Shimla Winter Carnival: A Historic Celebration Boosting Himachal's Tourism

Shimla Winter Carnival: A Historic Celebration Boosting Himachal's Tourism

By Author

Published on December 29, 2023

In a significant move to rejuvenate the tourism sector, the Himachal Pradesh government kicked off the inaugural Shimla Winter Carnival, a 12-day celebration aimed at uplifting the spirits of the hill state. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the event at the historic Ridge, marking a historic moment for the city.

The winter carnival holds special significance as it comes on the heels of a challenging period for Himachal Pradesh's tourism industry, severely impacted by the recent monsoon disruptions. Chief Minister Sukhu, during the inauguration, acknowledged the adverse effects of the monsoon fury but expressed optimism about the state's recovery. He highlighted the influx of 30,000 tourist vehicles in the past days as a promising sign of the tourism industry's revival.

Emphasizing the government's commitment to promoting tourism, Chief Minister Sukhu announced a substantial increase in the budget for the tourism sector, reaching Rs. 3,000 crores from the previous Rs. 50 crores. This financial boost aims to support the recovery efforts and further elevate Himachal Pradesh as a preferred tourist destination.

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To facilitate a seamless experience for visitors, the state government has permitted all restaurants, dhabas, and food shops to remain open 24 hours from December 20, 2023, to January 5, 2024. This move is aligned with the government's focus on providing a warm welcome to tourists and enhancing their overall experience in the state.

The Winter Carnival promises an array of attractions, including cultural parades, folk dance performances like Mahanati, and exhibitions featuring local dishes and cultural programs. The carnival, set to conclude on January 5, 2024, is strategically timed during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere in Shimla.

Apart from being a delightful experience for tourists, the carnival aims to celebrate Himachal Pradesh's rich cultural heritage. Cultural programs such as Kullavi Nati and Singtu of Sirmaur district were presented, contributing to the vibrant celebration. The event, graced by dignitaries, including Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, is expected to have a positive economic impact on the state.

The Shimla Winter Carnival signifies a turning point for Himachal Pradesh's tourism, ushering in hope, festive cheer, and a promising outlook for the future.


Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Brings Authentic Madurai Flavours to the City with Special Food Pop-Up

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Brings Authentic Madurai Flavours to the City with Special Food Pop-Up

By Hariharan U

Published on May 17, 2026

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad is offering guests a taste of Tamil Nadu’s rich culinary heritage with a specially curated Madurai Food Pop-Up at its signature dining venue, Mazzo Rooftop Restaurant.

The limited-period culinary showcase celebrates the vibrant flavours, traditional recipes, and street food culture of Madurai, often regarded as one of South India’s most iconic food destinations. Hosted in a serene rooftop setting, the experience blends regional authenticity with contemporary hospitality.

The specially curated menu features a range of signature dishes inspired by traditional Madurai kitchens and local favourites. Guests can savour preparations such as Kola Urundai, Kozhi Kulambu, Vendakkai Mandi, and Kovil Puliyodharai, each reflecting the rustic flavours and bold spice profiles associated with Tamil Nadu cuisine.

The festival also includes dishes like Mor Kulambu, Kozhi Varuval, Kudal Kulambu, Eeral Piratal, and Aattu Kari Kulambu, showcasing the depth and diversity of Madurai’s culinary traditions. One of the highlights of the menu is the much-loved Vandiyur Chicken Biryani, paired with the iconic chilled dessert beverage Jigarthanda.

Set against the elegant poolside ambience of Mazzo Rooftop Restaurant, the food pop-up aims to offer more than just a dining experience by bringing together flavour, nostalgia, and cultural storytelling through food.

The showcase is open until 16th May 2026, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, inviting food lovers and regional cuisine enthusiasts to experience the essence of Madurai in Hyderabad.

Event Details

  • Venue: Mazzo Rooftop Restaurant, Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad
  • Date: Until 16th May 2026
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Reservations: +91 9100080131 / +91 9100080130

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru Launches ‘101 Days of Summer’ Experience

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru Launches ‘101 Days of Summer’ Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on May 17, 2026

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru has unveiled its “101 Days of Summer” campaign, a property-wide seasonal residency running from May 1 to August 31, 2026, celebrating Bengaluru’s summer culture through immersive culinary, beverage, and stay experiences.

Part of the global Four Seasons seasonal activation, the Bengaluru edition has been thoughtfully adapted to reflect the city’s Garden City identity, combining nostalgic summer traditions with luxury hospitality experiences curated specifically for the local landscape and climate.

The campaign transforms the hotel into a summer sanctuary, offering guests a slower and more experiential approach to the season through artisanal food, botanical beverages, alfresco moments, and curated staycations.

At the centre of the experience is an artisanal gelateria concept featuring a vintage-inspired summer cart that recreates nostalgic frozen treats with a luxury twist. Signature offerings include the Java Plum in the Promenade Sorbet and the Coastal Cream Magnum Bar, both inspired by familiar regional summer flavours. The hotel’s Sunday brunches at CUR8 will also feature rotating artisanal gelatos and elaborate summer sundaes designed around seasonal indulgence.

The beverage programme introduces a specially curated “Garden City Collection” featuring cocktails and mocktails inspired by Bengaluru’s botanical heritage. Drinks such as the Nandi Hills Spritz and Silk Route Summer Float incorporate local ingredients and handcrafted elements, while the “Temperance Trail” mocktail collection offers non-alcoholic interpretations rooted in regional flavours.

Complementing the beverage programme is a dedicated Mango Residency at the Lobby Lounge celebrating India’s most iconic summer fruit. Guests can experience a mango-themed afternoon tea, Alphonso Mango Kulfi, and a range of seasonal desserts and beverages inspired by regional orchards and summer traditions.

Beyond dining, the campaign also positions Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru as a luxury urban retreat through curated summer staycations. Garden suites, poolside experiences, wellness offerings, and leisurely dining moments have been designed to encourage guests to embrace a relaxed and immersive summer lifestyle within the city.

Signature touches such as floral-inspired beverages, alfresco lounging, and poolside culinary experiences further reinforce the property’s vision of blending Bengaluru’s local identity with the global luxury ethos of the Four Seasons brand.

Through “101 Days of Summer,” the hotel aims to transform the season into a thoughtfully crafted celebration of flavour, nostalgia, design, and experiential luxury, offering guests an elevated interpretation of a Bengaluru summer.

For more information, visit Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru


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.

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