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News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Work, Play, Unwind: The Rise Of Luxury Staycations Across India
Last Updated: From Goa to the Sundarbans, new-age villa rentals and resorts are reshaping the way India holidays with privacy, comfort, and purpose at their core. The line between work and leisure is increasingly blurring and India's hospitality sector is evolving to meet the needs of a generation seeking flexible, immersive, and luxurious escapes. Whether it's an indulgent weekend away, a weeklong work-from-anywhere break, or a boutique venue for an intimate celebration, the country is witnessing a sharp rise in thoughtfully curated staycation options. From Goa's Portuguese charm to the forests of Aurangabad and the hills of Uttarakhand, a wave of boutique villas, eco-wellness resorts, and alternative accommodations is redefining luxury for the modern Indian traveller. Lohono Luma by Lohono Stays: Accessible Luxury in Goa Lohono Stays by the Isprava Group has launched Lohono Luma, a new category of villas designed to make luxury more accessible while preserving exclusivity. The first cluster of these villas is located in Moira, Goa—a picturesque village known for its old Portuguese architecture, quiet lanes, and proximity to North Goa's popular beaches and cafes. Lohono Luma villas offer private pools, modern amenities, and access to shared recreational spaces like pickleball courts, a children's zone, gardens, a coffee bar, gym, and even office pods making them ideal for everything from family holidays to remote work escapes and corporate offsites. In a bid to tap into India's growing demand for holiday homes, OYO is bringing its European vacation rental brand, DanCenter, into the Indian market. With 50 properties already added between April and June, the company plans to expand to 200 homes by March 2026. DanCenter now offers getaways across destinations like Lonavala, Kufri, Ramgarh, Mahabalipuram, Idukki, Jaipur, and Delhi NCR, combining comfort with a self-sufficient stay experience for both leisure and bleisure travellers. Vivanta Stays: Private Villas for Personalised Getaways With over 550 private villas across 20+ Indian destinations, Vivanta Stays is fast becoming a go-to for travellers seeking local experiences with high-end comfort. From Goa, Alibaug, and Coorg to Manali and Lonavala, the brand caters to the evolving need for privacy, wellness, and destination-based celebrations. The platform's success also reflects the growing popularity of 'bleisure" travel and micro-stays, short getaways for rejuvenation or team retreats that don't require long flights or extended itineraries. Myst by Machan: A Wellness Retreat Near Ellora Caves For travellers looking to disconnect and detox, Myst by Machan has announced a new eco-wellness resort in Aurangabad, located near the UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves. Designed to be in harmony with nature, the resort will feature villas, forest rooms, and intimate event venues, making it ideal for corporate retreats, wellness seekers, and small group gatherings. In a significant development, the Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL) has signed agreements for 15 new hotels with the Ambuja Neotia Group, expanding their partnership to over 40 properties. Among the most anticipated is a Taj-branded resort in the Sundarbans, one of India's most ecologically rich and offbeat destinations. This capital-light expansion model allows IHCL to strengthen its presence in lesser-explored regions while still offering its signature blend of heritage, luxury, and service excellence. The Future of Travel Is Purposeful, Local, and Luxurious The rise of these curated staycations reflects a larger shift in India's travel culture towards mindful, meaningful experiences that don't compromise on comfort. Whether you're escaping to Goa for a quiet recharge, booking a forest retreat near a heritage site, or simply swapping your city apartment for a villa with a view, the new wave of Indian staycations promises flexibility with finesse. And in a post-pandemic world where wellness, privacy, and connection matter more than ever, this might just be the future of luxury travel. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 09:34 IST News lifestyle » travel Work, Play, Unwind: The Rise Of Luxury Staycations Across India Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India.com
2 days ago
- India.com
These Scenic Train Journeys To Surat Are India's Most Underrated Travel Gems
Surat's vision is monumental with its endless diamond and textile industries. The Surat city and its heritage is popular across India, but few tend to admire the journey to Surat as much as the destination. Like the many facets of a diamond, India hides vast and diverse train routes that capture the mesmerising natural beauty, architectural feats and diverse cultures that surround it, making every train ride picturesque. Here are seven of the most beautiful train rides that terminates at this diamond city: 1. Mumbai to Surat The journey on the Konkan Railway from Surat to Mumbai is one of the most enthralling one's in the country. From the urban vistas to the stunning view in the train that loses itself into the Western Ghats, the journey is beautiful. As the train moves over, passengers get to witness emerald valleys, pristine rivers and magnificent waterfalls. While riding over the train, people are also treated to several breathtaking sights including the tallest Panval Nadi Viaduct and numerous tunnels and bridges. The beauty induces nature lovers and serves the Greatest Show on Earth for them. 2. Ahmedabad to Surat Apart from the rich and modernized cities that adorn the state of Gujarat, the outskirts are also charming and beautiful to say the least. It is for this reason the journey through Ahmedabad to Surat by train is delightful. With the Sabarmati river on the side, passengers on the train have a chance to witness large expanses of farmland and Gujarati villages. Furthermore, the train also passes through Vadodara which is known for its cultural heritage and palaces. The viewing of rural settings serves as a scenic introduction to the rural charm of the state before arriving at the bustling city of Surat. 