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Ooty e-pass and rain: Businesses suffer, flower show uneventful

Commercial establishments and businesses face setbacks after the e-pass system was launched in Ooty. Shop owners say they had spent hefty amounts to stock up their shops before the tourism season. However, now, they cannot earn even Rs 5,000 a day. Some of these shops had been earning a daily income of Rs 25,000 – 50,000 in the previous years. There are 28 shops, between Nadukaani Valley and Nadukaani Junction, that sell Ooty tea leaves, dry fruits, and other unique items. Most tourists who reach the various tourist spots in the Nilgiris often visit these shops too. During the season, these shops would be crowded with customers during the day and night. However, since the introduction of the e-pass system, these shops barely see any visitors. Uneventful Flower Show Those who had booked rooms in the city had to cancel the bookings in huge numbers as the e-pass was launched at the time of the iconic flower show, which is also the busiest season in Ooty. This has caused severe losses for those who are running resorts here on lease. Moreover, the flower show, which was expected to draw at least 30,000 visitors in a day, turned out to be pretty uneventful, as even half of the number didn’t turn up at the venue. It began on May 10 and is on till May 20, from 9 am to 7 pm. On Saturday, the Ooty train service was also suspended following heavy rainfall and rocks falling on the tracks near Kallar station. The administration has also requested tourists to defer their trips to Ooty till May 20 due to inclement weather. E-pass Other than local residents and tourists who enter Ooty via government buses, everyone should mandatorily take e-passes to enter the hill station. Those planning to visit the spot before June 30 should apply for it on the e-pass website. Date of entry and exit, purpose of visit, address, number of passengers, vehicle, and fuel type are the details passengers should enter on the website. The e-pass will have a QR code, which will be scanned at the entry points of Ooty and Kodaikanal.

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Memorial Day weekend 2024 could break travel records

Despite another month of spring technically still ahead, travelers often view Memorial Day weekend as an unofficial kickoff to the summer season — and traffic notoriously reflects that. Based on current forecasts, travel around the upcoming 2024 holiday next Monday, May 27, is not expected to relieve Memorial Day of its bad reputation for drivers and airline passengers. They may actually find themselves on some of the busiest highways and flights they've seen in decades. The American Automobile Association, or AAA, warned of potentially unprecedented congestion on roads this weekend, along with airports that could be even more crowded than in years past. The organization, which looks at various economic factors and partners with other groups to project travel conditions, announced earlier this month that an estimated 43.8 million people across the United States would likely travel at least 50 miles from Thursday to Monday. That would mark a 4% increase in overall travel compared with 2023, according to AAA. It would also come close to the busiest Memorial Day weekend on record, which happened in 2005 when 44 million people left home for the holiday. "We haven't seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years," said Paula Twidale, the senior vice president of the travel division at AAA, in a statement. "We're projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we're exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead." For those planning to hit the road or board a plane this weekend, here's what to know. Prepare to hit traffic Memorial Day weekend in 2024 is expected to set a new record for road trips, according to AAA. The organization has estimated that 38.4 million people will travel in cars over the course of the weekend, which would be the biggest number recorded around this particular holiday since the group first started keeping track of Memorial Day travel patterns in 2000. Car rental company Hertz told AAA that demand for rentals this year will be highest in Atlanta, Boston, Las Vegas and Orlando, with most renters scheduled to pick up their cars on Thursday and Friday. In general, drivers hoping to beat the traffic, or at least face less of it, should avoid the roads during afternoon hours on any day of the long weekend. Citing transit data from INRIX, AAA said the worst times to travel by car, in any U.S. time zone, are between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday, between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday, and between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday. The best times to drive will be before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on Thursday, before 11 a.m. or after 8 p.m. on Friday, before 1 p.m. or after 6 p.m. on Saturday, before 1 p.m. on Sunday, and after 7 p.m. on Monday. Airports will be crowded Airports across the country are bracing for another spike in travelers, following an upward trend in flights booked around Memorial Day since last year's air travel numbers exceeded pre-pandemic levels. An estimated 3.51 million people are projected to fly this weekend, according to AAA, which is up from 3.35 million who traveled on planes to their destinations last year. If as many people fly as expected, this will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when AAA said 3.64 million people caught flights for the holiday. United Airlines said more than 500,000 people are expected to fly each day from Thursday to Tuesday, which would be the airline's busiest Memorial Day weekend on record. Delta said 3 million people are expected to fly on its planes over that six-day period and American Airlines said it expects 3.9 million people to fly over the weekend. Public transportation tips Any of the projected 1.9 million people who use public transit systems to get to where they're going this weekend can plan ahead, too. INRIX projections show metro riders will face a degree of congestion in major cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, Oregon, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa and Washington, D.C. Congestion on metros is expected to peak in those places in the late afternoon, early evening and mid-morning each day between Thursday and Monday. Forecasts suggest D.C., Los Angeles, Houston and Tampa will see the largest jumps in metro crowding compared with their respective norms. The worst is projected for one route from Gainesville to Tampa, where INRIX said metro congestion on Sunday at 9 a.m. local time could be 88% higher than usual.

