Category Archives: States

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of its newest property in Rishikesh, located in the serene and spiritual heart of Uttarakhand. Nestled in the prime location of Upper Tapovan on the Badrinath Highway, the new Stone Wood Rishikesh offers an unparalleled blend of modern amenities and natural beauty, making it the perfect destination for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure. This new hotel offers easy access to the region’s most iconic attractions, including the famous Laxman Jhula, Parmarth Niketan, Ram Jhula, Beatles Ashram, and several rafting points along the Ganges. Conveniently situated just 8.7 kilometers from Rishikesh Railway Station and 23 kilometers from Jolly Grant Airport, Stone Wood Rishikesh is ideally placed for visitors to explore Rishikesh and the nearby town of Haridwar. The property features 37 spacious and well-appointed rooms, each designed to provide comfort and relaxation with private balconies, high-speed Wi-Fi, LED TVs, tea/coffee makers, and more. Guests will also enjoy a variety of premium amenities, including a multicuisine restaurant offering Indian, Chinese, and Western dishes, a coffee shop, and an inviting swimming pool. Stone Wood Rishikesh also boasts a luxurious spa, indoor games for children, banquet spaces, and conference facilities, catering to a wide range of guest needs—from family vacations to business conferences. “As we expand into Rishikesh, we are excited to offer guests a unique stay that combines the comforts of home with the luxuries of a resort in one of India’s most spiritually significant and naturally beautiful locations,” said Shikhar Kumar, MD, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts. “Our goal is to elevate the travel experience in Rishikesh, catering to the diverse needs of families, solo travellers, and adventure enthusiasts,” he added. With this …

The winners of the contest will get a chance to win free tickets to India’s first astro tourism campaign Nakshatra Sabha Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board in collaboration with Starscapes, India’s leading astro tourism company, announced the launch of the Nakshatra Sabha astro photography contest, inviting astronomy enthusiasts to capture the beauty of the cosmos. The winner will have the opportunity to win an exclusive ticket to the Nakshatra Sabha, a collaborative astro tourism campaign by Uttarakhand Tourism Board and Starscapes. This initiative is part of the Nakshatra Sabha campaign, which will run throughout the year until mid-2025. The campaign features a series of immersive events held at dark sky locations across Uttarakhand, including the stunning locales of Benital, Pithoragarh, Nainital, and the renowned Kartiswamy temple in Rudraprayag. Each location is thoughtfully selected to highlight the unique characteristics of the region, providing participants with extraordinary celestial views. As part of the contest, participants are encouraged to submit their best astronomy-related photographs, showcasing their creativity and passion for the night sky. The grand prize includes a ticket to Nakshatra Sabha, offering an opportunity for winners to engage with astronomy experts and fellow enthusiasts during an unforgettable experience under the stars. The contest, with a prize pool of ₹5,00,000, offers the highest-ever rewards in the field of astrophotography in India. Each category features exciting prizes: the first prize includes ₹25,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to any Nakshatra Sabha event, covering flights, accommodations, meals, and local travel—valued at ₹75,000. The second prize offers ₹15,000 along with the same all-expenses-paid trip, while the third prize consists of ₹10,000 and the all-expenses-paid trip to Nakshatra Sabha. Entries open on 20th October 2024, and the submission deadline …

To highlight Goa as an international tourist destination, the state is planning to conduct roadshows in Poland, Georgia, and Kazakhstan. The state’s tourism department is expected to spend ₹2 crore on the roadshows to enhance the foreign tourist influx attracting visitors of all segments and ages.

Maharashtra government released ₹72.45 crore for the development of eco-tourism in the state recently. Out of ₹273 crore allotted by the state for the period 2024-25 to develop tourism sites, ₹101.31 was released between May to September. Overall, 30 eco-tourism sites will benefit under this.

Uttar Pradesh’s upcoming airport Noida International Airport (DXN) will commence commercial flights to domestic and international destinations on 17 April 2025. Airlines have submitted applications for international destinations, with route approvals contingent on bilateral licensing agreements.

