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By Hariharan U
Published on August 26, 2025
Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts is rewriting the story of monsoon travel in India. Once seen as an off-season, the rains are now a vibrant travel window, and Stone Wood’s properties in Karnataka’s Western Ghats are at the heart of this change.
Both Stone Wood Premier Dandeli and Stone Wood Nature Resort Gokarna have seen record-breaking guest numbers this season. The surge reflects a wider trend, with domestic monsoon bookings in India rising by 25% year-on-year. With rain-soaked forests, swelling rivers, and mist-draped valleys, Karnataka has become a magnet for travelers seeking authentic experiences that celebrate the monsoon rather than avoid it.
“Our Dandeli and Gokarna properties are seeing unprecedented demand”, says Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director of Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts. “Travelers today want authentic, sustainable experiences that celebrate the raw beauty of the monsoon rather than avoid it”.
In Dandeli, the Premier property has turned into a monsoon favorite. Located near the wildlife sanctuary, it features 31 suites and cottages, a pool, multi-cuisine dining, and adventure activities. Guests come for misty treks, riverside thrills on the roaring Kali River, and rare wildlife sightings that peak during the rains.
Gokarna offers another side of the season. Stone Wood Nature Resort, set along Om Beach Road and surrounded by spice plantations, has cottages and tented suites that open to lush valleys and rain-fed pools. The experience blends coastal serenity with the drama of the monsoon, giving guests both luxury and closeness to nature.
Karnataka is seeing this trend on a bigger scale. Coorg, for example, has witnessed a stunning 1910% jump in hotel bookings during the rains. For travelers, the Western Ghats’ waterfalls, trails, and mist-covered forests have become the ultimate monsoon escape.
What sets Stone Wood apart is its focus on sustainability and community. From solar power and rainwater harvesting to zero-waste kitchens, the group puts eco-practices at the core of its operations. With 70% of staff hired locally, guests enjoy authentic insights into the culture and ecology of the region.
The properties also curate seasonal experiences, guided rain walks, birdwatching, wellness retreats, and rain-fed beach explorations that turn the wet months into a celebration rather than a barrier.
With six new properties planned for 2025 and a long-term goal of 50 hotels and 3,000 rooms by 2030, Stone Wood is betting big on premium monsoon tourism. Current occupancy rates 50–60% on weekdays and up to 75% on weekends during the rains show that the model is both profitable and sustainable.
The group is also tapping into corporate travel, with MICE-ready facilities attracting conferences and retreats in the monsoon season. This signals a broader shift, where rains are no longer viewed as downtime but as a unique opportunity to host experiences that combine work, leisure, and nature.
By embracing the season, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts has set a new benchmark in Indian hospitality. Their approach proves that the monsoon, with its ecological richness, can be transformed into a premium tourism driver—one that uplifts local communities while giving travelers unforgettable journeys.
For more details, visit: https://www.stonewoodresorts.com/
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Published on October 25, 2026
Summit Hotels & Resorts is set to expand its Signature Collection with a 17-villa retreat in Lachung, North Sikkim, scheduled to open in December 2026. The upcoming property will strengthen the company's premium hospitality portfolio in the Eastern Himalayas, with an emphasis on local architecture, cultural experiences and the region's natural landscape.
Located at an altitude of approximately 8,600 feet, Lachung is around 118 km from Gangtok and serves as a gateway to destinations including Yumthang Valley, Zero Point and Katao. The retreat will feature 17 villas inspired by traditional Sikkimese architecture, reflecting the area's cultural character and mountain setting.
Beyond accommodation, the property is expected to offer experiences that encourage guests to explore North Sikkim beyond conventional sightseeing. Planned activities include guided village walks, opportunities to discover Bhutia traditions and cuisine, visits to nearby orchards and monasteries, and excursions to alpine valleys. Seasonal experiences such as rhododendron viewing, winter snow excursions and stargazing are also being considered, subject to local conditions.
