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.


MSM Unify Launches MSM Aventra to Streamline Student Lifecycle Management for Indian Institutions

MSM Unify Launches MSM Aventra to Streamline Student Lifecycle Management for Indian Institutions

By Hariharan U

Published on July 27, 2026

MSM Unify has launched MSM Aventra, a unified digital platform designed to help Indian educational institutions manage admissions, student records, learning delivery, and institutional operations through a single connected system.

The platform combines Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Student Information System (SIS), and Learning Management System (LMS) capabilities, enabling universities, colleges, training providers, and education groups to manage the complete student lifecycle, from initial inquiry and admission to learning delivery and graduation.

The launch comes as Indian higher education and training institutions increasingly focus on digital transformation, improved admissions conversion, streamlined academic administration, and enhanced student engagement.

Many institutions continue to operate multiple disconnected systems for admissions, applications, student records, fees, attendance, teaching, assessments, and reporting. This fragmentation often results in duplicate data entry, slower decision-making, increased administrative workload, and limited visibility across the student journey.

MSM Aventra aims to address these challenges by bringing admissions management, academic operations, learning delivery, analytics, reporting, and institutional workflows together on one platform.

Commenting on the launch, Sanjay Laul, Founder, MSM Unify, said, "Institutions have spent years stitching together separate systems for admissions, academics, and learning delivery, and paying for that fragmentation in cost, efficiency, and student experience. MSM Aventra changes that equation. By unifying CRM, SIS, and LMS into one connected platform, we are giving institutions of every size, from training providers to multi-campus universities, the infrastructure to manage the complete student journey from first inquiry to graduation on a single system."

Supporting Institutional Growth Through Digital Integration

MSM Aventra has been developed around key operational requirements of educational institutions, including improving admissions visibility, reducing manual processes, maintaining updated student records, and enabling administrators, faculty, and leadership teams to access shared data.

The platform integrates three core systems:

The admissions module supports multi-channel lead capture, application workflows, automated follow-ups, channel partner management, offer management, document tracking, and admissions reporting.The SIS module enables institutions to manage registration, enrollment, attendance, grades, timetables, fees, compliance reporting, and student self-service functions.The LMS supports course content management, assessments, grading, collaboration tools, live sessions, learning analytics, and integration of academic performance data with student records.

The platform offers features including more than 200 pre-built integrations, web and mobile accessibility, role-based security, real-time dashboards, attendance alerts, automated compliance reporting, cohort performance tracking, CRM analytics, and scheduled reporting capabilities.

MSM Aventra follows a structured implementation approach with a targeted 90-day go-live process, covering discovery, configuration, migration, training, launch support, and post-launch assistance.

Institutions can explore the platform through a personalised demonstration designed around their existing systems and transformation requirements.

With MSM Aventra, MSM Unify aims to support Indian education institutions in creating a more connected, efficient, and data-driven operating environment while improving experiences for students, faculty, and administrators.

About MSM Aventra

MSM Aventra is a product of MSM Unify designed for higher education institutions. The platform combines CRM, SIS, and LMS capabilities to support admissions, student records, learning delivery, reporting, and institutional operations across the student lifecycle.

About MSM Unify

MSM Unify is a global education technology platform supporting institutions, students, and channel partners across international education markets. The company provides technology solutions and services focused on student recruitment, enrollment management, and education delivery.


Sayaji Raipur Introduces Curated Monsoon Stay, Wedding and Celebration Experiences

Sayaji Raipur Introduces Curated Monsoon Stay, Wedding and Celebration Experiences

By Hariharan U

Published on July 27, 2026

Sayaji Raipur has launched a new range of curated hospitality experiences for the monsoon season, offering guests customised stay packages, wedding solutions, and event services designed for leisure, business, and celebration needs.

The seasonal offerings include weekend escapes, extended stay packages, Shubh Vivah wedding experiences, and outdoor catering solutions, strengthening the hotel’s positioning as a preferred destination for stays and celebrations in Raipur.

The Weekend Escape Package has been designed for couples and families looking for a relaxing break. The package includes accommodation in Grande Rooms, daily buffet breakfast at Cravings, one buffet lunch or dinner, dining benefits, and flexible check-in and check-out options, subject to availability.

For business travellers and guests planning longer stays, Sayaji Raipur has introduced the Monsoon Long Stay Offer, which includes daily breakfast, one major meal, airport or railway station transfers, complimentary laundry services, welcome refreshments, and personalised guest assistance.

The hotel is also focusing on celebrations through its Shubh Vivah offering, providing customised wedding experiences with banquet venues, wedding lawns, décor solutions, curated menus, and dedicated event planning support. The offering caters to both intimate ceremonies and larger wedding celebrations.

Expanding beyond the hotel premises, Sayaji Raipur’s Outdoor Catering (ODC) services provide customised food and beverage solutions for weddings, corporate events, private gatherings, and social occasions. Supported by experienced chefs and banquet teams, the service aims to deliver the hotel’s hospitality standards across different venues.

