After December, the summer season is the time when air journey peaks. People frantically verify flight fares, driving hours, and put collectively last-minute vacation plans. In February, the Chennai airport dealt with round 4.7 lakh worldwide air passengers and practically 14 lakh home passengers. This quantity is ready to extend in April and May. The #Airports Authority of India (AAI) will open extra check-in counters to ease the congestion on the worldwide terminal.

Compared with the winter schedule, airways have added 200 flights this summer season to widespread locations within the nation and overseas. Among them are #Delhi, #Guwahati, #Goa, #Varanasi, #Madurai, #Kochi, #Hyderabad, #Jaffna, Colombo, Muscat, and Kuwait. With the temperature starting to soar, these dwelling within the metropolis are getting ready to go out to flee the warmth and unwind. For these planning to fly out, airfares haven’t skyrocketed but, because it did within the December season.

Offbeat locations

Travel brokers say many individuals could make use of the regular fares and take the extra flights. Travellers make fast journeys to Udhagamandalam, Kodaikanal, Kashmir, Shimla, Kullu, Manali, #Goa, Singapore, Malaysia, or Thailand. But they’ll think about offbeat locations in and outdoors India. Air journey and connectivity have advanced considerably. Though there aren’t any direct flights to some of the offbeat places, many travellers don’t thoughts transit. From Azerbaijan to Bhutan and from Assam to the Arakku Valley, there are just a few lesser explored locations, the brokers say. For worldwide journey although, it’s supreme to ebook tickets prematurely.

T. Devaki, chairperson of Travel Agents Association of India, Southern Region, says that for many who don’t thoughts spending a bit of extra, Bhutan is a good selection. “Bhutan has a nice local weather now and it isn’t as industrial and crowded as many different places. Be it Paro Taktsang, Punakha Dzong, Thimphu, or Dochula Pass, the nation has some gorgeous locales. Travellers can simply spend 7-10 days and return to town,” she provides. Flying to Kolkata after which heading to Bhutan could be a greater choice to journey from Chennai.

Easy to get visas

Azerbaijan and Georgia have a mix of nice climate, gorgeous structure, and cultural heritage. Sriharan Balan, managing director of Madura Group, says, “Azerbaijan is gaining popularity. It is pretty simple to get a visa and folks get a really feel of Europe at a a lot lesser worth. In Azerbaijan, one will get to see a historic metropolis and historic mosques, whereas in Georgia, one can see cathedrals and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Georgia has a vibrant nightlife too,” he provides. For each Azerbaijan and Georgia, travellers from Chennai must transit at Sharjah.

For these seeking to step into off-the-beaten-path locations throughout the nation, travelling to the northeastern area is a good possibility. S. Jeyasekaran of the Travel Agents Association of India, Southern Region, says, “Since the entry to the area will not be really easy, it isn’t crowded, and has preserved its serenity, and one can view the character at its finest. There are a number of hidden gems in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya particularly,” he says.

From Chennai, one can fly to #Guwahati after which drive right down to the respective places in these States. Be it Tawang, Ziro Valley, Tezu, Nuranang Falls, Bum La Pass, or Sela Pass, Arunachal Pradesh is replete with gorgeous landscapes. In Meghalaya, one can go to Dawki, Cherrapunji, Nohkalikai Falls, Umiam Lake, and Elephant Falls.

“If one has a bit of extra time, Assam is one other place which shouldn’t be missed. The Kaziranga National Park, the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Majuli, or Silchar are the places that one would keep in mind even many years later. Usually, {couples} who don’t thoughts the journey or lone travellers who would like to discover, trek, or stroll can head to the northeastern area this summer season,” he provides.

Close-by getaway

Travellers who’ve solely a few days in hand, however searching for an reasonably priced and laid-back getaway shut by, can drive right down to Meppadi, view the Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Chembra Peak, or go to the tea gardens. Apart from Meppadi, Mr. Jeyasekaran says, the Kolli Hills is one other stunning place to discover. “It is a seven-hour drive to Kolli Hills and a ten-hour drive to Meghamalai from Chennai. While the drive could also be lengthy, it’s price visiting each places for his or her landscapes and waterfalls. Many preferring trekking head to those places,” he provides.

Some of the opposite small quiet places are Vythiri and Lakkidi close to Wayanad in Kerala, the Arakku Valley in Andhra Pradesh, and Kemmangundi in Karnataka.

Published – April 08, 2025 10:36 pm IST

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