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Russia targets Indian tourism market to boost travel trade

From the very beginning of 2024, Russia has been actively tapping into the Indian travel market to boost its tourism economy. As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to cause a financial crunch and the ban on European travel markets persists, Russia is looking towards India to revitalize its travel industry. This strategic move aims to attract Indian travelers to explore various destinations in Russia, following popular tourist spots like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Additionally, Russia is targeting both Chinese and Indian populations to promote its diverse tourism products. At the SATTE 2024, Russia’s significant presence underscored India’s importance as a priority market for Russian tourism. Yulia Maksutova, Director of the National Centre for Tourism Development at the Russia Tourism Board, highlighted tourism opportunities and shared insights into strategies to promote tourism, particularly focusing on the burgeoning Indian market. Highlighting India’s importance as a prime market, Yulia Maksutova emphasized the event as a golden opportunity to connect with Indian colleagues. With India’s growing interest in Russia, the focus is on strengthening the tourism industry between the two nations. Maksutova noted that Russia welcomed around 8 million foreign tourists last year and anticipates growth. Their presence at the event aims to promote Russia’s tourism sector and the upcoming visa-free organized group travel from India, making it easier for Indian tourists to visit Russia. This initiative is expected to bolster tourism and foster stronger bilateral ties. Strengthening Tourism Ties Through Visa-Free Agreements The most notable development is the announcement of consultations between Russia and India to establish a bilateral visa-free travel agreement. Nikita Kondratyev, Director of the Russian Economic Development Ministry’s Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects, mentioned that these consultations would begin in June 2024. He noted that internal state coordination in India is in its final stages. “India is at the final stage of internal state coordination,” Kondratyev was quoted as saying by Indian media. The first discussion on a draft agreement is scheduled to take place in June, with the signing expected by the end of the year. This initiative aims to launch visa-free group tourist exchanges, similar to those already established between Russia, China, and Iran. Economic and Cultural Impacts The introduction of a visa-free travel agreement between Russia and India is poised to have significant economic and cultural impacts. For Russia, opening its borders to Indian tourists without visa constraints could lead to a substantial increase in tourism revenue. This is particularly crucial as the European travel ban has considerably affected Russia’s traditional tourism markets. For Indian travelers, Russia offers a rich cultural and historical landscape that has been relatively unexplored. Destinations such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the scenic landscapes of Siberia present new and exciting travel opportunities. The ease of travel facilitated by the visa-free agreement is expected to boost the number of Indian tourists visiting Russia. Strategic Promotions at SATTE 2024 At SATTE 2024, Russia‘s commitment to attracting Indian tourists was evident. The Russian pavilion showcased various travel destinations and cultural experiences tailored to Indian preferences. Yulia Maksutova emphasized the potential of the Indian market and outlined strategic promotions aimed at enticing Indian travelers. “India is a top priority for us. We see immense potential in this market and are committed to creating seamless travel experiences for Indian tourists,” Maksutova stated. The Russia Tourism Board’s strategies include targeted marketing campaigns, collaborations with Indian travel agencies, and participation in major travel expos like SATTE. Learning from Successful Models Russia plans to replicate the success of its visa-free tourist exchanges with China and Iran. The visa-free group tourist exchange between Russia and China, initiated on August 1 of the previous year, has shown promising results. By implementing similar agreements with India, Russia hopes to attract a significant number of group tourists, enhancing cultural exchange and economic ties. Kondratyev highlighted the importance of these agreements in strengthening bilateral relations. “The success of our visa-free agreements with China and Iran has set a precedent. We are confident that a similar agreement with India will bring mutual benefits and deepen our tourism and economic ties,” he said. Looking Ahead: Finalizing the Agreement The first round of consultations between Russia and India is scheduled for June 2024, with the aim of finalizing the bilateral agreement by the end of the year. The discussions will focus on the logistical and regulatory aspects of implementing visa-free group tourist exchanges. Both countries are expected to outline specific measures to ensure smooth and secure travel for tourists. The proposed visa-free travel agreement between Russia and India represents a significant step towards strengthening tourism and economic relations between the two countries. As Russia continues to navigate the challenges posed by the European travel ban, tapping into the Indian market offers a promising avenue for revitalizing its tourism sector. For Indian travelers, the agreement opens up new possibilities for exploring Russia’s vast and diverse landscapes. The strategic promotions and collaborative efforts highlighted at SATTE 2024 underscore the commitment of both nations to enhance their tourism ties. As the first discussions are set to commence in June 2024, the travel industry eagerly anticipates the finalization of this landmark agreement. By the end of 2024, Indian tourists may be able to enjoy visa-free travel to Russia, marking a new era of tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries.

