This Uttarayan season in Ahmedabad sees a booming market for terrace rentals within the historic Walled City. Homeowners and tour operators are offering their rooftops at premium prices, capitalizing on the festive demand.
Premium Pricing for Festive Views
Prices range significantly, starting from around Rs 5,000 per person and going up to Rs 30,000 for group bookings. Areas like Khadia and Kalupur are experiencing particularly strong interest. The demand primarily comes from two groups: Gujaratis returning to their home state from cities like Mumbai and Pune, and visitors from various north Indian states eager to witness Ahmedabad's unique Uttarayan celebrations firsthand.
A Lucrative Opportunity for Homeowners
For many residents, this trend has turned into a sustainable business model. Nirav Modi, who lives in Ghanchi Ram ni Pol in Khadia, has rented his terrace to a group traveling from Pune. He highlights the dual benefit, stating it provides income for homeowners and creates employment opportunities for other local residents during the festival period.
Tour operators confirm the growing popularity. Ajay Modi, a local tour operator, reports his company has already secured three terraces for rental this season. He notes the concept has gained significant traction over the years, with many enquiries pouring in. The Walled City, he emphasizes, offers the perfect authentic backdrop for experiencing a traditional Gujarati Uttarayan, beyond just the city's famous kite-flying.
What Terrace Packages Include
Packages for groups, typically priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 30,000, often come bundled with amenities. These commonly include meals such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with snacks and essential kite spools for the day's festivities.
Residents are also participating as customers. Pallav Patel, a 58-year-old resident of Satellite, has booked a terrace for two days at a cost of Rs 30,000 for a group of sixteen friends and family members. With their ancestral home no longer available for gatherings, they chose this rental option. Their plan includes ordering food for both days to ensure everyone enjoys the celebration comfortably.
A Shift in Customer Demographics
However, tour operators point out a notable change this year. Bookings from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) have declined. This segment traditionally forms a major part of the customer base for these terrace rentals during Uttarayan. Operators attribute this drop to recent changes in US visa policies, which have made travel more complicated for some.
Despite this shift, the overall demand from domestic visitors remains robust, turning Ahmedabad's rooftops into sought-after venues for one of Gujarat's most vibrant festivals.
