Gujaratis in search of lost paradise

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal"><script language="javascript">doweshowbellyad=0; </script><br />If there is a heaven on earth, can the Gujaratis be far behind in re-discovering the lost paradise? If the present tourist rush from the city is any indication then Kashmir is all poised to win the race for the most favored travel destination for Gujaratis this summer.<br /><br /><img align="left" src="/photo/643540.cms" alt="/photo/643540.cms" border="0" />The ever-tense situation in the valley notwithstanding, an increasing number of enthusiastic Gujaratis this year are packing their bags for the destination préférée. <br /><br />According to Balbir Singh, tourist officer at Jammu & Kashmir Govt. Tourist Information Centre, there are about 50 per cent more inquiries this year as compared to last year. He says, "According to a recent report in a Kashmir daily there is a strong possibility of the state govt. generating revenue of over Rs 300 crores from tourism this year, which is almost twice of what it earned last year." <br /><br />As far as actual bookings are concerned, there has been at least a 25-30% increase in just one year. Rohit Thakkar the owner of Navbharat Travels informs, "A weekly vacation special train to Jammu has been introduced for two months to meet with the increasing holiday rush."<br /><br />The paradise as of now comes for a reasonable price. Many travel agents who have been to the scenic valley claim that the beauty of Manali, Shimla or Nainital looks lackluster when compared to the allure of Kashmir. "The price that you pay for a Kashmir package is absolutely affordable in comparison with the expensive packages to Kerala or Darjeeling and its beauty is breathtaking." claims Neha Shah of Hot Holidays. <br /></div> </div><div class="section2"><div class="Normal"><script language="javascript">doweshowbellyad=0; </script><br /><br /><img align="left" src="/photo/643541.cms" alt="/photo/643541.cms" border="0" />Director of Reisun Travels Pvt. Ltd. Sanjay Deshpande informs enthusiastically, "The rush is unprecedented and I have freezed several bookings for different departure dates between April-June. For just about 10,000 per person for a 12 day extensive tour, Kashmir does come cheap this year. Though, from next year I think, the rates will go up considering the craze"<br /><br />Jaideep Desai and his family are leaving for a tour of Jammu and Kashmir in April 3rd week with three other families. The group of 12 looks absolutely thrilled with their prized destination. As the children in the group excitedly rattle of exciting places like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pehelgaun, Katra and Vaishnavdevi, Desai looks on indulgently. <br /><br />So doesn’t he feel even a bit concerned about the ever-tense situation? "I am just concerned about the day when Jammu goes to polls. Apart from that I am extremely sure that we are going to be just fine. The situation has improved drastically" Desai says smiling confidently. <br /><br />As one experienced travel agent from Shringar Travels explains, "The state is completely dependent on tourism and so far there haven’t been any terrorist attacks on tourists. Moreover, most of the violence has taken place in the interiors of the state."<br /><br />In the present situation, the equation is clear. An increase in demand has made supply dearer. As Thakkar explains, "Till last year the houseboat owners used to offer their properties for any price that we tour operators offered. Since this year they have been demanding their own price. But the splendor of Kashmir is worth every penny spent."<br /><br />Proving its penchant for traveling its Mission Kashmir for heat ravaged Ahmedabad.<br /><br /><formid=367815></formid=367815></div> </div>