Long Independence-Day weekend boosts travel to locales linked to freedom struggle

PUNE: The long Independence Day weekend has pushed up travel not just to hotspots connected to the country’s freedom struggle but even destinations like Goa, Kerala, Hong Kong, Bali, Indonesia, and Dubai, among others.

Karan Anand of Cox and Kings said that the country is witnessing major travel movement, mainly from all Tier I and II cities. “Places that tell stories of India’s freedom struggle are attracting a number of tourist footfalls,” he said.

This year, Independence Day is on a Wednesday, followed by Pateti on Thursday and Parsee New Year on Friday.

“There is a significant rise in weekend travel enquiries, at least 18% more than last year. Travellers are heading to Chandigarh and Amritsar to visit Jallianwala Baugh, monuments in Delhi like Red Fort, India Gate. Travellers have also showed an interest in Mani Bhavan and August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai, Jhansi Fort in Uttar Pradesh, Netaji Bhavan in Kolkata and Pune’s Aga Khan Palace, and Kesariwada among many other sites associated with the freedom movement,” said Anand.

Director of Hasmukh Travels Vijay Thakkar added said that he is sending a group of eight travellers from Pune to Hong Kong for the long weekend, while others are going to Goa. “The long weekend has come after a gap of three months. Hence, we have seen a 20% increase in travel over that weekend in comparison to the last,” said Thakkar.

Aloke Bajpai, co-founder of ixigo.com, said, “Despite Independence Day falling in the middle of the week, we are seeing an increase in travel searches. From Pune, we have witnessed a spike of approximately 30% in travel. Most travellers are opting for short road trips. Some popular destinations include Sinhagad, Kamshet, Lavasa, Lonavla, Khandala and Rajmachi.”