North Bengal, Sikkim set for tourist season rush

September 18 (TravelAndy): Tourism businesses in north Bengal and Sikkim states are getting ready for the high season in October during the Durga Puja vacations after the dismal business last year because of the 104-day shutdown in the Darjeeling area.

Flights between Kolkata and Bagdogra for the holiday period now cost upwards of INR7,000. Prices for the non-peak season are usually around INR2,000.

“Such is the rush that the fares of two new flights of SpiceJet to be introduced next month to Bagdogra and Pakyong have increased to over Rs 10,000. Fares on the Delhi-Bagdogra route have also soared. It is an indication that a large number of tourists will flock to the region,” The Telegraph quoted a travel agent in the North Bengal city of Siliguri as saying.

“Over the past fortnight, people are making inquiries and soon mailing confirmations. The rate is quite steady,” said Tanmoy Goswami, who runs a travel management company, the report added.

A statehood demand had been the reason for last year’s shutdown.