Evoke Experiences Unveils Evoke Dholavira: A Year-Round Gateway to Gujarat’s Heritage

Evoke Experiences Unveils Evoke Dholavira: A Year-Round Gateway to Gujarat’s Heritage

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 29, 2024

Evoke Experiences, a pioneer in experiential tourism, proudly introduces its latest venture, Evoke Dholavira, located in the historic town of Dholavira, Gujarat. This launch marks a transformative milestone for the brand, transitioning from seasonal hospitality to a year-round luxury experience, blending history, culture, and modern comforts.

A New Standard in Luxury Hospitality

Evoke Dholavira boasts 44 spacious air-conditioned cottages, the only accommodations in the region offering such comprehensive modern amenities. Thoughtfully designed for relaxation and serenity, each cottage provides an inviting retreat in the heart of the Kachchh district. The property also features a swimming pool, ideal for unwinding amidst Gujarat's natural beauty.

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A Culinary Celebration

The on-site restaurant at Evoke Dholavira offers a gastronomic journey through Gujarat’s rich culinary heritage, with dishes crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients. This immersive dining experience connects guests to the vibrant flavors and traditions of the region, ensuring every meal is a celebration of local culture.

Curated Activities for a Memorable Stay

Guests at Evoke Dholavira can engage in a variety of activities designed to enrich their experience:

  • Guided tours of the UNESCO World Heritage Dholavira archaeological site.
  • Stargazing under pristine desert skies.
  • Nature walks and exploration of surrounding landscapes.
  • Cultural workshops, including Ajrak block printing and intricate Kutchi woodwork.

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Strategic Location for Easy Accessibility

Evoke Dholavira’s location ensures convenient access, with Bhuj Airport and Bhachau Railway Station nearby. Visitors can also enjoy the breathtaking “Road to Heaven” en route to the property, showcasing Gujarat’s stunning landscapes. Its proximity to key attractions, such as the White Desert, Dattatreya Temple, and Fossil Park, further enhances the experience.

A Vision Rooted in Heritage and Modernity

Speaking about the launch, Bhavik Sheth, COO of Evoke Experiences, shared, “With Evoke Dholavira, we are stepping into a new domain, creating a space where history meets modernity. This property invites travelers to connect deeply with the roots of one of the world’s earliest civilizations.”

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About Evoke Experiences

Evoke Experiences is the hospitality arm of Lallooji & Sons, a 150-year-old legacy brand known for redefining experiential tourism. Its portfolio includes renowned projects such as Rann Utsav – The Tent City, and year-round properties like Gandhisagar Forest Retreat.

The company continues to innovate in sustainable tourism, with future expansions planned in Sasan Gir Forest, Shivrajpur, Dwarka, Velavadar, and beyond. By offering immersive stays and promoting untapped destinations, Evoke Experiences is setting new benchmarks in luxury hospitality, while celebrating India’s rich cultural and natural diversity.

With the launch of Evoke Dholavira, the brand reaffirms its commitment to creating transformative travel experiences that blend luxury, sustainability, and heritage.


Sayaji Raipur Introduces Curated Monsoon Stay, Wedding and Celebration Experiences

Sayaji Raipur Introduces Curated Monsoon Stay, Wedding and Celebration Experiences

By Hariharan U

Published on July 27, 2026

Sayaji Raipur has launched a new range of curated hospitality experiences for the monsoon season, offering guests customised stay packages, wedding solutions, and event services designed for leisure, business, and celebration needs.

The seasonal offerings include weekend escapes, extended stay packages, Shubh Vivah wedding experiences, and outdoor catering solutions, strengthening the hotel’s positioning as a preferred destination for stays and celebrations in Raipur.

The Weekend Escape Package has been designed for couples and families looking for a relaxing break. The package includes accommodation in Grande Rooms, daily buffet breakfast at Cravings, one buffet lunch or dinner, dining benefits, and flexible check-in and check-out options, subject to availability.

For business travellers and guests planning longer stays, Sayaji Raipur has introduced the Monsoon Long Stay Offer, which includes daily breakfast, one major meal, airport or railway station transfers, complimentary laundry services, welcome refreshments, and personalised guest assistance.

The hotel is also focusing on celebrations through its Shubh Vivah offering, providing customised wedding experiences with banquet venues, wedding lawns, décor solutions, curated menus, and dedicated event planning support. The offering caters to both intimate ceremonies and larger wedding celebrations.

Expanding beyond the hotel premises, Sayaji Raipur’s Outdoor Catering (ODC) services provide customised food and beverage solutions for weddings, corporate events, private gatherings, and social occasions. Supported by experienced chefs and banquet teams, the service aims to deliver the hotel’s hospitality standards across different venues.

