There’s something great about planning that year-end holiday. With everyone enjoying the festive break from Christmas to New Year — schools are on a break, offices have a languid relaxed vibe, and the leaves of the year have to be cashed in.
Kolkatans, and the rest of the country are embarking and planning their own holidays. If you are looking for a destination to pin down, My Kolkata has some travel insight to offer. From the top destinations in eastern India to domestic and international trips — this is where travellers are heading to this season of joy!
Eastern Indian favourites
For the tourists in the east of the country — the ones looking for a relaxing getaway and those looking to explore — there’s a great mix of beaches and mountains to choose from.
Puri beach Shutterstock
Puri is in 2nd place, up from 7th last year on Booking.com’s domestic travel preference list curated based on website searches by Indian travellers. The city in Odisha has always been a top getaway for people from Kolkata, mainly because of the Shree Jagannath Temple and the Golden Beach. With Chilika Lake in close proximity, you could get on a boat and spot a variety of bird and even some dolphins, and the Konark Sun Temple is a historic site that still holds its grandeur and beauty to this day.
Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim Wikimedia Commons
Shillong, Darjeeling and Sikkim also feature on the list of top holiday spots. The mercury dropping at these hill stations is no deterrent and one of the biggest attractions is the chance to experience a snowy winter. If this is your destination of choice, make sure to pack your winter essentials and some more to stay cosy and warm, because one jacket can never be enough this time of the year.
Domestic picks
If you’re travelling within India, then the beaches of the west and the jungles of the north have made it to the top lists.
Anjuna Beach, Goa Wikimedia Commons
Goa ranked 4th, same as last year, and Puducherry (Pondicherry) has moved up from 3rd to 1st place on Booking.com. With much milder temperatures, beach days are always a big draw for travellers, and Goa’s vibrant nightlife and food scene is great for youngsters travelling with friends to celebrate.
Those looking for a calmer and more relaxed end to the year, head to Puducherry for the beaches, along with a trip to Sri Aurobindo Ashram. If you’re headed to the southern spot, be sure to check out Eden Beach, which is one of the few beaches where you can get into the water and also the cleanest beach in the region. Away from party goers, you can walk around the beach barefoot and enjoy a relaxed day of soaking in the sun and some fun activities.
A safari in Jim Corbett National Park Shutterstock
Up north, Jim Corbett National Park is among the top wildlife destinations choices. India’s first national park in the Himalayan foothills is close to the popular hill station of Nainital, Uttarakhand. While spotting a tiger is a matter of luck, some great stay options and safari into the dense montane forest is a hit with nature lovers.
International hotspots
It’s not just travels within the country, but international travel is high on the list as well, despite surging ticket prices. “Ticket prices are always high this time of year and travellers have accepted that. So, the only way they look to save on these international trips is if they have relatives or friends in these countries,” said Anil Punjabi, national committee member of the Travel Agents Federation of India, representing the Eastern region.
With the recent visa exemptions, Thailand and Malaysia are picking up a huge number of bookings from Indian travellers despite the surge in ticket prices.
Aquaria KLCC Wikimedia Commons
Pattaya and Krabi are the top choices in Thailand for those looking at a beach holiday while Bangkok’s nightlife tops the list for the younger travellers looking to ring in the New Year in style.
Malaysia also ranks high for travellers from Kolkata. Most travellers to Malaysia would spend at least a day in Kuala Lumpur. A view of the Petronas Twin Tower is a must for many, along with a visit to the Aquaria KLCC to experience the underwater tunnel. Langkawi features as the top choice for those looking to relax at beaches while those travelling with children should look up Lost World of Tambun in Ipoh city to plan a day full of rides and activities for your little ones to enjoy.
A dhow ride in Dubai Wikimedia Commons
Interestingly, very few travellers look for a white Christmas destination when getting out of the city so the Middle East and eastern Europe are top picks for those holidaying abroad, according to Punjabi.
