Kerala Elevates Tourism Experience: Introducing Sky Escapes and International Adventures

Kerala Elevates Tourism Experience: Introducing Sky Escapes and International Adventures

By Author

Published on January 28, 2024

Kerala is set to redefine adventure tourism with its innovative initiatives in 2024. Breaking new ground, the state has introduced a comprehensive heli-tourism policy, becoming the first in the country to do so. Branded as 'Sky Escapes,' this heli-tourism project aims to connect Kerala's top destinations, promising a seamless travel experience.

The heli-tourism initiative, a potential game-changer akin to the impact houseboats had decades ago, is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists. Kerala Tourism Director, P B Nooh, announced this groundbreaking move at a B2B trade meet in Delhi, emphasizing the state's commitment to providing an interconnected tourism hotspot.

In addition to the heli-tourism venture, Kerala is gearing up for four international adventure sporting events scheduled throughout the year. Recognizing the global growth potential of adventure tourism, the state aims to capitalize on its diverse geography, featuring mountains, rivers, beaches, and canals.

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The adventure events include the International Paragliding Festival at Vagamon in Idukki from March 14 to 17, the International Surfing Festival at Varkala from March 29 to 31, the MTB Kerala 2024 mega mountain biking event at Priyadarshini tea plantation in Wayanad from April 26 to 28, and The Malabar River Festival 2024 at Kodencherry in Kozhikode from July 25 to 28.

Complementing these initiatives, Kerala Tourism is making concerted efforts to position the state as an ideal wedding destination. Leveraging its natural beauty, picturesque locations, and excellent accommodation facilities, the state is witnessing an increasing number of destination weddings.

Kerala recorded an impressive growth of 19.34%, with 159.69 lakh visitors from within the country during January-September 2023. This growth is a testament to the state's innovative tourism initiatives, establishing it not only as a safe and hospitable destination but also an all-weather holiday paradise.

The revamped strategy of Kerala Tourism focuses on introducing new destinations, creating innovative tourism circuits, investing in infrastructure development, and expanding the award-winning Responsible Tourism (RT) initiative. This initiative allows tourists to experience village life while ensuring better connectivity.

As part of its outreach, Kerala Tourism will conduct travel trade networking activities in prominent Indian cities from January to March, participating in trade fairs and organizing B2B Partnership Meets. These efforts aim to introduce the new products to a wider audience and strengthen the state's core assets, including beaches, hill stations, houseboats, and the backwater segment.

In 2024, Kerala is set to captivate adventure enthusiasts, wellness seekers, and responsible tourism advocates with a renewed sense of purpose and vigor. The stage is set for an immersive and unforgettable experience in 'God's Own Country.'

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IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has launched direct flights between Delhi and Manchester, starting 15th November 2025. This follows the airline’s successful first long-haul route connecting Mumbai to Manchester earlier this year.

The new 5x weekly service is operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. The plane offers a two-class cabin with 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 Economy Class seats, ensuring comfort for long-haul travellers.

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), one of India’s top global gateways, now hosts IndiGo’s long-haul operations from the capital. On the UK side, Manchester Airport serves as a key hub, providing easy connections to Northern English cities including Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

By linking Delhi and Manchester, IndiGo aims to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between India and the UK, making international travel faster and more convenient.

Flight Schedule (Effective 15 November 2025)

Delhi to Manchester

  • Flight No.: 6E 0033

  • Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday

  • Departure: 04:05 (local time)

  • Arrival: 09:30 (local time)

Manchester to Delhi

  • Flight No.: 6E 0034

  • Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

  • Departure: 11:15 (local time)

  • Arrival: 02:10 (+1, next day)

Note: All timings are in local time zones; +1 indicates arrival the next day.

About IndiGo
IndiGo is India’s preferred carrier and one of the fastest-growing airlines globally. Focused on affordability, punctuality, and hassle-free travel, the airline operates 2,300+ daily flights across 90+ domestic and 40+ international destinations. With a fleet of over 400 aircraft, IndiGo inducted 58 aircraft in 2024 and served 118 million passengers in FY25. It was also named ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ by Skytrax at the 2025 World Airline Awards.

For more details, visit www.goindigo.in or download the IndiGo mobile app.

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Cox & Kings Unveils ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ as Indians Choose Offbeat Winter Destinations

Cox & Kings Unveils ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ as Indians Choose Offbeat Winter Destinations

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

As Europe settles into its most scenic season, Indian travellers are increasingly looking beyond the usual winter hotspots. This year, Central and Eastern Europe have become strong favourites, leading Cox & Kings to introduce its new ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ collection. The series focuses on handpicked journeys through quieter, cultural, and lesser-explored regions, offering an intimate view of Europe away from the typical tourist trails.

Booking patterns show a clear trend: places like Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria are seeing higher demand among Indian travellers. These destinations offer a mix of heritage, calm winter beauty, and good value. From snow-covered old towns to peaceful mountains and festive markets without long queues, the region appeals to travellers seeking a more soulful winter holiday.

The new itineraries, ‘Eastern Wonders: A Winter Tale’, ‘Essence of Europe: Winter Journey’, and ‘Passionate Europe: A Winter Tale’, have been curated to highlight the slower and more immersive side of Europe. While winter does bring affordability with airfares and stays dropping up to 40% across Europe between November and March, Cox & Kings says the real focus is on meaningful experiences rather than seasonal discounts.

"There's a kind of quiet grandeur to Europe in winter especially in the regions that aren't yet overrun by tourism," says Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings. "Our Winter Tales itineraries bring that to life for travellers who want to go beyond the obvious and experience Europe as it truly feels to locals."

The Winter Tales series is open to a wide range of travellers: families looking for festive breaks, honeymooners, solo travellers joining group departures, senior explorers, and all-women groups under Cox & Kings’ Group Inclusive Tours (GIT) format. There is also flexibility for travellers who prefer independent travel, as the itineraries can be customised. Bookings for these journeys remain open until mid-March 2026.

About Cox & Kings
Cox & Kings is the world’s first and one of the most iconic travel houses, with a legacy of over 260 years. Established in 1758, it has been a pioneer in global travel across leisure, business, and specialised segments. Known for its deep expertise and curated experiences, the brand continues to guide generations of travellers with a blend of tradition, innovation, and customer-first hospitality.

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Andaman Tourism to Host ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15

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By MAnu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 16, 2025

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands government is set to host an ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15, aiming to promote eco-adventure tourism and encourage local youth participation. Organised by the Tourism Department with support from the Environment and Forests Department and MY Bharat, the event highlights the islands’ natural beauty and historical legacy.

A tourism department official stated that the festival seeks to inspire youth to take up eco-guiding and adventure guiding as viable paths for self-employment, aligning with the administration’s vision of sustainable tourism development. Participation will be limited to 50 individuals, including local youth, trekking enthusiasts, tour operators, and tourists. The first 50 registered participants will be selected for the trek, and all will receive participation certificates from the Tourism Department.

Mount Manipur, formerly known as Mount Harriet, is the third-highest peak in the Andaman archipelago and one of its most scenic and historically significant trekking routes. The site carries deep historical importance, following the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, Maharaja Kulachandra Singh and 22 freedom fighters were exiled to the Andaman Islands.

To honour their bravery, Union Home Minister Amit Shah renamed Mount Harriet as Mount Manipur during his 2021 visit to the islands. In recognition of this history, the Tourism Department chose the location as the venue for the Island Trekking Festival, merging adventure with remembrance.

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