Republic Day Long Weekend Travel Trends: Experts Share Insights

Republic Day Long Weekend Travel Trends: Experts Share Insights

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 24, 2026

As Republic Day falls on 26th January 2026, travel experts are seeing a surge in Indians planning short getaways and “minications” over the long weekend. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE & Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, and SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel, share insights on emerging travel trends.

Rajeev Kale notes, “The upcoming Republic Day long weekend, falling on Monday, with the option to take leave on Friday or Tuesday, offers travel-hungry Indians a welcome 4-day break. We are seeing strong interest in both domestic destinations like Rajasthan, Kerala, Andamans, and neighbouring countries such as Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Short-haul international spots including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Maldives, Mauritius, Central Asia’s Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and new island destinations like Sabah, Cebu, Boracay, Sa Pa, and Phú Quốc are gaining popularity. Families, millennials, Gen Z, and young professionals are also exploring drivecations to offbeat locations such as Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Coorg, Ooty, Munnar, and Wayanad.

Additionally, our customers increasingly prefer unique accommodations, heritage bungalows, havelis, forts, tree houses, or plantations and outdoor activities including safaris, biking, camping, trekking, water rafting, paragliding, as well as spa and wellness getaways.”

SD Nandakumar adds, “Long weekends are perfect for short breaks, and for Republic Day, travellers are eyeing popular winter destinations like Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan, engaging in soft adventure and winter sports like mountain biking in Gulmarg, ice skating in Shimla, skiing in Auli, and glamping in Rajasthan. Nepal and Bhutan are also seeing demand.

Non-standard travel experiences are trending, tree houses in Wayanad, Chikmagalur, Munnar, or Thekkady; restored heritage forts in Goa; private villas in Alibaug with chefs; plantation bungalows in Darjeeling, Assam, and Coorg. Indians are also exploring easy visa destinations like Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Greece is gaining attention with direct flights from low-cost carriers.

Spiritual tourism is rising too, with travellers visiting Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Bodh Gaya, Mathura-Vrindavan, Rishikesh-Haridwar, and southern circuits like Tirupati, Rameshwaram, Kanchipuram, as well as Sri Lanka’s Ramayan Trails. Importantly, demand is no longer limited to metros, with strong growth from tier 2 and tier 3 cities.”

The insights show a clear trend: Indians are looking for short, curated experiences with unique stays, adventure options, and spiritual journeys, making Republic Day 2026 a prime time for travel.


Celebrate Mother's Day with Timeless Gifting from Candere

Celebrate Mother's Day with Timeless Gifting from Candere

By Hariharan U

Published on April 30, 2026

As Mother's Day approaches, the focus shifts to celebrating the quiet strength, care, and everyday moments that define motherhood. This year, Candere, a lifestyle jewellery brand from Kalyan Jewellers, offers a curated selection designed to feel personal, wearable, and meaningful.

Moving beyond occasion-based gifting, the collection highlights jewellery that seamlessly fits into everyday life, pieces that reflect her individuality while adding understated elegance to daily moments. Each design balances simplicity with thoughtful detailing, making it both timeless and versatile.

The edit includes the Rylie Diamond and Fancy Gemstone Ring, a floral-inspired design that combines vibrant pink stones with delicate diamond accents, bringing a playful yet refined touch. For those who prefer minimalism, the Plain Glimmer Diamond V Ring offers clean lines and subtle sparkle, perfect for stacking or wearing solo.

Adding to the collection is the Classic Treand Diamond Cuff Bracelet, featuring twin motifs with blue stones and diamond detailing, designed to elevate both everyday and occasion wear. The Enchanting Floral Diamond and Fancy Gemstone Oval Bracelet introduces a softer, more playful aesthetic with multicoloured gemstones set against a sleek band.

For statement pieces, the Armida Diamond Earrings stand out with their layered, cascading form that catches light with movement, while the Giselle Diamond Dangle Earrings bring effortless elegance through a graceful drop design and refined brilliance.

