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.


Chin Lung Bengaluru Launches Raw Mango Infused Wheat Beer for Summer

Chin Lung Bengaluru Launches Raw Mango Infused Wheat Beer for Summer

By Hariharan U

Published on April 17, 2026

Chin Lung Brewery is tapping into the spirit of summer with the launch of a Raw Mango Infused Wheat Beer, a limited seasonal brew that brings together nostalgia, local ingredients, and craft innovation.

Inspired by the familiar flavours of kaccha aam, the beer is brewed using freshly plucked raw mangoes sourced directly from the brewery’s own tree. The result is a refreshing reinterpretation of traditional aam panna, transformed into a light, crisp, and highly drinkable wheat ale suited for the city’s warm weather.

The brew opens with bright, zesty aromas of raw mango, complemented by subtle citrus notes and a hint of earthy spice. On the palate, it delivers a vibrant burst of green mango upfront, followed by a refreshing saline tang through the mid-palate. A touch of black salt enhances the tartness, while a gentle layer of chilli warmth adds depth without overpowering the profile.

With an ABV of approximately 4.8%, the beer is designed to be easy-drinking and sessionable. Its hazy pale straw to light golden appearance, combined with a smooth, lightly spiced finish, makes it an ideal companion for long afternoons and relaxed evenings.

This seasonal release reflects a growing trend within India’s craft beer space, where local ingredients and regional flavour memories are being reimagined through contemporary brewing techniques. By drawing from the nostalgia of summer staples, Chin Lung continues to create experiences that resonate with both familiarity and innovation.

With this launch, the brewery offers a refreshing way to celebrate mango season—one that captures the essence of summer in every sip.


Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Appoints Bharat Khanna as Front Office Manager

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Appoints Bharat Khanna as Front Office Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 17, 2026

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida has announced the appointment of Bharat Khanna as its new Front Office Manager, further strengthening its operational leadership team.

With over 15 years of experience in hospitality operations, Bharat Khanna brings deep expertise in front office management, guest services, and team leadership. His career spans leading hotel brands, including Taj Mahal New Delhi, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, and Crowne Plaza New Delhi Rohini, where he has consistently delivered high standards of guest experience and operational excellence.

In his new role, he will oversee all front office operations, ensuring seamless guest journeys while upholding the brand’s service standards. His core competencies include guest relations, problem resolution, OTA and channel management, group bookings coordination, and business forecasting.

Known for his ability to mentor and inspire teams, Bharat has built a reputation for fostering a culture of performance and professionalism. His experience in managing VIP services, executive lounges, and high-profile guest interactions further strengthens his approach to enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty.

Commenting on the appointment, Anurag Rai said, “We are delighted to welcome Bharat to Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida. His extensive experience and passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences make him a valuable addition to our leadership team.”

Sharing his perspective, Bharat Khanna said, “I am excited to be part of Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida and look forward to contributing to the brand’s commitment to service excellence while working closely with the team to create memorable guest experiences.”

With this appointment, the hotel continues to reinforce its focus on operational excellence and guest-centric service, aligning with evolving expectations in the hospitality sector


Country Inn Expands in Uttarakhand with New Hotels in Dehradun and Rishikesh

Country Inn Expands in Uttarakhand with New Hotels in Dehradun and Rishikesh

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 17, 2026

Country Inn Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Espire Hospitality Limited, has strengthened its presence in Uttarakhand with the launch of three new properties – Country Inn, Dehradun, Country Inn, Rishikesh, and Country Inn Smart Stays, Rishikesh. This expansion also marks the introduction of a new brand format, Country Inn Smart Stays, designed to offer a more youthful and modern travel experience.

With these additions, the brand continues to grow across key destinations in the state, building on its existing presence in Mussoorie, Bhimtal, and Jim Corbett. The move reflects a balanced expansion across both city locations and popular leisure destinations.

Country Inn, Dehradun, a 53-key property, is located on Saharanpur Road along the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway corridor. With travel time now reduced to around 2.5 hours, the hotel offers convenient access for both business and leisure travellers. The property features spacious rooms, a multi-cuisine restaurant called Sutra, and large event spaces including the Crystal Ballroom and Aura Hall, making it suitable for weddings, conferences, and social events.

In Rishikesh, the brand has introduced two distinct formats to cater to different types of travellers. Country Inn, Rishikesh, located in Tapovan, offers 28 rooms including suites with views of the Ganga. The hotel is close to well-known landmarks such as Lakshman Jhula and Parmarth Niketan Ashram. It also features a casual dining restaurant and a compact event space overlooking the river, making it ideal for a comfortable and well-connected stay.

The second property, Country Inn Smart Stays, Rishikesh, marks the launch of a new brand under the portfolio. Located within walking distance of Lakshman Jhula, the hotel offers 31 rooms along with a rooftop swimming pool, dining area, BOHO Café, and a recreation zone. The concept focuses on smart spaces and easy, experience-led stays, especially for younger travellers.

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Speaking about the expansion, Mr. Akhil Arora, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Espire Hospitality Group, said, “Uttarakhand continues to be a strong focus market for us, given its growing appeal across leisure, spiritual, and experiential travel. With the opening of three new Country Inn properties and one more coming very soon across Dehradun and Rishikesh, we are strengthening our presence across the state while catering to a diverse mix of travellers. From urban stays in Dehradun to multiple formats in Rishikesh, this expansion reflects our intent to be present across key destinations with offerings for diverse travellers”

“These additions will play an integral role in our overall growth strategy. With over 30 signed hotels and a plan to add at least 1,000 keys every year, we are on track to achieve the milestone of 45 hotels by the end of FY27.”

With this expansion, Country Inn Hotels & Resorts continues to build its footprint in Uttarakhand, offering a mix of stay options that cater to different travel needs while supporting its long-term growth plans.

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