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So far the Olympics haven't drawn sizeable Indian crowds, because people go to be a part of the occasion rather than to watch any specific event. Unlike the cricket or football world cup, where one is certain what sort of match one will end up watching, the interest is broader. With cricket there is a lot of spectator "connect" with the players, something which is missing in the Olympics.

The catch with most of the travel packages, however, is that one has to take a chance with the tickets. For instance, SOTC is offering a four-day, three-night trip to Beijing during the Olympics, which costs Rs 1,36,050 ex-Mumbai on a twin-sharing basis. This includes airfare, visa, stay in a four-star hotel and sightseeing.

China has a lot of other tourist attractions as well, but still doesn't figure among the top destinations for Indian travellers. Visiting during the Olympics will be a bonus. Ticket-free events mean that the visit can be like a normal holiday, and if you're in luck, you'll be able to watch the Olympics as well!

Even if you don't get the chance to attend sporting events, you can be part of the carnival atmosphere that will pervade the city during that time.

There's plenty to see in Beijing, home to the Chinese imperial dynasties. Apart from the must-see Great Wall, there's the Imperial Palace Museum or Forbidden City, with its 250-acre complex of palaces, pavilions and gardens. There is the Ming's Tomb with mausoleums of 13 emperors from the Ming dynasty. And then there is Tiananmen Square, of course.

The profile of people travelling for sporting events has gradually been changing. Groups of friends and family travelling to catch a sports event now form the majority, and the response for such sport events has always been good.

So if you are fortunate enough to get tickets for sporting events, do plan a trip to Beijing this August.