With this Mother’s Day edit, Candere focuses on jewellery that feels natural rather than extravagant, pieces that become part of her daily story while holding emotional value. The collection reflects a shift towards gifting that is thoughtful, personal, and enduring, making each piece more than just an accessory.


JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Hosts Immersive Fashion Showcase by Sounia Gohil

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Hosts Immersive Fashion Showcase by Sounia Gohil

By Hariharan U

Published on April 30, 2026

On April 25, EL at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar hosted an exclusive and intimate fashion showcase by designer Sounia Gohil, unveiling her latest collection in association with Volvo, presented by Cedamint by Vinay Singh.

Breaking away from the conventions of a traditional runway, the showcase embraced a more immersive and interactive format. Set against Mumbai’s skyline, EL offered a fluid, open environment where guests could experience the collection at their own pace. Models moved seamlessly through the space, allowing attendees to engage with the garments up close, creating a sense of intimacy rarely seen in conventional showcases.

The evening brought together a diverse mix of guests, from fashion insiders and tastemakers to patrons of luxury mobility and hospitality, reflecting a dynamic convergence of industries. The experience was complemented by a refined food and beverage selection, thoughtfully curated to enhance the evening without overshadowing the showcase.

More than a fashion presentation, the event highlighted a broader shift in how hospitality spaces are being reimagined. EL, known for its elevated dining and panoramic views, is steadily evolving into a multi-dimensional cultural venue that embraces fashion, design, music, and curated social experiences.

With this showcase, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar strengthens its positioning as not just a hospitality destination but a platform for creative expression and community-led experiences in the city.

Commenting on the initiative, Sachin Mylavarapu, General Manager at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, said, “At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, we’re increasingly looking at how our spaces can go beyond traditional hospitality to become platforms for culture and creativity. Hosting this showcase at EL was a natural extension of that vision. We’re delighted to curate experiences that are refined, progressive, and engaging for our guests.”

Located close to Mumbai’s international and domestic airports, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar offers 588 well-appointed rooms, multiple dining destinations, and expansive event spaces. Its venues, including Romano’s, JW Café, BarQat, and AUTM – JW Lounge & EL, reflect the city’s diverse culinary landscape. The property also features Spa by JW, offering holistic wellness experiences.

Part of Marriott International, the hotel aligns with a global portfolio of over 9,500 properties across 144 countries, continuing to bring world-class hospitality experiences to India


Niraamaya Retreats Kumarakom Wins ‘Most Luxurious Spa Resort’ Title

Niraamaya Retreats Kumarakom Wins ‘Most Luxurious Spa Resort’ Title

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 29, 2026

Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters & Beyond, Kumarakom has been awarded the title of ‘Most Luxurious Spa Resort’ at the Global Spa Awards 2025. The recognition highlights Niraamaya Life’s continued focus on offering wellness experiences built around authenticity, sustainability, and refined hospitality.

The award was presented on 22 April 2026 at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, in the presence of key figures from the wellness and hospitality sectors, along with members of the film fraternity. Allen Machado, Chief Executive Officer, accepted the award on behalf of the organisation.

This marks the fourth time Niraamaya Life has been recognised at the Global Spa Awards, reflecting its consistent approach towards holistic wellbeing and guest-focused experiences. The brand’s philosophy centres on preventive wellness, with therapies and programmes designed to support long-term health and balance. The recognition also highlights the property’s curated spa journeys, inspired by nature-led treatments and the principles of Ayurveda.

Commenting on the recognition, Allen Machado stated:

“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the Global Spa Awards. It reflects the collective commitment of our teams to deliver preventive wellness experiences that support holistic wellbeing. We remain focused on advancing wellness hospitality through authenticity, personalisation, and consistency in delivery.”

Niraamaya Life continues to expand its presence in the wellness hospitality space, with plans to grow across both domestic and international markets over the next two years. This growth is supported by a clear focus on thoughtful programme design, calm environments, and intuitive service.

With this recognition, Niraamaya Life further strengthens its position as a leading wellness-focused hospitality brand, staying aligned with its vision of offering meaningful and immersive guest experiences.

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