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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on June 1, 2026
Meghalaya is strengthening its tourism ecosystem through a major expansion of its homestay network, aiming to increase accommodation capacity while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. Building on the success of its Homestay Scheme launched in 2023, the state now plans to establish 3,000 new homestays and generate 15,000 jobs by 2028.
The initiative places local families at the heart of Meghalaya’s tourism development strategy and supports preparations for the National Games scheduled to be hosted in the state in 2027. With tourism emerging as a key contributor to economic growth, the government is promoting community-led tourism as a long-term model for inclusive development.
Tourist arrivals in Meghalaya have witnessed steady growth over the years, rising from around 1.2 million visitors in 2018 to more than 1.6 million today. The state’s growing popularity has also received national attention, with Shillong being recognised as India’s most-searched travel destination in Skyscanner’s 2025 report. Meghalaya has further set an ambitious target of attracting 2.1 million visitors annually by 2028.
The state’s tourism appeal received another boost when NITI Aayog, in its report Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India, identified Meghalaya as one of the country’s few year-round tourism destinations. The report highlighted attractions such as living root bridges, extensive cave systems, and rich indigenous cultural heritage that continue to draw visitors throughout the year.
To address the growing demand for accommodation and ensure tourism benefits reach local communities, the Government of Meghalaya introduced the Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme in convergence with the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). Under the scheme, eligible projects can receive financial assistance covering up to 70 per cent of project costs, with support available for projects valued up to INR 1 million.
The programme has already delivered encouraging results. Around 900 applications have been sanctioned, and more than 490 homestays are currently operational across the state. These homestays have collectively added nearly 1,000 rooms and created approximately 1,500 livelihood opportunities.
Building on this success, the government launched the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission in 2025. The mission aims to add 3,000 more homestays by 2028 while generating 15,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. New homestay owners can avail subsidies of up to INR 700,000, while existing operators are eligible for financial support of up to INR 200,000 for upgrading their properties.
The initiative has already transformed the lives of several beneficiaries. Entrepreneurs such as Daminot Kharshandi from Ri Bhoi district and Donny Esmond Rapsang from Umroi have successfully established and expanded tourism ventures through the scheme, creating jobs within their communities and generating stable income for their families.
As Meghalaya continues to strengthen its tourism infrastructure, the homestay model is emerging as a powerful tool for promoting sustainable tourism, empowering local communities, and ensuring that the benefits of the sector are shared widely across the state.
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By Hariharan U
Published on June 18, 2026
As travel preferences shift towards slower, more meaningful experiences, a new mindset is reshaping the way people explore destinations. Trends such as “quietcations” and “hushpitality” are gaining momentum among Gen Z and millennial travellers, reflecting a growing desire to disconnect from digital overload and reconnect with nature. In this evolving landscape, the monsoon season offers a natural backdrop for mindful travel, and The Serai Resorts brings this philosophy to life across its properties in Chikmagalur, Kabini, and Bandipur.
At The Serai Chikmagalur, nestled within Karnataka’s Malnad region, the monsoon transforms coffee plantations into lush green expanses wrapped in mist and rain. The season enhances the estate’s natural beauty, offering guests slow mornings overlooking plantations, guided coffee estate walks, cycling trails through rain-kissed landscapes, and moments of stillness surrounded by drifting clouds. The experience encourages travellers to embrace a slower rhythm deeply connected to nature.
In Kabini, the monsoon breathes renewed life into the backwaters and surrounding forests, creating one of the most serene seasons in the region. At The Serai Kabini, guests can engage with nature through coracle rides, kayaking, speedboat excursions, and guided walks through thriving ecosystems. Family-friendly experiences such as archery and the Junior Chef programme add interactive elements, while the rains create a calming atmosphere of renewal and immersion.
Meanwhile, The Serai Bandipur offers a tranquil gateway to the wilderness on the edge of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. During the monsoon, the forests turn vibrant and alive, offering an ideal setting for unhurried nature walks, quiet wildlife observation, and reflective moments in the heart of the forest landscape. The experience is designed for travellers seeking a deeper connection with nature, supported by thoughtful hospitality and spacious accommodations.
Across all three destinations, The Serai Resorts positions monsoon not as a season to avoid but as an opportunity to rediscover travel in its most authentic form. In a world increasingly drawn to wellness, mindfulness, and experiential luxury, these retreats offer an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and embrace the beauty of nature at its most expressive.
