Tourism in Hazarduari palace and Motijheel Destination Park drops due to demonetisation

Tourism in Bengal has taken a beating in favorite tourist spots like the Hazarduari palace and Motijheel Destination Park in Murshidabad due to demonetization.
The Archaeological Survey of India maintains Hazarduari and it has revealed that the number of tourists this November was 40 per cent less than that in October. Similarly in Motijheel Destination Park. This has an artificial spring and clay models apart from a light-and-sound show on the history of Murshidabad. But, footfalls here has halved since November 9 - that was the day after the demonetization drive was announced.
This has been reported in telegraphindia.com dated 28 November 2016.

The situation at other tourist hotspots in Santiniketan in Birbhum is also dismal. Hootel bookings in both Murshidabad and Santiniketan had come down drastically as a result of lack of tourists following the cash crunch precipitated by the demonetization.
At Hazarduari (constructed in 1829), old Rs 500 notes are being accepted at the ticket counter, but the number of visitors has not improved. As an official has indicated - there has been a 40 per cent drop in the number of visitors this November in comparison with the figure in October. The ticket price per person at Hazarduari is Rs 15.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


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Independence Day weekend in Goa to be a costly affair

Indications are there that a holiday in Goa, a tourist hot spot, for the extended Independence Day weekend could prove to be an expensive affair. Mumbaikars usually make up the largest chunk of weekend holidayers to Goa and they will have to shell out four times the regular fare to land in Goa on August 12 or 13.
The normal airfare from Mumbai to Goa is Rs 1,500 but, it will cost upwards of Rs 8000 on August 12 and 13. Similarly, the return fare will be in the region of Rs 6500 for journeys on August 15 and 16.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 9 August 2016.

Not only flights bit even bus fares are at a premium. The bus fare from Bengaluru and Mumbai to Goa usually costs between Rs 700 to Rs 900 for a seat in an AC bus - it will cost Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000. Those travelers from regions like Mumbai who decide to drive down to Goa, getting a suitable accommodation would be tough. Hotels that could accommodate last minute travel plans, the charges could be in the region of Rs 12,000-33,000 per night per room.
Flight tickets to Goa from any of the metros are priced three to four times their regular fare for the extended weekend starting August 12.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


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