Swadesh Darshan Initiative Targets Leh and Kargil for Development

Swadesh Darshan Initiative Targets Leh and Kargil for Development

By Author

Published on February 12, 2024

The government has revealed its plans to propel tourism development in Leh and Kargil, two picturesque destinations nestled in the Ladakh region. Under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 initiative, these areas have been earmarked for significant tourism enhancement projects, as disclosed in a parliamentary briefing by Union Tourism Minister G. Kishan Reddy.

Emphasizing the Ministry of Tourism's commitment to bolstering Ladakh's tourism sector, Minister Reddy outlined various initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable and responsible tourism practices. These efforts are part of the broader Swadesh Darshan Scheme, which seeks to transform select destinations into thriving tourist hubs.

Among the key projects highlighted by Minister Reddy is the comprehensive development of the Jammu-Srinagar-Pahalgam-Bhagwati Nagar-Anantnag-Salamabad Uri-Kargil-Leh corridor. This endeavor, sanctioned in 2016-17 with a total project cost of Rs 77.33 crore, includes the creation of essential tourist infrastructure in Kargil and Leh, with an allocation of Rs 13.43 crore.

image

Additionally, the Swadesh Darshan Scheme encompasses the development of tourist facilities in Anantnag-Pulwama-Kishtwar-Pahalgam-Zanskar-Padum-Daksum-Ranjit Sagar Dam. This project, also sanctioned in 2016-17 with a total budget of Rs 86.39 crore, focuses on enhancing tourist amenities in Zanskar-Padum, allocating Rs 9.45 crore for the purpose.

The revamp of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme into Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0) underscores a renewed emphasis on creating sustainable and responsible tourism destinations. Leh and Kargil have emerged as pivotal areas for development under SD 2.0, signaling the government's strategic vision for tourism growth in Ladakh.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Tourism has been actively promoting Ladakh's diverse tourism offerings through various channels, including the Incredible India website and social media platforms. Ladakh's attractions have also been showcased at international travel fairs and exhibitions to attract a global audience.

Moreover, the administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh has made significant strides in easing travel restrictions for domestic tourists, with the removal of permit requirements for most areas. However, certain restricted zones along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC) remain off-limits to both domestic and foreign visitors for security reasons.

In collaboration with security forces, the UT administration has established police checkpoints at strategic locations to ensure the safety and security of tourists. Additionally, regular advisories are issued to inform visitors about health precautions and safety measures.


Operation Sindoor Disrupts Air Travel: 27 Airports Closed, Over 400 Flights Cancelled

Operation Sindoor Disrupts Air Travel: 27 Airports Closed, Over 400 Flights Cancelled

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2025

As part of Operation Sindoor, commercial flights have been suspended at 27 airports across north, west, and central India. The move has led to widespread disruptions in air travel, with over 430 flights cancelled across carriers like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express.

To ensure safety, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued new advisories mandating heightened airport security across the country. All passengers are now required to undergo Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC), and visitor access to airport terminals has been suspended until further notice.

Aviation authorities have also instructed airports to ensure that all CCTV systems are fully functional and have directed the deployment of air marshals based on priority and random selection.

Airlines have issued urgent travel advisories.

  • Air India posted: Passengers are advised to arrive at airports at least 3 hours before departure. 

  • SpiceJet posted: Check-in closes 75 minutes prior to flight. and Akasa Air urging passengers early arrival and limiting cabin baggage to one handbag up to 7 kg.

  • All passengers must carry valid government-approved photo ID for airport entry.

List of Airports Closed under Operation Sindoor:

Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishangarh, Patiala, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Halwara, Pathankot, Jammu, Leh, Mundra, Jamnagar, Hirasar (Rajkot), Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, Bhuj.

According to flight tracking services like Flightradar24, the airspace over India’s western corridor from Kashmir to Gujarat, currently shows minimal civilian air traffic, highlighting the scale of the shutdown. Airports are expected to resume commercial operations by 5:29 AM on Saturday, May 10, but travelers are urged to stay updated through airline channels.

