Sunny times for tourists

THE IMPACT of the WTC terrorist strikes is being felt in many places worldwide, and that includes hotel rooms in sunny Mamallapuram.

The Indian Tourism Development Corporation, which runs the ITDC Temple Bay Ashok Beach resort, has responded with a steep cut in prices to keep the rooms occupied.

It is now possible to stay in this seaside paradise with centuries old monuments all around, for Rs. 1,600 per night - with breakfast on the house.

That price is not for early birds, but for those who are willing to check for availability of accommodation just 48 hours ahead. For those wanting to book in advance, the rate would go up, upto Rs. 3,200 per night.

The idea behind this deep discounting is to keep the rooms filled on a daily basis, with last minute bookings. The discounts range from 30 per cent to 65 per cent, says Mr. Roy Ghatak, general manager of ITDC Temple Bay Ashok.

Temple Bay is a combination of individual and duplex cottages and a swimming pool, and is normally not the kind of holiday that budget-conscious middle class folk can think about.

The rate cut is just the kind of event that weekenders in the city look for, and offers premium facility at low price, says Dr. M.K. Ajit Kumar, senior manager, marketing, ITDC.

Practically speaking, many of the attractions in and around the resort would find the price-slashing welcome: the ITDC points out to visitors that there are several attractions are within motoring distance of its hotel.

This includes Dakshin Chitra, MGM Dizzee World, Crocodile bank and Tamil Nadu Tourism's Muttukadu water sports complex.

For those who want to hit the road, the next stop from Mamallapuram could be Pondicherry, further south on the East Coast Road.

Of course, the biggest attraction is the shore temple, the five rathas and other monuments of Pallava-era Mamallapuram. What better time to soak in the sun, sand and history than now? ITDC will clarify any doubts at tel: 8257214/8278884. The special offer is valid from Saturday, October 13 to March 31. Cottages by the sea.

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Section  : Southern States
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