Waiting for an opportunity to escape the hustle-bustle of the city and the work pressure inside the office confines were a number of Hyderabadis who made the most of the long weekend. As Milad-un-Nabi and Christmas was celebrated on Thursday and Friday respectively, a four-day holiday gave ample opportunity for adventure lovers, travellers and wildlife enthusiasts to head for getaways. Some made do with the resorts dotting the outskirts of the city in the areas of Shamirpet, Medchal, Shamshabad and Ghandipet.
“I was surprised to find that some of the resorts, which are not well-known, were fully occupied,” said G. Vijay Rao, a businessman from Begumpet, who planned a get-together along with his friends over the weekend.
“Those with swimming pools and cricket ground were the most sought-after.”
Who would not mind a few hours of drive to enjoy spending time in the lap of nature amidst pristine environment? About six hours drive from Hyderabad is popular beach named Suryalanka which is a hit with IT employees from the city.
“Usually, rooms are reserved much in advance. But since this is the New Year season, all the 30 rooms were booked long back,” said Ravi Kumar, Assistant Manager, Marketing, AP Tourism Development Corporation.
“Suryalanka and Dindi are the two destinations in Andhra Pradesh which are popular with people from Hyderabad. All our rooms in Dindi too are booked till January first week next year,” he said.
The very thought of spending a night with bonfire on an island after taking an exciting boat journey is enough for one to rush to Paapikondalu. Even this tourist spot is witnessing huge visitor rush.
“We have been telling callers that we cannot accommodate any more visitors for the next two days,” informed K. Sai, central booking agent operator for Paapikondalu tourism packages. “We have 25 boats transporting people for day and overnight tours and they are overbooked. One night and two night packages are being preferred more by the tourists since it is a long weekend.”
The demand has also led to private hotels and resorts hiking their tariffs.
At Nagarjunasagar and Vikarabad, which are close to the city, rates have been increased by 50 per cent to 100 per cent.
