Hoping to enjoy white Christmas

Dec 21, 2010 - Hemant Abhishek (The Asian Age)

Terrible weather conditions and snowstorms might be a bane for people in Europe or in the Valley, but for others it comes as an opportunity to scoot to the snowclad mountains to enjoy a white Christmas this year. Tripadvisor’s Winter survey has seen a 16% rise in those travelling abroad, with Europe being a dream-destination for most Indian travellers. And as temperatures continue to plummet in the North, youngsters and executives from the city are planning a quick getaway to the hills for yearend frolic.
With a bunch of friends or on their own, youngsters are heading north for a cold end to 2010. Ankush Panwar, who works with an MNC, says, “I have spent the entire year in Delhi and I’m looking forward to leaving the city for the Christmas week. But that is when places like Goa are very crowded with tourists. So, a few colleagues and I have decided to head for the hills for a tranquil and peaceful white Christmas and New Year.”
And the Himalayan resorts and getaways too cash in on the holiday season. Manisha Timori, manager sales at Kanatal Resort and Spa in the Himalayas, informs, “We do have light snowfall around this time so patrons can look forward to a white Christmas.”
Situated at approximately 300 km from the capital, she says they experience a capacity crowd around New Year and this year will be no different. “We have a lot of people driving down to Kanatal during Christmas and New Year. And we almost have capacity bookings already made for the New Year.”
As the weather is chilly in the hills, tour operators say this happens to be an off-season for hotels and log cabins in the Himalayan region and one can find good bargains during this time. Seconds Sumith Dutta from Emerald Trail, a home stay at Jungalia gaon, close to 350 km from the capital. He adds, “We have special packages for the Christmas and New Year season at `3250 for a minimum package of two nights and three days and also an offer to book the entire bungalow for a private party during Christmas/New Year.” Situated near Nainital, the night temperatures in the area often drop to minus 10 with chances of snowfall and the chalet, he informs, and it provides an economical option for a white Christmas close to the capital.

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