It is chalo Goa for New Year

HUBLI: December-end is definitely the time to head to Goa, which has always been the most favourite tourist destination of India. From films stars to VIPs to celebs, all are heading to Goa to ring in the New Year. And Hubliites are not far behind. Travel agencies confirm this 'chalo Goa' trend.
Travel agents said that there are heavy bookings of taxis for Goa as many people are visiting that state to celebrate Christmas and New Year.Groups of youths top the bookings.
Most agencies said that compared to last year, this year more people are hiring vehicles to visit Goa. Prasad Kulkarni, proprietor of Sushant Travels, said: "Compared to last year, we are expecting good business this time. Last year, we booked just 4-5 vehicles a couple of days before the New Year, but this time round, people have booked vehicles one month in advance. We have booked eight vehicles till now. The number may go up in the next couple of days."
Suleman Acchammanavar, owner of Alnavar Raj Travels, said: "The number of local people visiting Goa to celebrate New Year is increasing now. We have booked five vehicles. We are getting many enquiries about the tariff. We are likely to book more than 20 vehicles this time. Last year, we booked just four vehicles to Goa.''
He said: "Students of North India staying in the twin cities are also visiting Goa. And most Christians arrange marriages in Goa during this time; they combine Christmas and New Year and make it a grand celebration.''
Vishal Kulkarni, a private company employee, said: "We have booked a vehicle to Goa. Though we own a car, we prefer a taxi as we don't have to worry about driving.''
Veeresh Pattenshetty, president, Hubli Dharwad Travels Vehicle Owners Association, said they have 2,000 plus rental vehicles in the twin cities. Of these, 80% to 85% are likely to be booked for Goa by New Year revellers, he said.