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India’s biggest mall at Delhi airport’s Aerocity coming soon

As per the latest reports, by 2027, Indira Gandhi International Airport's Aerocity will unveil India's largest mall, spanning across 2.8 million square feet. This is part of the $2.5 billion expansion project known as Worldmark Aerocity, which aims to establish India's first aerotropolis—a metropolitan area centred around an airport. If reports are to go by, this project is expected to witness an eightfold growth within the next five years. At present, Aerocity offers 1.5 million square feet of leasable space, with plans to increase this to over 10 million square feet by 2029 in two phases. According to the reports, the global business district within Aerocity will undergo a 6.5 million square feet expansion, resulting in a total leasable area of 18 million square feet. This expansion will accommodate offices, retail outlets, food courts, a large-scale mall, and public areas. The development of Aerocity was entrusted to Bharti Realty by GMR-backed Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL). Bharti Realty holds the lease for Aerocity, which aligns with DIAL's lease for airport development and operations, maintaining state ownership unchanged. SK Sayal, Bharti Realty's Managing Director and CEO, has outlined the plans for the expansion of Aerocity in phases 2 and 3. These phases will require a $2.5 billion investment, to be financed through a mix of debt and equity. Phase 2 will see the introduction of Worldmark 4, 5, 6, and 7, providing 3.5 million square feet of leasable space and featuring India's largest mall spanning 2.8 million square feet—three times the size of the existing malls in Vasant Kunj. Phase 2 is set to commence next year, with completion scheduled for March 2027. Reports further add that parking facilities for more than 8,000 cars will be available underground. At present, Aerocity houses 5,000 hotel rooms spread across 11 hotels, including well-known brands such as JW Marriott, Accor Group, and Roseate. Following the completion of Phase 2, the number of rooms will rise to 7,000 across 16 hotels. Esteemed brands like St. Regis and JW Marriott Marquis will be among those joining the area between the Aerocity metro station and the existing hotel hub. Upon completion, Aerocity is projected to host 2 million professionals and attract an annual footfall of at least 30 million. This surge in activity could potentially propel IGI Airport to serve over 100 million passengers annually, prompting the replacement of T2 with the significantly larger T4. To accommodate this growth, DIAL is developing India's first interstate multi-modal transport hub near the Aerocity metro station, likely integrating an interstate bus terminus, Delhi Metro's upcoming Phase 4 line, and the Rapid Rail Transit System station, including the station for the automated passenger mover or air train. Currently, DIAL and the Union aviation ministry are deliberating on the optimal number of stops for the proposed air train connecting T1 on one end and T3/2 (or potentially T4 instead of T2 by the end of the decade). The airport operator favours incorporating two air train stations in Aerocity, whereas the ministry is inclined towards fewer stops to facilitate rapid intra-terminal transfers.