Passengers are strongly advised to recheck flight schedules, plan ahead, and cooperate with the enhanced security procedures to ensure smooth transit during this sensitive period.


A Royal Wedding in the Tropics: How Indian Couples Are Making Thailand Their Celebration Hub

A Royal Wedding in the Tropics: How Indian Couples Are Making Thailand Their Celebration Hub

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 7, 2025

In a time where celebrations are becoming more meaningful and curated, Indian couples are making a clear choice: Destination weddings. Through the lens of Mr. Dilbir Sahni—affectionately known in the industry as Bob—this evolving trend comes to life. As the founder of IndoBangkok, a company at the forefront of luxury events and weddings in Thailand, Bob shares insights shaped by two decades of experience creating unforgettable moments for Indian families.

Once considered aspirational, destination weddings are now a conscious decision. The trend is catching on fast—up from 18% in 2022 to 26% in 2024. And leading this dreamy escape? Thailand.

Gone are the days of crowded banquet halls and logistical juggling. Today’s couples are opting for intimate beachfront vows, hilltop pheras, and royal-themed parties at luxury resorts. Thailand, with its postcard-perfect landscapes, warm hospitality, and ease of planning, offers a spectacular stage for love stories to unfold.

Why More Couples Are Choosing Destination Weddings

So what’s fueling this shift? It’s about simplifying the complex. Destination weddings allow couples to focus on what really matters: spending meaningful time with loved ones. With everyone gathered in one location, the chaos of multiple venues fades away, replaced by a relaxed, immersive vibe.

And it’s not just better for the couple—it’s a win for guests too. Think of it as a wedding with built-in vacation vibes. Guests enjoy quality time, beautiful settings, and great food—all while creating memories that go far beyond the ceremony.

The impact is showing in travel numbers. In 2024, Thailand welcomed over 2.1 million Indian tourists, many attending weddings. The message is clear: this is not just a trend—it’s a movement.

Why Thailand?

Thailand has become the ultimate canvas for Indian weddings. Whether it’s a sunset beach affair, a jungle-meets-ceremony celebration in Chiang Mai, or a royal-style event in a palace-like resort, Thailand offers variety without overwhelming complexity.

Short flights, simple visa processes, and English-speaking staff ease the journey. Add to that a robust network of Indian planners, chefs who know their dal makhani from their dal tadka, and venues that are nothing short of magical—and you’ve got a celebration that feels both familiar and fresh.

Best of all? The country offers five-star luxury at surprisingly affordable prices, making premium experiences accessible for a broader range of families.

Weddings as a New Form of Travel

Weddings are no longer just personal milestones. They’re catalysts for economic and cultural exchange. Each wedding brings life to a destination—boosting tourism, creating local jobs, and reviving small businesses. In many ways, these celebrations are a new kind of travel, one rooted in love, community, and shared joy.

Final Thoughts

Thailand isn’t just a backdrop—it’s becoming an integral part of Indian wedding stories. With its blend of beauty, accessibility, and cultural understanding, it’s no surprise that Thailand is emerging as India’s favourite wedding playground.

Because at the heart of every great wedding is a story worth travelling for.


Air Travel Impacted as India Conducts Operation Sindoor

Air Travel Impacted as India Conducts Operation Sindoor

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 7, 2025

Several airports across northern India were temporarily shut down this morning as India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, conducting targeted military strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Srinagar airport was among the first to suspend operations, confirmed airport officials. Alongside Srinagar, other impacted airports included Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, and Dharamshala, as mentioned in a post by SpiceJet on X.

Air India announced that all its flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot would remain cancelled until 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Meanwhile, IndiGo stated that its Bikaner operations were also affected by the disruptions.

Airlines took to social media to alert passengers about potential delays and cancellations, urging them to check their flight status and plan their travel accordingly.

Flight tracking platforms showed no commercial flights operating north of New Delhi, reflecting the scale of the airspace shutdown. This situation will affect domestic air traffic in the northern part of India.

Further updates are expected in the coming hours.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.