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    Potpourri of experiential trips that go easy on the pocket

    Holidaying trends are changing among Tamilians, who are travelling more frequently now and farther than ever before. The well-heeled among them are looking for exotic locales in India and abroad, while the adventurous ones seek out ‘experience’ of varying kind.

    Potpourri of experiential trips that go easy on the pocket
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    A lion tailed macaque at Valparai

    Chennai

    At spots such as Ooty, Kodaikanal, Munnar, Yercaud and Yelagiri that are popular among the middleclass, hundreds of joints have sprung up to serve the travellers. The tariff at these places are available even for Rs 200 or Rs 300 a day, says Steve Borgia, CMD, INDeco Leisure Hotels, adding Yercaud can even be called a “poor man’s” hill-station. 

    Then there is the timeshare segment, another option chosen by the middleclass, who plan their summer breaks well in advance. Borgia says there are also those seeking privacy and to be closer to nature. These are singles, irrespective of gender, who want to embark on nature trails, explore remote places and eager for experiential tour-ism. Many from IT industry also prefer this.

    Explaining the potential to develop hill stations that people make a beeline for, Sterling Holidays MD Ramesh Ramanathan said Javadi hills, Kolli in Namakkal district, Meghamalai, Valparai and Coonoor are destinations that are yet to be perceived as hotspots. Though there is lot of movement especially among those seeking short breaks and holidays, such locations need more promotion. The state has the distinction of receiving the highest number of domestic tourists and pilgrimage tourism too. Madurai and Rameshwaram remain much sought after temple circuits. Also, experiences and adventures have become part of the travel itinerary.

    Concurring with this, former Kancheepuram Collector Santosh Misra says, “Everyone is increasingly looking for experiential tourism.

    That little more than usual and unique experiences. The unique things that they have done during their holidays are something that fascinates holiday goers.” So, be it dyeing clothes or dirtying hands in pottery and tinkering around with wrought iron works a host of experimental exercises are what experience seekers scout for. 

    He recalls a group of cyclists from the state, all between 25 and 30 years, embarking on a Manali to Leh trip – a 300-km cycling expedition during the summer. Many eye foreign locales also because there are pockets of global destinations that are cheaper than popular Indian spots, like the deserts in north India. “Indian destinations are too ex-pensive. Instead of spending Rs 80,000 for a Leh or Ladakh sojourn, many feel Europe is a far cheaper proposition,” Borgia says. Also, overseas travel gives them an opportunity to flaunt their “experience.” Another noticeable trend is the demand for newer products like cruise tourism or shipping voyages. The high-selling cruises from nearby ports such as Singapore and Malaysia are attracting travellers from here, he adds. Summer homes are another class of tourism that is getting popular.

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