Evoke Experiences Unveils Rann Utsav 2024 – The Tent City and Beyond

Evoke Experiences Unveils Rann Utsav 2024 – The Tent City and Beyond

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 5, 2024

Evoke Experiences, a leading name in experiential hospitality, is thrilled to announce the return of Rann Utsav 2024 – The Tent City, set to commence on November 11, 2024, in Kutch, Gujarat. This annual event has firmly placed the Kutch region on the global tourism map, drawing attention with its unique cultural and natural allure. This year’s Rann Utsav will be grander and more immersive than ever, with over 400 luxury tents and an estimated 50,000 guests expected to attend throughout the festival.

For the first time, Evoke Experiences will oversee not only the operation of The Tent City but also market, branding, and entertainment services, marking the beginning of a significant seven-year partnership that extends through 2031. Bhavik Sheth, COO of Evoke Experiences, shared, “Rann Utsav 2024 represents a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. We are honored to not only host The Tent City but also manage the market and entertainment services. With our commitment to sustainability and community development, we look forward to making a meaningful contribution to the progress of Dhordo and the Kutch region.”

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Dhordo Village: A Globally Recognized Cultural Gem

Held annually in Dhordo, a picturesque village in the Great Rann of Kutch, Rann Utsav has evolved into a globally celebrated cultural festival. Recently, Dhordo earned the prestigious title of “Best Tourism Village” from the United Nations, making it the only village in India to receive this distinction. Visitors to Rann Utsav can experience Kutch’s rich heritage through traditional arts, crafts, music, and local delicacies, offering an authentic glimpse into the cultural richness of Gujarat.

A Commitment to Sustainability

This year, Rann Utsav emphasizes sustainability more than ever. Evoke Experiences is dedicated to minimizing the festival’s environmental impact with eco-friendly waste management practices, such as sewage treatment plants (STPs), battery-operated vehicles for on-site transportation, and a reduction in plastic use by replacing plastic water bottles with sustainable alternatives. Additionally, Evoke Experiences’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, inspired by its successful Dholavira cleaning drive, will focus on conservation efforts in the Great Rann of Kutch, ensuring the festival’s celebration of culture aligns with preserving the region’s natural beauty.

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Supporting the Local Community

Rann Utsav’s positive impact on the Kutch region extends beyond tourism, providing significant economic benefits for the local community. The influx of visitors during the festival greatly supports the local economy, creating opportunities for artisans, performers, and small businesses.

Invitation to an Unforgettable Experience

Evoke Experiences invites travelers from around the globe to partake in Rann Utsav 2024, where culture, sustainability, and luxury combine to create an unparalleled experience. The festival promises unique memories against the breathtaking backdrop of the White Rann, fostering a deep appreciation for Kutch’s cultural and natural heritage.

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About Evoke Experiences

As the hospitality flagship of the historic Lallooji & Sons, Evoke Experiences has pioneered luxury tented hospitality with marquee projects such as Rann Utsav – The Tent City, Statue of Unity Tent City-1, and Gandhisagar Forest Retreat. Evoke Experiences crafts immersive luxury stays across diverse landscapes, from spiritual retreats to wildlife adventures, with upcoming projects in locations like Sasan Gir, Shivrajpur, and Dwarka in Gujarat, as well as Puri, Jagannath in Odisha, and Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. Evoke Experiences is dedicated to delivering unforgettable journeys that balance opulence with sustainability, enriching local cultures and environments.


SpiceJet Announces Special Diwali Flights to Ayodhya from Key Indian Cities

SpiceJet Announces Special Diwali Flights to Ayodhya from Key Indian Cities

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 7, 2025

SpiceJet has announced the launch of daily non-stop flights connecting Ayodhya with Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad starting October 8, 2025. The initiative coincides with the Diwali festive season, making travel to the Shri Ram Temple easier for devotees and tourists while reinforcing SpiceJet’s commitment to affordable and accessible travel.

The new services will be introduced in a phased manner to ensure seamless connectivity and reliable operations. SpiceJet also revealed that flights from Mumbai to Ayodhya are under consideration to meet the growing travel demand during the festive and winter seasons.

Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer, SpiceJet, said, “There could be no better occasion than Diwali to visit Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram. We are delighted to make travel to the holy city easier and more convenient for devotees and tourists alike. Our new daily flights from key metros will ensure smooth and affordable access to Ayodhya during Diwali, allowing passengers to celebrate the festival in its most divine setting.”

