Over 1.5 Million Foreign Tourists Expected at Maha Kumbh: Union Minister Shekhawat

Over 1.5 Million Foreign Tourists Expected at Maha Kumbh: Union Minister Shekhawat

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 15, 2025

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, has announced that the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj is expected to attract over 1.5 million foreign tourists from around 100 countries. The event, which will run from January 13 to February 26, 2025, is being positioned as a global spectacle, reflecting India’s vibrant heritage and cultural diversity.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of Kalagram, a sprawling 10-acre cultural hub in Nagvasuki, Shekhawat described the Maha Kumbh as the world's largest fair, embodying India's unity in diversity. The Kalagram will be one of the main attractions, offering visitors a glimpse of India's rich cultural tapestry through interactive exhibits, stage performances, and immersive experiences.

Key Highlights of Kalagram:

  • A grand entrance replicating the 12 Jyotirlingas.
  • A showcase of the Char Dhams and the Eternal Kumbh Exhibition.
  • Seven regional cultural courtyards, each highlighting the diversity of India's traditions.
  • The Anubhuti Mandapam, providing a unique sensory experience.
  • Over 230 master craftsmen demonstrating traditional art forms.
  • Authentic Indian cuisines at state-specific food stalls.
  • Performances by more than 14,630 cultural artists.

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Shekhawat emphasized the efforts by the Ministry of Culture to give the Maha Kumbh global recognition, with preparations ensuring a seamless experience for the expected 45 crore devotees and tourists. Programs will be held across various venues, including Kalagram, Ganga Pandals, Jhunsi, Nagvasuki, and Arail.

For international visitors, a tent city has been established by the Tourism Ministry, offering amenities like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Panchakarma. Additionally, air travel arrangements have been made for spiritual destinations such as Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura.

Shekhawat remarked:
"The Maha Kumbh is more than a fair; it’s a confluence of faith and culture that attracts people from across the globe, showcasing India’s spiritual and cultural richness."

The Maha Kumbh 2025 promises a 45-day celebration of India’s unity, diversity, and heritage, serving as a platform to present the country’s traditions and values to the world. With extensive preparations underway, the event aims to leave a lasting impression on both devotees and international tourists.


IRCTC Launches Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra from Indore for Pashupatinath Pilgrimage

IRCTC Launches Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra from Indore for Pashupatinath Pilgrimage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 17, 2026

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a special religious journey to Nepal under its Bharat Gaurav scheme, giving travellers and pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh and nearby regions an opportunity to explore important spiritual and tourist destinations in the neighbouring country.

The special 'Pashupatinath Nepal Darshan Yatra' will begin from Indore on June 12 aboard a Deluxe AC tourist train. According to IRCTC, this is the first Bharat Gaurav tourist train service designed for passengers travelling beyond India’s borders, making it a significant addition to its tourism offerings.

The journey will run for nine nights and 10 days, covering some of Nepal’s well-known religious and tourist attractions. The itinerary includes visits to Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, and Manakamana Temple. As part of the experience, travellers will also get access to a ropeway ride at Manakamana Temple and a Jeep Safari at Chitwan, arranged by IRCTC.

Passengers can board the train from multiple stations across Madhya Pradesh including Indore, Ujjain, Shujalpur, Sehore, Rani Kamalapati (Bhopal), Itarsi, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, and Satna.

Rahul Holkar, Executive Tourism (Indore), said: "Dining facilities will be available for passengers onboard, with two restaurant coaches arranged for this purpose."

He also shared that the train will have 14 coaches and offer three accommodation categories: First AC, Second AC, and Third AC. The package further includes five-night accommodation in three-star hotels, along with local sightseeing through AC buses.

IRCTC has introduced different fare structures based on the selected category. The package covers rail travel, hotel stays, meals onboard and during the journey, local transportation, sightseeing, travel insurance, tour escorts, security arrangements and housekeeping services.

Officials also clarified that the Nepal Darshan Yatra is a guided tourist journey and should be viewed as a specially curated travel experience rather than a regular international tour package. Bookings for the Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra can be made through IRCTC’s official website and authorised offices.


