Air travel set to peak this summer as airlines line up more flights

After December, the summer is the time when air travel peaks. People frantically check flight fares, driving hours, and put together last-minute holiday plans. In February, the Chennai airport handled around 4.7 lakh international air passengers and nearly 14 lakh domestic passengers. This number is set to increase in April and May. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will open more check-in counters to ease the congestion at the international terminal.

Compared with the winter schedule, airlines have added 200 flights this summer to popular destinations in the country and abroad. Among them are Delhi, Guwahati, Goa, Varanasi, Madurai, Kochi, Hyderabad, Jaffna, Colombo, Muscat, and Kuwait. With the temperature beginning to soar, those living in the city are preparing to head out to escape the heat and unwind. For those planning to fly out, airfares have not skyrocketed yet, as it did in the December season.

Offbeat destinations

Travel agents say many people may make use of the steady fares and take the additional flights. Travellers make quick trips to Udhagamandalam, Kodaikanal, Kashmir, Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Goa, Singapore, Malaysia, or Thailand. But they can consider offbeat destinations in and outside India. Air travel and connectivity have evolved significantly. Though there are no direct flights to a few of the offbeat locations, many travellers do not mind transit. From Azerbaijan to Bhutan and from Assam to the Arakku Valley, there are a few lesser explored destinations, the agents say. For international travel though, it is ideal to book tickets in advance.

T. Devaki, chairperson of Travel Agents Association of India, Southern Region, says that for those who don’t mind spending a little more, Bhutan is a great choice. “Bhutan has a pleasant climate now and it is not as commercial and crowded as many other locations. Be it Paro Taktsang, Punakha Dzong, Thimphu, or Dochula Pass, the country has some stunning locales. Travellers can easily spend 7-10 days and return to the city,” she adds. Flying to Kolkata and then heading to Bhutan would be a better option to travel from Chennai.

Easy to get visas

Azerbaijan and Georgia have a blend of pleasant weather, stunning architecture, and cultural heritage. Sriharan Balan, managing director of Madura Group, says, “Azerbaijan is becoming more popular. It is fairly easy to get a visa and people get a feel of Europe at a much lesser price. In Azerbaijan, one gets to see a historic city and ancient mosques, whereas in Georgia, one can see cathedrals and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Georgia has a vibrant nightlife too,” he adds. For both Azerbaijan and Georgia, travellers from Chennai will have to transit at Sharjah.

For those looking to step into off-the-beaten-path destinations within the country, travelling to the northeastern region is a great option. S. Jeyasekaran of the Travel Agents Association of India, Southern Region, says, “Since the access to the region is not so easy, it is not crowded, and has preserved its serenity, and one can view the nature at its best. There are several hidden gems in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya especially,” he says.

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

“If one has a little more time, Assam is another place which should not be missed. The Kaziranga National Park, the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Majuli, or Silchar are the locations that one would remember even decades later. Usually, couples who don’t mind the travel or lone travellers who would love to explore, trek, or walk can head to the northeastern region this summer,” he adds.

Close-by getaway

Travellers who have only a couple of days in hand, but looking for an affordable and laid-back getaway close by, can drive down to Meppadi, view the Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Chembra Peak, or visit the tea gardens. Apart from Meppadi, Mr. Jeyasekaran says, the Kolli Hills is another beautiful place to explore. “It is a seven-hour drive to Kolli Hills and a ten-hour drive to Meghamalai from Chennai. While the drive may be long, it is worth visiting both locations for their landscapes and waterfalls. Many who prefer trekking head to these locations,” he adds.

Some of the other small quiet locations are Vythiri and Lakkidi near Wayanad in Kerala, the Arakku Valley in Andhra Pradesh, and Kemmangundi in Karnataka.