Weekend getaways near Kolkata a hit as citizens want short & safe vacation

KOLKATA: A majority of resorts and weekend getaways within 100 km radius of the city are packed to the capacity during the Independence Day weekend as tired Kolkatans looking for a break are preferring resorts and locations closer home over usual weekend hotspots like Digha, Mandarmani, Shantiniketan and Bakkhali.
The reason — a state government stipulation making a Covid negative report or double vaccination certificate mandatory for travellers heading to popular travel destinations and the urge from responsible travellers to choose destinations closer home where test reports are not mandatory yet.

“Our resorts at Raj Kutir in the city and Ganga Kutir in South 24 Parganas are completely booked over the weekend. We are in any case accommodating 50% of patrons and taking all necessary Covid protocols,” said Nitin Kohli, director, Ambuja Neotia Hospitality.
At Ibiza, The Fern Resort & Spa, authorities said the turnout of guests was satisfactory since the beginning of ease of restrictions following the second wave, but the footfall has certainly peaked over the Independence Day weekend. “We are quite hopeful that it will prevail during the run up to the Puja and on the Puja days,” said Subhadip Basu, general manager of the resort.
Eco resorts closer to the city like Breathing Earth in Usthi, Bongheri in Kultali and Kotrakhali in Canning also have all their rooms and cottages booked.
Biprodas Chakraborty of Digha Hoteliers Association said that to lure tourists over the weekend, hotels across the beach town has started accepting rapid antigen test reports.
“But we need to be careful. We are not encouraging unnecessary travel and most importantly people should always have their masks on,” said virologist Rahul Jain.