As the mercury is soaring in the state, people in the desert state are packing their bags and making a beeline for their choicest hill stations. It’s busy time for the private tour operators and Indian Railways’ Catering and Travel Corporation (IRCTC) are leaving no stone unturned to woo the passenger’s looking for cool climes outside Rajasthan. Uttarakhand is at the top of the chart.
Trains to places, including Kathgodam is showing ‘no room vacant’ position and is running packed throughout May and June.
IRCTC has introduced two packages, including ‘Char Dham’ covering almost every religious spots in Uttarakhand.
“People are also opting for chilly spots like Shimla, Nainital, Dalhousie and even Mount Abu. We have packages including train berths in IIIrd Ac/ IInd Ac travel, air-conditioned cabs and hotels to these destinations. Our clients include newly wed couples, senior citizens and even youngsters this year,” said Sanjay Kaushik, a Jaipur-based tour operator on Sunday.
“For many destinations in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, newly wed couples are opting for air-conditioned four-wheelers for travel and back. This year, the Kashmir Valley is also fav spot,” said Khaitan Singh a tour operator.
IRCTC is providing a special pilgrim train for Char Dham which has received huge response. “The first train will leave on May 20 in which we have arranged for sleeper accommodation, 2X2 bus service, food and hotel accommodation. The cost of this package is Rs 14,400 per person. It will cover Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. It is been availed by both senior citizens and youngsters as majority of these places have comparatively cooler climates,” said Yogendra Singh Gurjar, general manager, IRCTC, Jaipur.
src: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-06/jaipur/39063391_1_tour-operator-train-berths-uttarakhand