Air India Begins Twice Daily Flights to Ludhiana Halwara Airport

Air India Begins Twice Daily Flights to Ludhiana Halwara Airport

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 16, 2026

Air India has commenced commercial operations to Ludhiana’s newly operational Halwara airport, becoming the first airline to launch services at the airport. The new route strengthens connectivity between Ludhiana and Delhi while also opening access to Air India’s wider international network.

The inaugural flight from Delhi landed at Halwara airport at 0703 Hrs, while the return service departed from Ludhiana at 0800 Hrs. Air India will now operate two daily flights on the Delhi–Ludhiana route using its A320 family aircraft.

The newly launched services have been scheduled to provide passengers with smoother onward connections through Delhi to Air India’s international destinations. Travellers flying from Ludhiana can conveniently connect to cities including London, Paris, Milan, Rome, and Birmingham through a single ticket and a unified baggage allowance system with through check-in facilities.

Passengers will also benefit from same-terminal transfers at Delhi airport, allowing easier movement between domestic and international flights.

The flight schedule for the Delhi–Ludhiana route includes:

  • AI481: Delhi to Ludhiana (Halwara) – Departure: 05:55 | Arrival: 07:05 | Daily
  • AI482: Ludhiana (Halwara) to Delhi – Departure: 07:55 | Arrival: 09:10 | Daily
  • AI483: Delhi to Ludhiana (Halwara) – Departure: 12:55 | Arrival: 14:10 | Daily
  • AI484: Ludhiana (Halwara) to Delhi – Departure: 14:40 | Arrival: 15:55 | Daily

With the launch of operations at Halwara airport, Air India continues to expand its domestic network while strengthening connectivity between regional cities and international destinations.

Bookings for Air India’s Ludhiana flights are now open across all channels, including the airline’s website, mobile app, and travel partners worldwide.


Booking.com Highlights Shift to Personalised Summer Travel Among Indian Travellers

Booking.com Highlights Shift to Personalised Summer Travel Among Indian Travellers

By Hariharan U

Published on April 23, 2026

Booking.com has unveiled its summer travel insights for 2026, highlighting a clear shift in how Indian travellers are planning their holidays. Defined as the “Era of You,” the report points to a growing preference for personalised, intention-led journeys over traditional checklist travel.

This summer, travellers are increasingly choosing destinations that align with their individual interests, with a strong focus on comfort, accessibility, and meaningful experiences. Domestic travel continues to dominate, with a diverse mix of destinations shaping itineraries across the country.

High-altitude “coolcation” spots such as Ooty, Darjeeling, Munnar, and Manali remain in demand as travellers seek respite from rising temperatures. At the same time, spiritual destinations like Rishikesh and Varanasi are seeing a notable rise in popularity, reflecting increased interest in faith-led and introspective travel.

Urban and cultural destinations are also witnessing renewed traction, with cities like Jaipur and Udaipur climbing search rankings. Meanwhile, coastal favourites such as Goa and Puducherry continue to attract travellers looking for relaxed seaside getaways.

Among the most searched domestic destinations for the summer period are Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad—indicating a balanced mix of metro travel and leisure escapes.

On the international front, Indian travellers are increasingly looking east, with Asia emerging as a preferred region. Destinations such as Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Ubud dominate search trends. Japan, in particular, is witnessing a surge, with Tokyo leading the list and cities like Osaka and Kyoto rapidly climbing in popularity.

While European cities such as London and Paris continue to feature among top choices, the broader trend reflects a shift toward destinations offering a mix of culture, cuisine, shopping, and convenience.

Another key insight is the growing demand for alternative accommodations. Travellers are increasingly exploring homestays, guest houses, apartments, and villas, seeking flexibility, privacy, and options that align with varied travel needs, whether for families, groups, or solo journeys.

Commenting on the trend, Santosh Kumar, Regional Head South Asia at Booking.com, noted that travellers are becoming more mindful and strategic, choosing destinations that reflect the experiences they value most. He added that the company continues to focus on simplifying the travel journey by integrating flights, stays, transport, and experiences into a seamless ecosystem.

Overall, the data underscores a broader evolution in travel behaviour, where personalisation, purpose, and convenience are shaping how Indians explore both domestic and international destinations.

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