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5 best things to do if you are in town for 61st Kodai Vizha

Summer is upon us, and this means it’s time to head to the hills for some cool air and the much-needed break. Nestled in the hills of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is a picturesque town that’s perfect for your summer escape. This pretty and tranquil hill station promises a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and is known for its lush landscapes, tranquil lakes, and mist-covered mountains. Kodaikanal is exceptionally perfect this time of the year, thanks to the annual flower show called Kodai Vizha. The ongoing 61’st Kodai Vizha (May 17-26) at Bryant Park, features an impressive display of 5 lakh flowers, with 42 different varieties brought in from various cities. The event, organised by the Department of Horticulture, includes 42 stalls hosted by both government and private entities. Explore Kodaikanal Lake Kodaikanal Lake is the heart of the town and a must-visit for anyone coming to this hill station. This star-shaped man-made lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers various activities. Visitors can rent a pedal boat or a rowboat, or take a leisurely stroll along the 5-kilometre perimeter. The lake is also perfect for picnics, cycling, and even horseback riding. Trek to Dolphin’s Nose and Echo Rock For adventure enthusiasts, a trek to Dolphin’s Nose is an exhilarating experience. This natural rock formation, perched at the edge of a steep cliff, offers breathtaking views of the valleys below. Continue your hike to Echo Rock. These treks provide an up-close encounter with Kodaikanal's rich flora and fauna. Discover the Pillar Rocks The Pillar Rocks are one of Kodaikanal’s most famous landmarks. These three giant rock formations stand tall at a height of about 400 feet, offering a spectacular view of the surrounding landscapes. On clear days, the view from the observation deck is stunning, with the rocks rising majestically amidst the clouds and mist. Marvel at the Silver Cascade Falls Located just a short drive from Kodaikanal town, Silver Cascade Falls is a breathtaking waterfall that cascades down from a height of 180 feet. The falls are a result of the overflow from the Kodaikanal Lake and are best visited during the monsoon season when they are in full flow. The surrounding area is picturesque and offers excellent photo opportunities, making it a popular stop for tourists. Explore the Kurinji Andavar Temple Visit the Kurinji Andavar Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan. The temple is named after the Kurinji flower, which blooms once every 12 years and is native to this region. From the temple, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Palani Hills and the northern plains.

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Severe heatwave in North India, heavy rain forecast for South and East next week

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stern warning regarding the continuation of severe heatwave conditions in several states across North India from May 19 to May 22. Regions including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh-Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh are expected to experience scorching temperatures ranging between 43°C and 46°C during this period. Such extreme heat can pose significant health risks, including heatstroke and dehydration, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those working outdoors. Moreover, the IMD has highlighted that similar heatwave conditions are also anticipated in parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha. While temperatures in these areas may not reach the same peak levels as in the North, they are still expected to remain 2-4°C above normal. Residents across the affected regions are strongly urged to take precautionary measures to safeguard themselves from the adverse effects of extreme heat. Staying indoors during the hottest hours of the day, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities are some of the recommended precautions. While northern India contends with scorching temperatures, southern and eastern regions are most likely to encounter significant rainfall and stormy conditions in the coming week. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe, Lakshadweep, and southern Karnataka are forecasted to experience widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds over the next six to seven days. If reports are to go by, isolated instances of heavy rainfall are also anticipated in coastal Karnataka from May 19 to May 22, south Interior Karnataka from May 21 to May 22, and Lakshadweep from May 19 to May 21. Tamil Nadu residents should brace for intense rainfall until May 21, with similar conditions expected in south interior Karnataka from May 19-20. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands will experience widespread light to moderate rainfall over the next week, with isolated heavy rainfall possible over the Nicobar Islands between May 20-22 Residents in the eastern and northeastern regions should prepare for scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are likely to experience similar weather conditions for the next five days, with isolated heavy rainfall anticipated in Sikkim from May 19-20 and in Arunachal Pradesh on May 19. Assam and Meghalaya may witness very heavy rainfall, particularly intense on May 19th and 20th in Meghalaya. An incoming Western Disturbance is poised to trigger isolated to scattered light rainfall along with thunderstorms and lightning across Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad and Himachal Pradesh on May 19, while Uttarakhand can expect similar weather conditions in the upcoming week. Additionally, strong surface winds are expected in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan in the next five days.

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