Father’s Day in India is increasingly being redefined by experiences rather than material gifts, as families choose to celebrate through travel, shared adventures, and meaningful time together. Insights from travel companies such as Thomas Cook India Limited and SOTC Travel highlight a clear shift toward experiential getaways that bring fathers and families closer through curated journeys.
Adventure travel continues to be a strong favourite, with families heading outdoors for trekking experiences that combine physical activity with bonding moments. Destinations like the Valley of Flowers, Kashmir’s alpine meadows, Coorg’s coffee trails, and Meghalaya’s living root bridges are among the most sought-after choices, alongside international hiking routes in Switzerland, New Zealand, and Japan.
Road trips remain equally popular, driven by nostalgia and spontaneity. From Ladakh’s high-altitude highways to Rajasthan’s heritage circuits and coastal drives through Karnataka, families are embracing the journey as much as the destination. International scenic routes across Australia, Portugal, and New Zealand are also gaining traction for Father’s Day getaways.
Sporting experiences are emerging as a key travel driver, with families planning trips around live events such as cricket matches, Formula 1 races in Singapore and Abu Dhabi, and football fixtures across Europe. These experiences are increasingly seen as bucket-list moments shared across generations.
Wildlife safaris continue to attract families seeking immersive, nature-driven holidays. Parks such as Ranthambore, Jim Corbett, Kabini, Gir, and Kaziranga remain top domestic choices, while Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius are popular international alternatives offering rich biodiversity and unique wildlife encounters.
Multi-generational travel is another growing trend, with families choosing destinations that cater to all age groups. From Kerala’s backwaters and Rajasthan’s heritage stays to international favourites like Thailand, Singapore, and Switzerland, these trips are designed to bring grandparents, parents, and children together in shared celebration.
Wellness-focused travel is also gaining momentum, with families opting for slower, restorative breaks in destinations like Kerala, Goa, and Bali. Ayurveda retreats, spa resorts, and forest escapes are becoming preferred ways to help fathers unwind and reset.
Short-haul international escapes continue to appeal to families seeking quick but enriching holidays, with destinations like Singapore, Thailand, Japan, and Mauritius offering a balance of accessibility and experience.
A growing trend within Father’s Day travel is passion-led holidays, where trips are designed around a father’s interests from golf and photography to culinary trails, cycling expeditions, and heritage journeys.
Overall, Father’s Day travel reflects a broader cultural shift: experiences are replacing gifts as families prioritise connection, shared memories, and meaningful time together over traditional celebrations
Published on June 15, 2026
Wildlife enthusiasts have received more time to explore Uttar Pradesh's Amangarh Tiger Reserve, with the eco-tourism season being extended by 15 days. Visitors can now enjoy jungle safaris and wildlife experiences at the reserve until June 30.
The fourth eco-tourism season at the reserve was originally scheduled to end on June 15. However, the extension was approved by Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Anuradha Vemuri, providing additional opportunities for tourists to experience the reserve's rich biodiversity and observe tigers in their natural surroundings.
Confirming the development, Bijnor Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Jai Singh Kushwaha said the reserve would remain open until the end of June before closing for the monsoon season.
"The tiger reserve will be closed after June 30 for the monsoon season as movement becomes difficult due to waterlogging and other challenges during the rains," Kushwaha said.
He added that the extension would benefit wildlife lovers by offering extra time to visit the reserve and witness its diverse flora and fauna, including tiger sightings.
Located next to the renowned Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, Amangarh Tiger Reserve has steadily gained popularity among nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. Spread across the Terai region of western Uttar Pradesh, the reserve shares a landscape with the Corbett tiger habitat, making it an important wildlife corridor and tourism destination.
Forest department data highlights the growing interest in the reserve. During its first eco-tourism season in 2022-23, the reserve welcomed 3,068 visitors. The second season saw a significant rise, attracting 6,500 tourists. In the third season of 2024-25, 3,104 visitors participated in jungle safari experiences.
Officials said that across the three tourism seasons, the reserve generated more than ₹17 lakh in revenue, reflecting its increasing appeal among domestic travellers seeking nature and wildlife experiences.
With the season now extended until June 30, Amangarh Tiger Reserve is expected to attract more visitors before operations pause for the annual monsoon closure.
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