Six Destinations in India That are Perfect for August Trip

Six Destinations in India That are Perfect for August Trip

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 4, 2024

August is here, so am I! While some might prefer to stay indoors, I'm all about embracing the rain and exploring new places. However, I am not good at navigating amidst the throng of tourists trying to get a glimpse of whatever is standing in front of me. So, I am planning to visit some of the off beaten paths in India, where there will be people but no crowd so that I can enjoy the place and keep my sanity with myself. Have a look at my itinerary! And feel free to steal some! 

Valley of Flowers

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This is a floral fantasy in Uttarakhand. Imagine trekking through a carpet of vibrant wildflowers, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. That’s the magic of the Valley of Flowers. I’ve always been captivated by pictures of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and August, with its blooming meadows, seems like the perfect time to visit. I can just picture myself hiking through the lush greenery, camera in hand, capturing the breathtaking scenery.

Lahaul Spiti

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Ladies and gentlemen, and fellow solitude lovers, I present to you Lahaul Spiti. Rugged mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and ancient monasteries create a mystical atmosphere. I’m drawn to the idea of exploring remote villages, interacting with locals, and experiencing the thrill of high-altitude trekking. Plus, the monsoon brings a unique charm to this region, with cascading waterfalls and lush valleys.

Agumbe

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Agumbe, often called the 'Cherrapunji of the South.' I don’t think you might need any more reason to visit this place, but I am still going to talk about it. I'm fascinated by the lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and the enchanting waterfalls. It’s the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature. I can imagine myself staying in a cozy homestay, sipping on filter coffee, and exploring the surrounding hills.

Bikaner

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For a complete change of pace, I’m planning a trip to Bikaner. The golden city’s majestic forts, vibrant bazaars, and rich history intrigue me. I'm looking forward to exploring the Junagarh Fort, indulging in local delicacies like Bhujia and rasgulla, and experiencing the desert charm of this royal city.

Kumarakom

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Kerala’s backwaters have always been on my travel wishlist, and Kumarakom seems like the ideal destination for a relaxing getaway. Picture this: cruising through serene backwaters on a houseboat, surrounded by lush greenery, enjoying delicious Kerala cuisine, and indulging in rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Kinnaur

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For those seeking a thrilling adventure, Kinnaur is a must-visit. The region's stunning landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, apple orchards, and ancient temples, are calling out to me. Trekking, river rafting, and exploring hidden gems are on my to-do list. Kinnaur promises to be a truly unforgettable adventure.

Now, stop scrolling and go pack your bags, don’t forget your raincoat! Let’s make the most of this monsoon season!


Imagicaa Invites Couples to Celebrate Valentine’s Weekend with Thrills and Romance

Imagicaa Invites Couples to Celebrate Valentine’s Weekend with Thrills and Romance

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 4, 2026

This Valentine’s season, Imagicaa Theme Park offers couples a refreshing way to celebrate love, where romance blends seamlessly with thrill and entertainment. From 13th to 15th February 2026, the park transforms into a vibrant destination designed for couples seeking memorable experiences filled with excitement, fun, and togetherness.

Set against the backdrop of high-energy rides, themed attractions, and lively entertainment, couples can rediscover their playful side as they explore the park together. Beautifully designed photo spots across Imagicaa provide the perfect setting to capture special moments, making the celebration both immersive and memorable.

As the day moves into evening, the atmosphere turns more intimate with specially curated candle-lit dining experiences near the Lagoon Area. Soft music and ambient lighting create a romantic setting where couples can unwind before concluding the night with Imagicaa’s spectacular musical fountain show, adding a magical finale to the celebration.

To make planning seamless, Imagicaa has introduced exclusive Valentine’s packages for couples. The Couple Package is available for two, includes theme park access, a romantic candle-lit dinner, two glasses of wine or mocktails, a photo souvenir, and a gift voucher. The package offers a complete day of adventure and romance within a single destination.

For couples looking to extend their celebration into a short getaway, Imagicaa’s Tent Camping experience is available at special price per couple. This experience includes theme park tickets, a one-night and two-day tent stay with water bottles, a romantic candle-lit dinner with wine or mocktails, and breakfast the following morning. With check-in on 14th February and check-out on 15th February, the experience combines comfort, adventure, and romance under the stars.

With its unique mix of thrilling rides, entertainment, dining experiences, and romantic settings, Imagicaa presents couples with an opportunity to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a shared adventure, creating moments filled with laughter, excitement, and lasting memories.

