Hill stations make most of early rains

Premature monsoon has led to an increase in the rates of hotel rooms and car rentals, as people are thronging holiday spots like Khandala and Lonavla

The heavy downpour has worked wonders for tour operators and hoteliers in the state.

Weekend getaways such as Lonavla and Khandala are running full, owing to the rains that have given nature lovers an additional reason to run away for a quiet holiday.


Travel companies feel the heavy downpour is a blessing in disguise, bringing in more commerce for them in areas like Khandala and Lonavla

Tour operators claim that their good streak has been extended till August 15, as bookings are almost full for the weekend before that.
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Operators also added that the rains have led to an increase in room and car rental rates.

Confirming the same, Suhas Padte of Vigneshwar Travels, Fort, said, "All hotels in Lonavla and Khandala are fully occupied.

The rates of rooms have increased because of a higher demand that can be attributed to the monsoon. Furthermore, rental vehicles have already been booked and the cost of hiring has also escalated."

Padte added, "The early rains have proved to be a boon for us as they have brought in extra business at a time that is considered to be the slackest for all.

Hope the rains remain favourable unlike the last few years where the monsoon was felt only in the month of July."

Earlier in the year, the rate of an air-conditioned room was Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,000. However, the rates have now increased by approximately Rs 500. Similarly, car rentals have increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500.

Commenting on the increase in rates, Manish Khetwani, a resident of Thane , said, "I am travelling to Lonavla this weekend and have hired a car. However, the rate of rental was much higher this time.

Normally, I pay Rs 2,000 for a rental but this time I had to shell out an additional Rs 1,000. Drivers are also asking for more.

The cost to travel to such areas has increased tremendously but since we had planned this trip before my niece's school reopens, I am not changing plans."

Sunil Savla, proprietor of Neeta Volvo who also owns a couple of hotels and runs Volvo buses to Lonavla and other hill stations confirmed that there was an increase in demand for such places. Savla added that there was also a higher demand for places such as Malshej Ghat and Murud Janjira.

Maharashtra Tour Organisers Association (MTOA) President, Atul Mohite, believes that the hill stations are seeing a busy time because schools have yet not started.
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"Due to the early monsoon this year and schools that are yet to reopen, a lot of bookings and enquiries have been made, bringing in unexpected business for tour operators and hoteliers," he said.

Rates
Earlier, an air-conditioned room cost Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,000. However, the current rates are Rs 2,500. Similarly, car rentals have increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500.

Getaways
Other than locations like Khandala and Lonavla, tour operators said that the demand for getaways like Malshej Ghat and Murud Janjira has also increased.