Google's Picks: Kodagu Ranks 7th in India's Trending Destinations of 2023

Google's Picks: Kodagu Ranks 7th in India's Trending Destinations of 2023

By Author

Published on December 31, 2023

In a remarkable achievement, Kodagu, often hailed as the Scotland of India, has secured the seventh spot on Google's list of trending travel destinations for 2023 in India. Surpassing renowned places such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Italy, and Switzerland, Kodagu has become a hotspot for travel enthusiasts. The district has outshone its fellow Karnataka tourist havens like Mysuru, Hampi, and coastal areas, marking its prominence in the travel landscape.

The year 2023's Google Year in Search reveals that Kodagu's popularity soared, making it the seventh-most searched travel destination. The lush landscapes and serene beauty of Kodagu have captured the imagination of travelers, placing it among the top choices for those seeking a memorable getaway.

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In addition to its commendable position on the travel trends list, Kodagu has also outshined in terms of tourist footfall. Despite a challenging start with monsoon tourism facing setbacks due to erratic rains, the district witnessed a surge in visitors towards the end of the year. Anitha Bhaskar, Deputy Director of Tourism in Kodagu, shared the impressive statistics, noting that the district recorded 23 lakh visitors in 2022. However, in 2023, there was a remarkable increase, with a staggering 74 lakh visitors experiencing the charm of the coffee district.

The last quarter of the calendar year witnessed a significant influx, with 15-17 lakh tourists flocking to Kodagu. Anitha Bhaskar highlighted that while 57 lakh tourists visited from January to September, the final months of the year saw a substantial rise in tourism activities.

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BR Nagendra Prasad, Chairman of the Kodagu Hoteliers' and Resort Owners' Association, explained that the tourism season typically begins in October, but this year, due to delayed monsoons, it started later. With over 35,000 rooms available in the district, Kodagu is currently hosting over 1 lakh tourists.

Recognizing the need for diversification, Anitha Bhaskar emphasized the importance of exploring and promoting tourism activities within the five taluks of the district. The success of Kodagu in attracting travelers signifies not only its scenic allure but also the resilience of its tourism industry in overcoming challenges.

 

As Kodagu continues to enchant visitors with its natural beauty and cultural richness, it solidifies its position as one of India's must-visit destinations.


India Becomes 5th Largest Aviation Market with 241 Million Passengers in 2024, Surpassing Japan

India Becomes 5th Largest Aviation Market with 241 Million Passengers in 2024, Surpassing Japan

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 11, 2025

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has ranked India as the fifth-largest aviation market in 2024, handling 241 million passengers, surpassing Japan’s 205 million. The data comes from IATA’s latest World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) report, which covers both international and domestic passenger movements.

India recorded an 11.1% increase from 211 million passengers in 2023, driven by strong domestic demand. The Mumbai–Delhi route emerged as the seventh busiest airport pair in the world, carrying 5.9 million passengers in 2024.

Globally, the United States retained the top spot with 876 million passengers (+5.2%), followed by China at 741 million (+18.7%), the United Kingdom at 261 million, and Spain also at 241 million.

IATA reported that Asia Pacific dominated the list of the world’s busiest airport pairs, led by Jeju–Seoul (CJU–GMP) with 13.2 million passengers. The only non-Asia Pacific route in the top 10 was Jeddah–Riyadh (JED–RUH).

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Premium air travel also saw strong growth in 2024. International business and first-class travel rose 11.8%, slightly outpacing the 11.5% growth in economy travel. Asia Pacific recorded the highest growth in premium travel at 22.8%, with 21 million passengers, though economy class still expanded faster in the region. Europe remained the largest market for premium travel at 39.3 million passengers, while the Middle East had the highest premium share at 14.7% of all international travellers.

The report also highlighted aircraft utilisation trends. The Boeing 737 was the most widely used aircraft, operating 10 million flights with 2.4 trillion Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs), followed by the Airbus A320 with 7.9 million flights (1.7 trillion ASKs) and the Airbus A321 with 3.4 million flights (1.1 trillion ASKs).

IATA’s findings reflect India’s rapid ascent in global aviation, driven by expanding connectivity, a growing middle class, and increased fleet capacity.


Ekostay Expands with 19 New Premium Villas Across India’s Favourite Holiday Spots

Ekostay Expands with 19 New Premium Villas Across India’s Favourite Holiday Spots

By Hariharan U

Published on August 10, 2025

Ekostay, one of India’s leading names in the alternative hospitality space, has taken a big step forward in its growth journey with the launch of 19 premium villa properties across the country’s most sought-after leisure destinations. The move reflects the brand’s long-term goal of expanding its reach and meeting the rising demand for private, immersive holiday stays.