3. Delhi to Surat This train route is long but the beauty of it is worth the distance. This route passes through the heart of India starting from Delhi and ending at Surat. There are numerous places completely around the world passengers can view on this journey. Starting with the dry lands of Rajasthan, then towards the green fields of Uttar Pradesh and finally moving towards the central region of India, much known as Madhya Pradesh. One of the most astonishing parts of this trip is to be able to witness the crossing of the Tapti river during the yellowing of the sunlight, for the meticulously picturesque view the river offers is incomparable to anything else. This is the best route to take for those looking to marvel in the geographical differences of India. 4. Pune to Surat A train ride from Pune to Surat provides a new perspective, especially as it crosses the Western Ghats, a UNESCO Heritage Site. The journey is characterized by the presence of dense forests, rolling hills, and picturesque hill stations such as Lonavala and Khandala. As the train emerges from the ghats, it is greeted by the plains of Gujarat which add a beautiful contrast to the existing landscape. Sightseeing natural beauty and photographers enjoy this journey the most. 5. Jaipur to Surat The train ride from Jaipur to Surat showcases an amalgamation of rich culture and untamed beauty. The voyage begins from the Pink City, which is well-known for its magnificent palaces and forts and along the route passes the Aravallis Mountain Range which is one of the oldest mountain ranges on our planet. The train often travels south through the tip of Gujarat and into the rich farmland, where glimpses of rural life can be seen. People traveling in order to appreciate history and those who simply enjoy sightseeing will love this trip. 6. Surat to Goa The coastline and inland landscape are beautifully captured together while traveling from Goa to Surat. By train, one can start from Goa to Mumbai and thereafter catch another train towards Surat on the Konkan railway. Traveling through the Arabian sea promises exceptional views of the beaches, fishing villages, coconut groves, etc. This trip is different as it provides a unique combination of Goa's tropical beauty with the urban charm of Surat. 7. Surat to Indore The train ride from Indore to Surat is one that highlights the heart of Indian geography. First crossing from the Indore phase, one reaches the Malwa plateau which is famed for its historical importance and century old structures. Surat marks the end of the scenic ride as the surrounding areas blossom with rich green trees that signify Gujarat. The train ride is indeed remarkable and one that will leave an impact. Why These Train Journeys Are Worth Experiencing Taking the train to Surat is an aesthetic trip within itself because, in addition to reaching the goal, one gets to witness India's majesty. These routes have unmatched beauty in comparison to other parts of the country. Every region has something unique to offer including the sleepy hills of the Western Ghats, the tranquil rivers of Gujarat, and the lively countryside. Additionally, with the Indian Railways, any train can be boarded from any location because it is very advanced. In India, different passenger trains, as well as luxurious ones like the Vande Bharata Express, are available. The blend of convenience, affordability, and beauty of nature makes train travel appealing in India. Wrapping Up Surat, being a city filled with modern and historical innovations, attracts many tourists. The beautiful train routes leading to this city are fascinating as well. From the Konkan Railway to the Gujarati rustic heartland, there's never loneliness. The coast and city sides of Surat are both wonderful. So the next time you decide to visit Surat, remember to take a trip down the beautiful highway.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
‘Footfall at Mirzapur's Maa Vindhyavasini Temple may cross 1cr mark in 2025'
1 2 Lucknow: Footfall at Mirzapur's famed Maa Vindhyavasini Temple is likely to cross the 1 crore mark in 2025, shows data from the department of tourism. Data shows that over 64 lakh pilgrims have visited the temple in the first six months of 2025, speaking for a monthly average of over 10 lakh. This is significantly higher than the average monthly footfall of 6.5 lakh recorded in 2024, with the total being 78 lakh. "Though counting is still underway, numbers are expected to touch 10 lakh in July too. And if this trend continues, the footfall may cross 1 crore in 2025," said Jaiveer Singh, tourism minister. Officials said with the temple at the core, other places in Mirzapur are also benefitting from the surge. Take the example of the Ashta Bhuja Temple, which forms an important part of the Vindhyavasini Tribhuja pilgrimage. More than 38 lakh pilgrims who visited Vindhyavasini also visited the Ashta Bhuja Temple. In 2024, the total number of pilgrims recorded at this site was 55 lakh. Indications are that the neighbouring districts like Sonbhadra and Chandauli are also on the list of beneficiaries. "In Sonbhadra, the footfall in Shiv Dwar, which was previously largely popular with kanwariyas, has seen an unprecedented hike in the number of visitors," said a senior officer, adding that the numbers would be disclosed after the Hindu month of Shrawan concludes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Even Beautiful Women Have Their 'Oops' Moments Read More Undo Sitamarhi in Bhadoi is yet another example. Principal secretary, tourism and culture, Mukesh Meshram said: "Gone are the days when Mirzapur recorded seasonal tourism surge because the beauty of the rain-fed waterfalls peaked at that time. It is heartening to see people and pilgrims visiting the place all through the year." Director Eco Tourism, Uttar Pradesh Prakhar Mishra, said the surge was a result of concerted efforts made over the past few years. "While on one hand the good sites were flagged and projected, efforts are made to train key stakeholders to promote them in an organised way. The local community was also engaged, and local art and cuisine were integrated to ensure that tourism development was inclusive and employment-generating. As a result, the region is now full of options in village and farm tourism. Mirzapur and adjoining areas also offer options to adventure seekers," he said. Mishra noted that with the inclusion of Salkhan Fossil Park in Unesco's tentative list of world heritage sites will further bolster the efforts and footfall.