Commenting on the development, Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, “North Sikkim has considerable potential to develop beyond conventional sightseeing-led tourism. Lachung is already an important stop on the Yumthang and Zero Point circuit, but we believe there is an opportunity to encourage travellers to spend more time in the destination itself. With this retreat, we want to introduce a premium stay experience that draws on the region's architecture, culture and natural surroundings. We also see opportunities to work with local communities through employment, sourcing and destination experiences as tourism develops.”
The project comes amid renewed tourism interest in North Sikkim, supported by improved accessibility along the Lachung–Yumthang–Zero Point circuit. Known for its Himalayan scenery, rhododendron forests and traditional Bhutia settlements, Lachung offers opportunities to develop longer, nature-focused stays alongside established sightseeing itineraries.
The retreat will join Summit's Signature Collection, which includes Summit Norbu Ghang in Gangtok and Summit Rungkhung Village Resort in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. The collection forms part of the company's wider strategy to develop premium, destination-focused hospitality across the Eastern Himalayas and other leisure markets in India.
With the Lachung project, Summit is looking to combine premium accommodation with local culture and nature-based experiences, while creating opportunities for community participation as tourism in North Sikkim evolves
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on October 22, 2026
Looking for a peaceful escape this Dussehra? Cintacor Island Resort in Karwar, Karnataka, offers a private island getaway where guests can enjoy the beach, explore the sea and unwind amid nature. Spread across a 33-acre private island along Karnataka's lesser-explored coastline, the resort offers an alternative to crowded holiday destinations for the festive long weekend from 20–22 October 2026.
Surrounded by the Arabian Sea, the resort brings together relaxation, outdoor activities and scenic coastal views. Guests can spend their days at the private beach, enjoy the swimming pool or explore the island's NatureLab, making it a refreshing choice for travellers looking to slow down and enjoy a few days away from their usual routine.
For those who want more than a relaxed beach holiday, Cintacor Island offers several experiences on land and at sea. Guests can try kayaking and fishing or head out on dolphin cruises to explore the surrounding waters. Those looking to unwind can visit the private Kurmasana Spa, which offers a peaceful setting to relax during their stay.
One of the island's highlights is Nemo's Deck, located at its highest point. Offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, it provides a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. As the day winds down, guests can head to Jolly Rogers for a leisurely meal while enjoying the island's relaxed atmosphere.
With its private beach, sea-facing experiences and natural surroundings, Cintacor Island Resort offers a different way to celebrate the Dussehra long weekend. Whether travellers are looking for a quiet break, a little adventure or simply time by the sea, the island provides an opportunity to step away from busy holiday destinations and enjoy a coastal retreat.
For those planning a festive getaway, Cintacor Island Resort, Karwar, presents an inviting option to spend the long weekend surrounded by nature, with the Arabian Sea setting the scene for a memorable holiday.
Published on October 20, 2026
Sayaji Raipur is bringing the festive season to the table with two special dining experiences this October, combining a Dussehra celebration at Cravings with a themed Halloween evening at its rooftop destination, Horizon.
Designed around food, festivities and social gatherings, the hotel's October calendar offers guests opportunities to celebrate traditional occasions and enjoy a contemporary seasonal experience with family and friends.
On October 20, 2026, Cravings at Sayaji Raipur will mark Dussehra with a special festive dining experience featuring traditional flavours and a celebratory atmosphere.
Guests can avail themselves of a 2+1 offer during lunch, providing an opportunity for families and groups to gather over a festive meal.
The celebrations will continue on October 31, 2026, with a themed Halloween Night at Horizon, Sayaji Raipur's rooftop destination.
The evening will feature Halloween-inspired food and drinks, themed décor and an entertaining ambience, bringing a seasonal twist to the rooftop dining experience.
Guests can also enjoy 15% off the à la carte menu, while drinks will be available at MRP.
Together, the two events reflect Sayaji Raipur's approach to seasonal dining, bringing traditional festivities and contemporary themed celebrations into its October programme.
Dussehra at Cravings
Date: October 20, 2026
Offer: 2+1 during lunch
Halloween Night at Horizon
Date: October 31, 2026
Offer: 15% off the à la carte menu
Drinks: Available at MRP
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