The special Diwali flight services are expected to cater to increased passenger traffic, offering greater flexibility for travellers from major Indian cities. This network expansion strengthens SpiceJet’s domestic reach while supporting religious and seasonal tourism.

SpiceJet, an IATA-IOSA certified airline, operates a fleet of Boeing 737s and Q-400s and continues to be among India’s largest regional carriers under the UDAN scheme. The airline remains focused on expanding its network to meet cultural and regional travel needs across the country.


Qantas to Resume Non-Stop Delhi–Melbourne Flights Ahead of India–Australia T20

Qantas to Resume Non-Stop Delhi–Melbourne Flights Ahead of India–Australia T20

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 7, 2025

Qantas, Australia’s largest airline and national carrier, has announced the return of its non-stop flights between Delhi and Melbourne, set to begin on 27 October 2025. Operating three times a week until 28 March 2026, the service re-establishes a key route in the airline’s India–Australia network ahead of the busy travel and cricket season.

The reinstated connection offers Indian travellers direct access to Melbourne, one of Australia’s most popular cities known for its cultural diversity, culinary appeal, and proximity to iconic attractions such as the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley, and Phillip Island.

The timing of the relaunch coincides with major cricket fixtures, including the India–Australia T20 match scheduled for 31 October at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The first Qantas flight on this route will land in Melbourne on 28 October, giving fans convenient access to the event and the city’s vibrant summer sporting calendar, which also features the Ashes and Big Bash League tournaments.

Cam Wallace, CEO of Qantas International, said, “We’re delighted to bring back our non-stop connection between Delhi and Melbourne, just in time for the busy travel season. Flying direct significantly reduces travel time to Australia, and these new flights are perfectly suited for Indian fans attending cricket events in Melbourne, including the T20 series in late October, the Ashes and Big Bash League later in the year.”

He added, “To help support our growing presence in India, we have opened new offices in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to service our Indian customers, and promote our non-stop flights to Sydney and Melbourne.”

The flights will be operated by Airbus A330-200 aircraft, featuring 26 lie-flat Business Class suites and 204 Economy seats. Across three weekly return services, Qantas will offer over 1,300 seats per week between Delhi and Melbourne, adding more than 30,000 seats during the peak travel season.


Sri Lanka Launches Three-City Roadshow Across Southern India

Sri Lanka Launches Three-City Roadshow Across Southern India

By Hariharan U

Published on October 4, 2025

Sri Lanka Tourism is intensifying its efforts to attract Indian travellers with a three-city roadshow series across Southern India. Scheduled for Madurai, Coimbatore, and Chennai on October 6, 8, and 10, 2025 respectively, the initiative will highlight Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offerings and strengthen ties with the Indian travel industry.

Organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), the roadshows will feature B2B sessions and networking evenings designed to showcase Sri Lanka as a year-round destination for all types of travellers. The events will introduce Indian travel agents and industry professionals to Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, its vibrant attractions, and growing opportunities for leisure and MICE travel.

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“This initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening its position as a preferred destination for Indian travellers, offering a blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and world-class hospitality,” said the delegation led by Mr. Vijitha Herath, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, and Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism.

The delegation includes over 40 stakeholders from across Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, including destination management companies, hotels, resorts, tour operators, and service providers. Each city’s event will host over 200 participants, comprising Indian travel agents, industry leaders, and media representatives.

Adding a vibrant touch to the experience, a Sri Lankan cultural dance troupe will perform at each venue, offering guests a glimpse into the island’s rich heritage and traditions.

About SLTPB & SLCB

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is the government agency responsible for marketing and promoting Sri Lanka as a travel destination. Working closely with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, SLCB, and other stakeholders, SLTPB aims to position Sri Lanka as South Asia’s leading tourist destination.

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau focuses on promoting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel to Sri Lanka. With world-class venues and improved accessibility, SLCB facilitates event planning for international corporations, associations, and incentive houses. India remains a key market for the bureau’s promotional activities.

Both organisations operate under the Ministry of Foreign Employment, Foreign Affairs & Tourism of Sri Lanka, combining efforts to promote the country’s leisure and business tourism offerings.

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