Joining in the festive spirit of the city and as the state gears up to commemorate the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival, Nagaland Tourism, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is all set to host the eagerly anticipated third edition of the Autumn Festival on 18th, 19th and 20th October, 2024 in the lawns of Nagaland House in New Delhi. Following two successful editions, the Tourism department is bringing the festival back with a bang with renewed enthusiasm and extending it to include an additional third day. This festival intends to provide Delhi residents with a glimpse of the vibrant Hornbill Festival, particularly for those unable to travel to Nagaland, while also offering insights for those interested in experiencing this unique festival firsthand. Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, expressed his delight, stating, “Nagaland is all set to host the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival but before the mega event, our objective is to offer an immersive experience for individuals who are unable to attend in Nagaland through the Autumn Festival. Simultaneously, we aim to enhance the understanding of those who intend to travel for the festival, ensuring they know what to expect. This effort also helps to foster friendships and cultivate a sense of familiarity with each other’s cultures. Given that Delhi is the capital and a melting pot of diverse communities and cultures, it is an ideal location for this festival.” As in past years, the three-day event will feature a diverse array of Nagaland businesses and artists. The best selection of cuisine, handicrafts, textiles, art, and music will be available for everyone to enjoy. Prominent brands …

Kerala government has announced that all pilgrims visiting Sabarimala, regardless of online registration status, will be able to have a seamless darshan. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasised that the government is committed to ensuring a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage for all visitors. To achieve this, extensive coordination has been established among various departments and agencies to enhance the facilities at Sannidhanam, Pampa, and the base camps.  

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, announced the signing of a resort in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. This greenfield project will be under the Gateway brand. Speaking on the occasion, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President, Real Estate & Development, IHCL said, “Prayagraj, with its deep-rooted cultural and religious importance, has been a prominent destination for pilgrims and leisure tourists alike. This signing aligns with our strategy of penetrating emerging markets in Tier II and III cities. We are delighted to partner with Ecavo Hospitality Limited for this project.” True to its ethos, the 150-key Gateway Prayagraj seamlessly blends contemporary aesthetics with local architectural influences. Guests can choose from an array of culinary options like an all-day-diner, a bar, a specialty restaurant, and a lounge. It will feature a state-of-the-art gym, swimming pool and spa. Spanning over 5000 sq. ft. the resort’s banqueting space makes it the ideal choice for social and corporate events. Abhishek Gupta, Managing Director, ECAVO Hospitality, said “We are thrilled to partner with IHCL to introduce the Gateway brand to Prayagraj. This hotel will be a premier destination for domestic and international travellers, offering them an unparalleled experience.” Playing host to the renowned Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world. Th city is also an emerging corporate hub due to the presence of the Allahabad High Court and several educational institutions.

With the opening of Golden Tulip, it becomes the second Golden Tulip hotel and the sixth hotel under Sarovar Hotels portfolio. Sarovar Hotels announced the grand opening of Golden Tulip Vagator, a stylish retreat located in the heart of North Goa. Known for its golden sands, dramatic red cliffs and thriving nightlife, Vagator is one of Goa’s most scenic and exciting destinations. This latest addition to Sarovar’s upscale Golden Tulip portfolio enhances the group’s growing presence in Goa, delivering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for both leisure and business travellers. Golden Tulip Vagator offers 30 elegantly designed rooms across two categories – Superior and Deluxe with modern amenities and captivating views of greenery or pool. The hotel provides guests with a rejuvenating escape, offering a wide range of facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and two dining options: Tulipe, an all-day dining restaurant with a capacity of accommodating 60 guests and Chill, a tropical bar and lounge with a capacity of 25 guests. The hotel’s proximity to Vagator Beach, Chapora Fort and other major attractions makes it the ideal choice for anyone looking to experience the beauty and culture of Goa. Ajay K. Bakaya, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels and Director, Louvre Hotels India, commented, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of Golden Tulip Vagator in partnership with Prime Avia Consultants. Located in the heart of North Goa, Vagator is truly a hidden gem, and we believe our guests will be captivated by its stunning landscapes, exceptional service, and modern design. Our vision is to create an unforgettable experience that harmoniously blends Goa’s unique charm with world-class hospitality, establishing it as the go-to destination for travellers …

Hotels in India are witnessing unprecedented wedding bookings this season. Properties are nearly sold out for key dates, with rates increasing by up to 25%. Unique offerings and services are being launched to cater to the growing popularity of destination weddings in Udaipur, Goa, and beyond.