Quake impact: Nepal slips on vacationers' favourite destination list

JAIPUR: Before the floods in Chardham in Uttarakhand and earthquake in Nepal, both these places were preferred by tourists from Rajasthan for their summer vacations.
But after the natural calamities hit these places, people are opting for other destinations, said tour operators.
Now Jammu and Kashmir tops the list of people's favourite destinations although this state was also ravaged by floods during the last monsoon season.Other places like Nainital, Kullu-Manali, Kerala, Mumbai & Goa are also on vacationers' priority list.
Tour operators and travel managers said that they have witnessed many 'cancellations' after massive earthquake hit Nepal recently.
Sanjay Kaushik, a tour operator, said "Nepal was the favourite destination for many, including newly wed couples, during the summers. But after the recent earthquake, all the bookings have been cancelled by our clients."
He added, "I think the pictures of tragedy in Uttarakhand are still fresh in the minds of people. That is why, they are not showing any interest in this place. Jammu and Kashmir is the most preferred destination for people, especially the newly wed couples.
When asked about the kind of packages available in the market, Anil Singh, another tour operator, said, "We are giving a five-nights & six-day package for Kashmir. It includes hotel stay, air travel and local sightseeing. The package costs between Rs 60,000 and Rs 70,000, depending on the mode of transport and category of the hotel. Our guests would spend three nights in Srinagar, one in Gulmarg and one in Pahalgam in this package."
Likewise, many people are opting for places like Nainital, Kullu-Manali, Kerala and Goa.
Khalid Khan, former president, Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO), said, "People are obviously opting for destinations having less heat. There are many who are opting for places like Kerala, Ooty and Bangalore even in summers. I think because of the beaches, people prefer to visit Mumbai and Goa."
Holiday packages in summers
Kashmir (5 nights, 6 days - air travel, hotel with local conveyance)
Rs 45,000 to Rs 60,000 per couple
Nainital (5 nights, 6 days - train travel, hotel and local conveyance)
Rs 35,000 to Rs 45,000 per couple
Kullu-Manali (5 nights, 6 days - train travel, hotel and local conveyance)
Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 per couple)
Kerala (5 nights, 6 days - train travel, hotel and local conveyance)
Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 per couple
Ooty & Kodaikanal (5 nights, 6 days - air travel, hotel and local conveyance)
Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 per couple