Commenting on the initiatives, Mr. Mayank Mandela, Director of Operations, Sayaji Raipur, said, "Hospitality today is about creating experiences that extend far beyond accommodation or dining. Whether guests are planning a weekend getaway, celebrating a wedding, organising a corporate event or looking for an extended stay, we endeavour to offer personalised experiences backed by exceptional service and memorable hospitality."

Through these seasonal offerings, Sayaji Raipur continues to enhance its hospitality portfolio by creating experiences that cater to evolving traveller preferences, from leisure escapes and business stays to weddings and social celebrations.

Experience Highlights:

Weekend Escape Package

  • Daily buffet breakfast
  • Buffet lunch or dinner
  • 15% discount on additional F&B
  • Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)

Monsoon Long Stay Offer

  • Daily breakfast and one major meal
  • Airport/Railway station transfers
  • Complimentary laundry

Shubh Vivah

  • Wedding packages starting from ₹25 lakh onwards
  • Venue planning, catering, décor, and event services

Outdoor Catering

  • Customised catering solutions for weddings, celebrations, and corporate events

7 Friendship Day Getaways to Reconnect with Your Travel Tribe

7 Friendship Day Getaways to Reconnect with Your Travel Tribe

By Author

Published on July 27, 2026

The best friendships are not measured by how often people meet, but by the memories they create when they finally come together. This Friendship Day, instead of settling for another dinner plan or virtual catch-up, travellers can celebrate their bonds with a memorable getaway.

From wildlife adventures and lakeside escapes to beach holidays and mountain retreats, ZANA Luxury Escapes and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts offer destinations designed for friends looking to relax, explore, and create unforgettable experiences together.

1. ZANA Forest Resort, Ranthambore

Located close to Ranthambore National Park and spread across 11 acres of lush greenery, ZANA Forest Resort, Ranthambore offers the perfect escape for friends seeking adventure and relaxation.

Guests can begin the day with an exciting jungle safari, spend afternoons unwinding by the pool, and end evenings with leisurely meals, live music, and conversations that continue long after sunset. Surrounded by nature and designed for slow-paced experiences, the resort provides an ideal setting to reconnect away from everyday routines.

2. ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur

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With stunning lake views, ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur offers a scenic setting for a memorable friends’ getaway. The resort allows guests to enjoy relaxed days by the infinity pool, outdoor activities across its green lawns, and dining experiences overlooking the water.

The monsoon season further enhances Udaipur’s beauty, making it a perfect destination for friends looking to unwind, catch up, and enjoy quality time together.

3. ZANA In the Wild, Jim Corbett

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For groups seeking adventure and entertainment, ZANA In the Wild, Jim Corbett combines nature experiences with recreational activities.

Friends can enjoy thrilling safari experiences, spacious accommodations, swimming pool sessions, and an arcade featuring air hockey, basketball, racing simulators, and video games. Evenings come alive with live music and dining experiences, creating the perfect atmosphere for group celebrations.

4. Country Inn Goa

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For friends who love beaches, nightlife, and exploring new places, Country Inn Goa offers an ideal location in North Goa.

With easy access to Calangute Beach, cafés, beach shacks, shopping areas, and nightlife spots, the resort serves as a convenient base for a fun-filled holiday. Guests can spend their days exploring Goa’s beaches, relaxing by the pool, and experiencing the vibrant energy of the destination.

5. Country Inn Premier Pacific Resort, Mussoorie

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A timeless favourite for group holidays, Mussoorie continues to attract travellers with its misty hills, charming cafés, and scenic viewpoints.

Country Inn Premier Pacific Resort, Mussoorie complements the hill station experience with comfortable accommodations, peaceful surroundings, and panoramic valley views. After exploring Mall Road, local cafés, and nearby attractions, friends can return to the resort for a relaxing evening surrounded by the mountains.

6. Country Inn Nature Resort, Bhimtal

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Spread across 13 acres of greenery, Country Inn Nature Resort, Bhimtal offers a peaceful retreat for friends looking to slow down and reconnect.

Guests can enjoy boating at Bhimtal Lake, visit Kainchi Dham, or take part in activities such as zip lining, rope cycling, badminton, horse riding, and indoor pool experiences. With scenic surroundings and plenty of opportunities for shared moments, the resort creates the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations and lasting memories.

7. Country Inn Smart Stays, Rishikesh

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Designed for young travellers, Country Inn Smart Stays, Rishikesh combines adventure, social experiences, and comfort.

Friends can spend their days white-water rafting, café hopping, exploring local attractions, and shopping before returning to enjoy the rooftop pool, restaurant, rooftop café, and recreation spaces featuring pool, karaoke, and games.

With vibrant common areas and unique bunk-bed accommodation options, the property is ideal for groups seeking an energetic and youthful travel experience.

Whether it is chasing wildlife trails, relaxing beside a lake, exploring beaches, or escaping to the mountains, these destinations offer the perfect opportunity to celebrate friendship beyond messages and calls.

This Friendship Day, gather your favourite people, pack your bags, and create stories that will be remembered long after the journey ends

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