Vididi Illu doing roaring business in Vijayawada

Ch Sowmya Sruthi Vijayawada: There is yet another new trend cropping up. Vididi Illu (Guest Houses) are up for rent in the peak wedding season to cater to the people who come from far way places to attend auspicious events. With the increase in the number of marriages every year the owners of the multi storied buildings in posh areas are doing a roaring business. In a city like Vijayawada, which is growing at a fast pace, finding shelters has become an issue. When there is any event or occasion that demands full count of the relatives and friends and no space, these houses that are rented out for a day come as a blessing.

The houses are equipped with furniture, electronic appliances like refrigerators, microwave ovens, air conditioner/coolers and a few other facilities to provide comfort to the visitors. There are as many as 10 such houses that are rented out for a short period of time. D Srinivas, an owner of one such house named 'Athidi', said, "I was inspired from a similar idea that is in practice in several places at Guntur and Hyderabad. I decided to cater to such type of guests. I started it a couple of years ago and since then, the house is being rented only for such purposes." "For a three bedroom individual house, we charge Rs 7000 for a day and electricity charges are extra. During the season we rent it out to a minimum of 15 parties. During the off season, the houses remain empty," he added. These houses contain 3 or 4 bedrooms, a hall and a kitchen. With all the electronic equipment inside, they charge Rs 10 for each unit of electricity consumed after recording the readings for the time used. Depika P, a guest, said, "We came to attend one of our friends marriage and they had arranged our stay in a guest house. Staying in hotels is not only expensive but also insecure. These are best options for a family as well as friends who come from distant places." From Ashok Nagar to Benz Circle and Gollapudi such houses are in plenty catering to the needs of the special guests during the wedding season.