Aug. 17: Chandmari to China, Silpukhuri to Singapore, Beltola to Bangkok, Guwahatians are packing their bags to go places this Puja.

It’s that time of the year and travel agencies are dangling enticing Durga Puja holiday packages, which Guwahatians are lapping up.

Last-minute deals on packages, queues for enquiries on the offers have almost become the order of the day at travel agency offices for those bitten by wanderlust.

Planning for the vacation has already commenced as the departures begin from September 30.

In fact, travel agencies in the city said there has been a 20 per cent rise in the rate of bookings for this Puja vacation.

Jungle Tavels, a city-based travel agency, named Malaysia, Bangkok, Singapore, China and Europe as the hot destinations amongst international packages while Rajasthan, Kullu, Manali, Mussoorie, Shimla, Dharamshala and Kerala are among the top choices as domestic destinations.

Director of Jungle Travels India, Jahnabi Phookun, said, “New destinations are being explored, market has matured and people are growing more travel savvy. Well, Guwahati is really taking that extra step to enjoy life. Though every year the number of people travelling outside increases, this year the rate of growth has been double.”

Introduction of direct flights to Bangkok and Bhutan by Druk Air is one of the reasons why Phookun feels the rate of people travelling outside has increased significantly.

An executive of Jungle Travels India, who looks after the outbound service department said, “Many queries are coming in for Europe and the packages are almost sold out.”

Amit Pegu, storeowner of the Cox and Kings, said, “Guwahatians have grown more enthusiastic when it comes to exploring new places. Be it international or domestic packages, unlike before there are many takers now.”

“Along with the Puja holidays, demand for honeymoon special packages have also started coming in for October,” the executive of Jungle Travels India said.

“Travelling abroad has become easier over the past few years for more number of people, given the stiff competition in the tourism sector, which has helped to push down prices, be it for travel, accommodation or sightseeing at the destinations. Besides, many of the packages are designed efficiently, which cut down on time, thus coming as a boon for the travellers,” another tour operator said.

Besides the outbound destinations being the hot favourite, Guwahati, too, is drawing its share of tourists in the upcoming holiday season.

Earlier, only 10 per cent of the tourists to the Northeast would choose Guwahati as a destination, but as the travel agencies have begun promoting the city, there is an increase.

“It is the gateway to the Northeast, so we have been promoting Guwahati,” the tour operator said.