Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department estimates that over 100,000 tourists, mainly from the plains of north India, are likely to visit the state during the three-day weekend. The weekend starts with the celebration of Raksha Bandhan on August 13, 2011 and ends with Independence Day on August 15, 2011.
"Almost all hotels have been fully booked in advance. Of course, extended weekends are always a holiday hit," said Yogesh Behl, General Manger, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). At present, the hill state has 359 homestay units, all in rural areas, with a room capacity of 969. Out of these, 119 alone are located in the Kullu-Manali region while the Kangra and Shimla districts have 45 and 33 units.
Behl informed that the most sought after destinations in the region are Shimla, Narkanda, Sangla, Kasauli, Manali, Palampur, Dharamsala and Dalhousie. The HPTDC's Chindi property, around 100 km from Shimla via Tattapani in the Karsog valley, has also received good response this weekend.
According to Arun Sharma, Director - Tourism, HPTDC, “For budget tourists and for those who want to enjoy Rural Tourism in a homely atmosphere, staying in homestay units is the right option. Some of the homestay units are located amid scenic beauty. Their location is available on the official website of the state tourism department."