Revellers head to Patratu, Netarhat to beat blues

After being cooped up in their homes for over seven months, travellers have gradually started stepping out with utmost precautions. Owing to the pandemic, while domestic or international destinations remain a farfetched dream for many, tourists are seen flocking to places within Jharkhand that are just a few hours drive away.

Destinations like Netarhat, Patratu, McCluskieganj are being swamped with enquires from revelers, who would earlier head to Goa or to the foothills of the Himalayas.

“Since the time the resorts have been opened to the public, tourists have been visiting the properties. With restrictions allowing visitors from other states also being lifted, we are expecting more travellers in the coming months. Netarhat and Patratu have seen a steady flow of holiday goers in the past few weeks with people from various parts of Jharkhand visiting for a short break,” said Alok Prasad, Manager, Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation.Referred to as the ‘Queen of Chotanagpur’, Netarhat was thronged by tourists during the long Durga Puja weekend.

“With low key celebrations and a long weekend, Nehtarhat had a flurry of tourists visiting. Apart from weekends, the number of people dropping in on week days has also increased. People are now keen to get out of their homes for short breaks and are opting for destinations closer to home. With the peak season approaching from December to February, we are hoping for some more business. All rooms after check out and prior to check in are being thoroughly sanitised,” said Mukesh Choudhary, Manager Arunodaya Atithi Grih, Netarhat.

City based travel operators claim that queries for McCluskieganj and Patratu have been on the rise as compared to enquiries about international destinations.