Kolkata Flees City for 5-Day Holiday Frenzy

Kolkata is experiencing a significant outflow of residents eager to capitalize on an uncommon five-day holiday. The break commenced on Thursday with a Saraswati Puja holiday, followed by Netaji's birth anniversary on Friday, and concluding with Republic Day on Monday, encompassing the weekend.

This extended period has led to a dramatic increase in bookings for popular Bengal destinations such as Santiniketan, Digha, Darjeeling, Purulia, and the Sundarbans. Hotels are reporting fast-filling rooms, and travelers are actively seeking available accommodation and transportation.

Travel industry representatives have noted this as one of the most active travel periods in January in recent years. While academic schedules and hearings deterred some, many families extended short picnic plans into multi-day vacations to make the most of the holiday.

Hotels and homestays in areas like Bolpur and Purulia are bustling with activity, drawing families earlier than usual seasonal peaks. Seaside resorts in Digha and Mandarmani are also anticipating a very busy period, further boosted by attractions like the Digha Jagannath temple.

Hill stations like Darjeeling and Kalimpong are experiencing a secondary peak season, with high demand extending to offbeat locations. Even international travel to Thailand and Dubai was an option for some during this lucrative five-day window.