From scenic hillside retreats in Ooty and Kodaikanal to coastal escapes in Goa, and popular weekend getaways in Lonavala, Alibaug, Karjat, Igatpuri, and Pune, these newly added villas are designed to combine comfort, local charm, and personalised service. With over a dozen properties in Tamil Nadu’s hill stations and nearly half a dozen spread across Maharashtra’s favourite holiday hubs, Ekostay is strategically strengthening its presence in high-demand travel zones.

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Market insights from Wryght Research & Capital reveal the potential ahead: India’s vacation rentals market is projected to grow from USD 3.45 billion in 2025 to USD 16.7 billion by 2034, with branded villa stays alone expected to touch USD 1.56 billion by 2029. Rising trends like workcations, leisure travel, and the digital nomad lifestyle are fuelling this growth.

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“At Ekostay, our expansion is not just about increasing numbers. It’s about deepening our connection with travellers across India”, shared Husain Khatumdi, Managing Director and Co-founder, Ekostay. “Each property is designed to feel like a second home while delivering the consistency and quality we’re known for”.

Echoing the sentiment, Varun Arora, CEO and Co-founder, highlighted the shift in travel patterns. “Travellers now want privacy, flexibility, and unique experiences. Our focus is to be present in the places our audience loves while ensuring the service standards they expect.”

Sohail Mirchandani, COO and Co-founder, emphasised that operational excellence remains a priority: “With every new location, we scale our systems, teams, and support to guarantee a seamless stay experience.”

On the acquisition front, Zishan Khan, Chief Acquisition Officer and Co-founder, noted, “We carefully select properties that align with our brand ethos, ensuring they unlock high-demand travel destinations for our customers.”

With this latest expansion, Ekostay now operates over 160 villas across India, reinforcing its leadership in the premium homestay segment and strengthening its presence in both the South and Maharashtra markets.

About Ekostay

 Ekostay is a premium alternative hospitality brand offering curated private villas that blend distinctive design, hotel-grade service, and homely comfort. Its portfolio spans beaches, hills, and countryside destinations, delivering stays that combine local flavour with elevated hospitality.


Visa-Free Travel Rises Among Indians as Alike Makes Global Holidays Frictionless

Visa-Free Travel Rises Among Indians as Alike Makes Global Holidays Frictionless

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 6, 2025

Indian travellers are increasingly setting their sights on global getaways, and the latest campaign by travel-tech platform Alike is helping make those dreams a reality. Titled Free Visa Holidays, the campaign addresses one of the biggest hurdles in international travel – the cost and complexity of visa processing.

With destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Bali leading the charge, the campaign has struck a chord with audiences across Tier 1 metros and even among working professionals and urban migrants from smaller towns planning their first international trips. The appeal lies in its simplicity — visa-free holidays and a no-hassle booking experience that makes international travel feel not just possible, but personal.

"We launched this campaign to remove the most common red tape Indian travellers face – the cost and complexity of the visa process," said Ashish Sidhra, Co-founder of Alike. "The response has reinforced that people are ready to explore the world; they just want the friction taken out of the way."

This sentiment reflects a broader shift in Indian outbound tourism. In 2005, Indian passport holders had visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 25 countries. Today, that number has more than tripled to around 90 countries, thanks to simplified e-visas and visa-on-arrival options. Meanwhile, India’s outbound travel has skyrocketed — from under 7 million trips in 2005 to over 28 million in 2024, driven largely by first-time leisure travellers looking for short-haul, visa-easy vacations.

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Alike’s campaign rides this wave, not just offering access, but encouraging action. By simplifying travel discovery, removing bureaucratic barriers, and enabling tech-first planning, it’s creating a more inclusive and intuitive travel experience.

"We aren't just handing out a freebie," Ashish added. "We're raising the bar for what travel should feel like — personal, smooth, far more convenient and accessible. This is about building confidence in international travel again, especially for those doing it for the very first time."

Beyond the visa waiver, Alike also offers optional itinerary support and tools for digital trip planning, giving travellers the flexibility to design journeys their own way.

About Alike

Alike is a global travel-tech platform reimagining how Indians travel abroad. Built for modern explorers who prioritise flexibility and personalisation, Alike combines instant bookings, free visa processing, curated experiences, and eSIM add-ons into one seamless platform. From search to stay, Alike is designed to make travel simpler, smoother, and more personal.

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