Independence Day Long Weekend Draws Crowds to Rajasthan

As the Independence Day long weekend approaches, Rajasthan's prominent tourist destinations, including Jaipur, Udaipur, and Mount Abu, are witnessing a surge in visitor numbers, according to officials on Sunday, August 13.

With August 15 falling on a Tuesday this year, many individuals have strategically taken leave on Monday, August 14, creating an extended four-day weekend. The State's Tourism Department reported a remarkable four-fold rise in domestic tourist footfall compared to the previous year's Independence Day extended weekend, which coincided with August 15 falling on a Monday.

Tourist Hotspots Teeming with Vacationers

Tourist hubs such as Jaipur, Udaipur, and Mount Abu are buzzing with activity as vacationers flock to these destinations. Those fortunate enough to have secured prior travel arrangements and accommodations are enjoying their vacations without any hindrances. Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, Dalip Singh Rathore, noted, "The number of tourists has increased by four times as compared to last year during the days around Independence Day."

With the influx of visitors, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Mount Abu hotels are almost fully occupied. Religious tourism has also contributed significantly to the surge, with an increasing number of devotees visiting key pilgrimage sites such as the Khatu Shyam temple, Salasar temple, and Ajmer Dargah. To cater to this demand, the Tourism Department has introduced the 'Sarvadharm Sambhav Pilgrimage Circuit,' focusing on developing major pilgrimage sites, including temples, gurdwaras, and dargahs.

Challenges Amidst the Rush

The surging tourist numbers have resulted in significant traffic congestion, forcing travellers who arrived in their vehicles to rely on e-rickshaws and public transport for intra-city travel. Rani Raj, a 26-year-old tourist from Delhi, shared her experience, stating, "The long weekend rush has led to massive traffic snarls. We came by car but had to hire an e-rickshaw to travel within the city."

According to Mahendra Singh Rathore, President of the Rajasthan Association of Tourists Operators (RATO), the majority of tourists visiting the state during this period hail from Karnataka, West Bengal, Gujarat, Delhi-NCR, and Uttar Pradesh. Devipal Singh, Director of Exotic Tours and Travels, further explained that tourists from Gujarat are drawn to destinations like Mount Abu, Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh, Pali's Jawai Dam and Jawai Leopard Century. On the other hand, Sariska, Ranthambore, and the Shekhawati region are the preferred choices for tourists from Delhi-NCR.

(With inputs from PTI)