Event Details

  • Offer: Valentine’s Weekend Filled with Thrills

    • The Couple Package, available with special price for two from 13th to 15th February 2026

    • Tent Camping, available with a special price per couple on 14th February 2026 | 1 Night / 2 Days

  • Where: Imagicaa Theme Park, 30/31 Sangdewadi, Khopoli-Pali Road, Near Lonavala, Khalapur, 410203, Maharashtra, India.

  • When: 13 to 15 February, 2025.


ELIVAAS Crosses 620 Villas, Targets Portfolio Expansion in 2026

ELIVAAS Crosses 620 Villas, Targets Portfolio Expansion in 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 4, 2026

Luxury villa hospitality platform ELIVAAS has scaled its operational portfolio to approximately 620 villas within two years of launch, positioning itself among the fastest-growing organised players in India’s villa hospitality segment.

Since its inception, ELIVAAS has hosted over 3 lakh guests, with guest volumes growing 2.7 times between December 2023 and December 2025. This growth has been largely driven by increasing demand for group travel, private celebrations, and corporate offsites, as travellers seek exclusive and experience-led accommodation formats.

Despite rapid expansion, ELIVAAS has maintained stable operational performance. Around 95 percent of guest stays have received five-star ratings, reflecting consistency across service delivery, property management, and overall guest experience. The company attributes this performance to a balanced approach towards scaling supply while strengthening operational processes.

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Commenting on the growth journey, Ritwik Khare, Founder and CEO, ELIVAAS, said, “Scaling supply without compromising operations is the biggest challenge in villa hospitality. For a sustainable business, the three wheels of supply, demand, and guest experience and operations have to scale at the same pace. Guest feedback at this level gives us confidence as we move into the next phase of growth.”

ELIVAAS currently has a strong presence across North and West India, which continue to account for the majority of bookings. Alongside geographical expansion, the platform has focused on enhancing experience-led offerings across its portfolio. Most villas support services such as private chefs, spa treatments, customised décor, live entertainment, and concierge-led experiences, catering to leisure travellers as well as event-led stays.

Looking ahead, ELIVAAS plans to more than double its portfolio to over 1,200 villas in 2026. The expansion will be supported by sustained demand and deeper penetration across key leisure destinations and event-driven markets, reinforcing the brand’s long-term growth strategy in India’s evolving luxury hospitality landscape.


Union Budget 2026 Sparks Mixed Reactions Across Hospitality and Allied Sectors

Union Budget 2026 Sparks Mixed Reactions Across Hospitality and Allied Sectors

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 4, 2026

The Union Budget 2026-27 has drawn varied responses from hospitality professionals and industry leaders, reflecting a balance between short-term operational challenges and long-term structural benefits. While the Budget signals continued support for infrastructure and domestic value chains, experts note that certain cost-related measures may impact pricing and margins within the hospitality ecosystem.

Anuj Mittal, Founder of Paprika Park, described the Budget as having a mixed impact on the food and beverage sector. He noted that select duty reductions could support domestic production and processing, while other measures may increase operating costs for eateries and cafes.

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“Indian Union Budget 2026-27 had a mixed impact on the food & beverage (F&B) sector: some production inputs and processing equipment became cheaper due to duty reductions (e.g., seafood processing inputs and microwave parts), supporting domestic value chains, while costs rose for others most notably commercial LPG for kitchens and imported coffee machines now facing higher duties which could push up prices for cafes and eateries. The Budget also continues to support broader agri-food infrastructure and supply-chain improvements, benefiting long-term F&B competitiveness.”

From a manufacturing and allied industry perspective, Suraj Mehta, Chief Strategy Officer at HNGIL, highlighted the positive implications of tariff rationalisation for India’s glass manufacturing sector, especially in the export market.

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“This tariff cut from 50% to 18% is a game-changer for India's glass manufacturing sector, particularly for container glass exports to the US, where demand in food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics packaging is robust. It levels the playing field against subsidized imports from other countries like China, potentially increasing our export volumes by 20-30% in the coming years.”

He further added that the move could encourage capacity utilisation, sustainable investments, and job creation across manufacturing hubs, aligning with India’s broader export ambitions.

Taken together, the reactions suggest that while hospitality and allied sectors may face selective cost pressures in the near term, the Union Budget 2026-27 lays the groundwork for long-term competitiveness, stronger supply chains, and global market integration. The coming months will reveal how businesses adapt these policy signals into growth strategies.

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