News

Shillong tops the bucket list destination for Indian travellers in 2025

According to recent news sources, Meghalaya's capital, Shillong, has become the most popular travel destination for Indians in 2025. It's noteworthy that this Northeastern destination has outperformed even well-known international destinations like Baku and Azerbaijan. According to Skyscanner's most recent 'Travel Trends Report,' Shillong is the only Indian city to be featured on this esteemed list of popular travel destinations. Many Indian tourists who are looking for natural beauty and cultural diversity closer to home have fallen in love with Shillong, affectionately known as the "Scotland of the East" for its picturesque hills and verdant landscapes. As per the said report, Indian tourists seeking to combine adventure and leisure are drawn to Baku, Langkawi, and other lesser-known foreign destinations like Tromsø in Norway, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia. This change in tastes reflects a larger tendency to visit unusual and largely unexplored locations. As per the report, Indian tourists are also prioritising affordability in their travel plans. According to Skyscanner’s travel and destinations expert, cost plays a deciding factor for Indian travellers, with nearly two-thirds considering hotel, flight, and food prices while planning their trips. To assist budget-conscious travellers, the report features a ‘Best Value Destinations’ category, spotlighting destinations with significant drops in airfare over the past year.

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This autumn, Northeast blushes in cosmos

Sunsets are hazy and fog blankets the faraway woods, hills, and valleys. Autumn’s calling as we take a cab to Mylliem, a nondescript village about 17 kilometres from Meghalaya’s capital Shillong, which has the best expanse of pink blossom — cosmos. With October, among all things autumnal, comes cosmos, the ephemeral blossom that shrouds different parts of the Northeast in mostly pink, but also yellow, orange and white. In any other season, Mylliem stands as a roadside stop en route more popular destinations of Meghalaya, but this time of the year one can spot the spreads of cosmos growing on hilltops, random roadside areas and in the villagers’ patios — making it a destination on its own. Mylliem has several roadside restaurants, cafes and local Khasi eateries offering travellers a scope to cherish good food amidst stunning backdrops. The cosmos and the wild kans grass contrast the yellowing paddy by the hills. Our chase for the cosmos in Mylliem brought memories of our very first encounter with this flower, on a trip to Manipur in 2022 before turmoil hit the state. Manipur boasts several specific locations for cosmos sighting such as the Naamai Zho in Koide village of Senapati district and the Paorei village in Ukhrul. Locals in different parts also organise festivals to celebrate the bloom. Our sighting of its bounty, however, was at the Ramva village en route Ukhrul. The driver had halted the Sumo for a tea break, and we were left to exalt at the beautiful sighting of the cosmos. With a marketplace for local produce and food at the entrance, the Ramva Village looked yellow and orange in an abundance of cosmos. We ran to the neighbourhood courtyards and gardens to soak in the sighting in the brief window we had before we continued to Ukhrul.

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Germany woos Indian tourists with exclusive experiences

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is intensifying its efforts to tap into the rapidly growing Indian outbound travel market, unveiling strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening ties with Indian travellers and the tourism industry. According to GNTB, during a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, GNTB CEO Petra Hedorfer discussed the organization's plans to build on the strong foundation of nearly two decades of engagement in India, highlighting the expansion of market-specific activities and collaborative programs with the German travel industry. Hedorfer said, "We have been working the Indian market with a sales agency for two decades. In 2015, we initiated an India pool for the first time, which has been extremely successful in supporting the activities of German partners in India. The number of overnight stays by Indian guests in Germany rose by almost 40 per cent from 693,000 to 962,000 by 2019." He added, "With a new edition of the India Pool and market-specific activities, we are building bridges between the demand from Indian travellers and the tourism offering in Germany. In view of the changing conditions - especially technological developments - we are also organizing a high-profile delegation trip with top managers from the German travel industry next spring with the GNTB India Digital Travel Knowledge Tour."

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Tikri Forest and Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary to become new tourist hotspots

As the grand temple of Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya continues to draw devotees from across the globe, efforts are underway to extend the spiritual journey of these pilgrims into neighboring Gonda district. Authorities are focusing on developing two natural gems—the Tikri Forest and the Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary—as new destinations for tourists and pilgrims alike. One of the main attractions in Gonda is the Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary, which spans 1,084 hectares. It is a part of the Ramsar project and serves as a crucial habitat for migratory birds. During the winter months, the sanctuary is abuzz with the presence of feathered visitors from across the world, including regions like Siberia, Tibet, China, and Europe. The sanctuary is home to over three dozen local bird species, as well as migratory species like Eurasian coots, mallards, greylag geese, northern pintails, and red-crested pochards. This diversity has made it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Declared a bird sanctuary back in 1990, Parvati Arga is now being groomed as a key spot for eco-tourism, offering visitors a chance to witness this vibrant avian spectacle. Just a few kilometers from the bird sanctuary lies the expansive Tikri Forest, covering about 7,500 hectares. This area is known for its lush greenery, dominated by valuable trees like Sal and Teak. Efforts are currently underway to transform Tikri into an eco-tourism destination.

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IITM Elevates Your Brand and Network at India’s Largest Travel Exhibition

The India International Travel Mart (IITM) stands as a pioneering hub for the travel and trade industry, offering a premier platform where global travel enthusiasts, professionals, and experts converge to network, showcase innovations, and explore future trends. With its focus on facilitating business connections, IITM is designed to foster growth and collaboration within the travel community. Participants at IITM gain access to a unique space where they can connect with potential clients, collaborators, and industry leaders, making it the perfect opportunity to elevate brand presence and visibility. Whether you’re looking to conduct business, introduce new offerings, or establish yourself in the travel industry, IITM provides the ideal setting to achieve your goals. IITM Mumbai: A Premier 3-Day Event for the Travel Industry Dates: October 23, 24, 25, 2024 Location: Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400018 Join us for an exciting three-day event at the India International Travel Mart (IITM) in Mumbai, a leading platform for travel trade professionals, exhibitors, and industry enthusiasts. With over 23 years of business experience, IITM continues to bring together thousands of trade visitors and exhibitors from across the globe.

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UP steps up security for Maha Kumbh, adds AI and chatbots for real-time assistance

The Uttar Pradesh Government is all set to host Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj on January 13, 2025. It is anticipated to attract millions of pilgrims from across India and the world. The 45-day event will necessitate careful logistical and security planning. More than 6,000 members of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been sent out by the state government to maintain safety and order in the city and along the riverbanks in response to the expected situation. Ten flood companies will also be positioned alongside the rivers to prioritise the security of worshippers when performing ceremonies close to bodies of water. To ensure that the security is effective, the UP Police, under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has launched a training programme titled ‘Sankalp Training Pandal' at Parade Ground, Prayagraj. With the motto ‘Surakhsha Aapki, Sankalp Humara" (Your safety, our commitment), this initiative trains police personnel not only in security protocols but also in soft skills and gender sensitisation to ensure polite and respectful interactions with pilgrims. Officers will be trained to assist devotees with directions, parking, transport, and accommodations, ensuring a seamless experience for all. Additionally, the police are learning how to use artificial intelligence (AI) technologies like the Bhashini app, a language-translation tool made to interact with visitors from different parts of India and overseas tourists, in order to accommodate the diverse flood of guests. Chatbots will also be available for real-time assistance, enhancing the use of technology in the management of this massive event.

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