Rs4,000 or more," Modi said. Among international destinations, Singapore, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka are preferred over others. But Palash Roy, manager, Club7 Holidays Ltd, said that other destinations popular among Gujaratis for a four-day-trip this weekend are Malaysia, Dubai and Thailand. "As for destinations in India, Goa, followed by Kerala, are the places people are going to for a getaway. For a splendid weekend with family and friends, Gujaratis are ready to spend upwards of Rs25,000 on such trips," Roy said. http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_great-gamblers-of-gujarat-going-to-goa_1578178
