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Going on a holiday is no longer restricted to any particular season as those with the wanderlust travel anytime. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates a 4.5% per annum increase in the total amount of travel and tourism activity between 2002 and 2012. This is largely attributed to a rise in global wealth, liberalisation of international airspace, cheaper flights, and the use of the Internet as a travel tool. So what’s special about the monsoons? Is there the good old “rainy day holiday”?

Most destinations in India are pitching themselves as perennial, and attracting tourists throughout the year. Stuart Crighton, Founder and COO, Cleartrip.com says sale of monsoon packages this year is on par with what it was last year. “During the monsoon, we witness a jump in sales of weekend destinations that are accessible by road or rail and are four to five hours away from the metros.” This is in contrast to the summer and Diwali vacations, when travellers prefer long haul destinations. “The impact of higher fuel costs may start to impact this trend going forward now, as more people question the validity of driving to these destinations. And, apart from the railways, there are limited transportation options for the customer.”

Most tour operators have noticed a considerable rise in travellers this season. Says Karan Anand, Head – Business Development, Cox and Kings: “The response to monsoon packages has been quite popular and has been steadily growing over the past few years. On an average, the business has been growing and it is in keeping with our forecast. Most of the people who travel during the monsoons just want to enjoy the rains, while some find it very romantic.”