Commenting on the initiatives, Mr. Mayank Mandela, Director of Operations, Sayaji Raipur, said, "Hospitality today is about creating experiences that extend far beyond accommodation or dining. Whether guests are planning a weekend getaway, celebrating a wedding, organising a corporate event or looking for an extended stay, we endeavour to offer personalised experiences backed by exceptional service and memorable hospitality."

Through these seasonal offerings, Sayaji Raipur continues to enhance its hospitality portfolio by creating experiences that cater to evolving traveller preferences, from leisure escapes and business stays to weddings and social celebrations.

Experience Highlights:

Weekend Escape Package

  • Daily buffet breakfast
  • Buffet lunch or dinner
  • 15% discount on additional F&B
  • Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)

Monsoon Long Stay Offer

  • Daily breakfast and one major meal
  • Airport/Railway station transfers
  • Complimentary laundry

Shubh Vivah

  • Wedding packages starting from ₹25 lakh onwards
  • Venue planning, catering, décor, and event services

Outdoor Catering

  • Customised catering solutions for weddings, celebrations, and corporate events

Summit Hotels & Resorts Introduces Pet-Friendly Stays Across Hill Destinations

Summit Hotels & Resorts Introduces Pet-Friendly Stays Across Hill Destinations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 26, 2026

Responding to the growing trend of pet-inclusive travel, Summit Hotels & Resorts has introduced pet-friendly accommodation across selected properties in Eastern and Northeast India. The initiative comes as more Indian travellers choose to include their pets in holidays instead of leaving them behind.

The hospitality group said the move reflects changing travel preferences, with guests increasingly looking for personalised and experience-driven stays where pets are treated as part of the family. Industry trends have also shown a steady rise in demand for pet-friendly accommodation, particularly in hill stations and nature-based destinations.

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As part of the rollout, Summit Hotels & Resorts will offer designated pet-friendly room categories at selected properties in Gangtok, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kaziranga and Tashigang. The offering will initially be available in specific accommodation types, including cottages, villas, premium rooms and select ground-floor rooms.

Commenting on the initiative, Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said:

"We are seeing a noticeable shift in travel patterns where guests increasingly want their pets to be part of the holiday experience. Destinations in the hills and nature-focused locations naturally align with this trend because travellers are seeking more relaxed and family-oriented experiences. Hospitality today is becoming more personalised, and adapting to changing guest preferences is becoming increasingly important."

The introduction of pet-friendly stays is part of the company's broader strategy to enhance experience-led hospitality across its portfolio of leisure destinations. Summit Hotels & Resorts is also finalising a nominal fee structure for pet stays, which will apply to the designated pet-friendly room categories.

With this initiative, the hotel group aims to provide greater flexibility for travellers while responding to the increasing demand for accommodation that welcomes both guests and their four-legged companions.


Novotel Vijayawada Varun Strengthens Sustainable Hospitality Initiatives on World Nature Conservation Day

Novotel Vijayawada Varun Strengthens Sustainable Hospitality Initiatives on World Nature Conservation Day

By Hariharan U

Published on July 25, 2026

Novotel Vijayawada Varun has reinforced its commitment to sustainable hospitality practices on the occasion of World Nature Conservation Day, observed on July 28, by highlighting its ongoing initiatives focused on environmental responsibility, resource conservation, and responsible tourism.

Aligned with this year's theme of “Living Sustainably in Harmony with Nature,” the hotel continues to integrate sustainability into its daily operations through cleaner energy solutions, waste reduction practices, and responsible resource management.

One of the key sustainability initiatives undertaken by the property was the transition from diesel to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for boiler operations used in laundry steam generation. Implemented in March 2023, the initiative has contributed to an estimated annual reduction of approximately 98 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions while eliminating sulphur dioxide emissions associated with diesel-based operations.

The hotel has also expanded its renewable energy adoption through solar power. Since early 2025, solar energy has contributed approximately 33 to 44 per cent of the property's monthly electricity requirements, resulting in an estimated annual reduction of around 1,476 to 1,968 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Beyond operational efficiencies, Novotel Vijayawada Varun has incorporated sustainability into the guest experience through initiatives such as complimentary electric vehicle charging stations, encouraging cleaner mobility among travellers. The property has also eliminated single-use plastics as part of its efforts to minimise waste and promote environmentally conscious practices.

Commenting on the initiative, Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, said, "World Nature Conservation Day reminds us that every organization has an opportunity to contribute towards a healthier planet through meaningful action. We remain committed to adapting responsible practices that create a positive environmental impact while delivering a seamless experience for our guests."

The hotel's sustainability efforts have also received international recognition through the Green Key Certification, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education, acknowledging its commitment towards responsible environmental practices.

As sustainability continues to influence the future of travel and hospitality, Novotel Vijayawada Varun remains focused on creating a greener hospitality ecosystem through cleaner energy adoption, conscious operations, and responsible guest experiences.

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