Bangalore, Oct 14 - In India's busy IT capital, Diwali will bring an extended weekend and many are heading to nearby hill stations, pilgrim centres and beaches to enjoy a short vacation.

Most multinational companies, including a large number of IT companies across the city, have declared a holiday on Monday for Diwali. With the state government holiday for the festival falling on Saturday, that will mean three days off for thousands of people.

The destinations popular with young professionals are hill stations like Udhagamandalam or Ooty and Kodaikanal (both Tamil Nadu) and Munnar (Kerala), all between 300 and 550 km from here.

Many will also visit pilgrim places like Gokarna, Murudeshwara, Kollur, Udupi, Sringeri and others, all located in Karnataka and within 450 km from Bangalore.

Travel agencies in Bangalore have been busy during the last couple of days handling enquiries from those planning their weekend trips.

"The most preferred destinations for young professionals are nearby hill stations like Ooty, Munnar and Kodaikanal. However, some also prefer to go to pilgrimage places," managing director of Arjun Tours and Travels M. Ravi told IANS.

Bookings for resorts around Nagarahole, Bandipur and B. R. Hills forests, about 200 km from here, and the Dandeli wildlife sanctuary in Uttara Kannada district, around 480 km from Bangalore, have been very good, according to travel agencies.

"I am going to Ooty with my wife and son. We hardly get extended weekends. Moreover, I want to have a better Diwali in a secluded place in Ooty rather than be part of celebrations in crowded Bangalore," said techie Ramachandra Gautam.

Sonali Nath, a BPO employee, said she would be in Bandipur and enjoy her holidays in a serene environment. "I will be vacationing during Diwali time with my friends in Bandipur and will come back to Bangalore refreshed to get back to the drill," said Sonali. (IANS)