Loading...
You have Successfully logged In !
Already have an account? Login
By clicking Register you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Don't have an account?Register
Enter your E-mail address below, We will send the verification code
Please enter the code send to
Didn't receive the email?Click to resend
Your password has been successfully reset!.
Please login again to access your account.
An OTP has been sent to
Enter the 4-digit code
By Author
Published on November 9, 2023
Nestled within the lush landscapes of Haryana’s Jhajjar district, Talao village has become a beacon for rural tourism, attracting visitors with its commitment to sustainability and the preservation of traditional practices. With a modest population of around 6,000, this picturesque village has proven that rural charm combined with eco-friendly initiatives can become a major draw for tourists, including international visitors and dignitaries.
Talao Village: A Gem of Rural Tourism
Just a short drive from the hectic pace of Delhi, Talao village offers a tranquil escape into the heart of India’s rural heritage. The village is not only a quiet getaway but also a place where visitors can immerse themselves in authentic farming techniques, verdant gardens, and a range of environmental conservation efforts. Its proximity to renowned biodiversity sites like Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary and Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary further enhances its appeal.
Anil Kumar, the village head, shares that nearly one lakh tourists flock to Talao annually, a testament to its growing popularity. In a notable highlight this year, the village welcomed delegates for a G20 anti-corruption group meeting, signifying its emerging status on the global stage.
Innovations Leading the Way
One of the most remarkable initiatives in Talao is 'Gau Gram', a project that empowers village women by blending tradition with innovation. Women artisans create and sell eco-friendly products made from cow dung, adding value to what would otherwise be a waste product. This not only generates income but also promotes sustainable living.
The village has adopted practices like rainwater harvesting and organic farming, and is taking a stand against plastic pollution, particularly single-use plastics. This forward-thinking approach has led to an all-inclusive model of farm tourism, where farmers and craftsmen offer their produce and crafts directly to tourists at the local fair, fostering an ecosystem of self-reliance and community-driven development.
Recognition and Development
Talao’s efforts haven't gone unnoticed; it was one of 35 Indian villages to be honored as "best tourism villages" by the Union Ministry of Tourism, securing a bronze award in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The success of rural tourism in Talao not only celebrates the village’s cultural authenticity but also contributes significantly to its socio-economic development. Tourists leave with not just memories but also tangible pieces of the village's heritage, directly supporting the livelihood of locals.
Former sarpanch Manjeet Punia emphasizes the role of tourism in the village’s growth, stating that visitors can savor local cuisines and experience the full spectrum of rural life. For a village like Talao, tourism isn't just about sightseeing; it's about engagement, education, and empowerment, both for the visitors and the residents.
As Talao village shines in the limelight of rural tourism, it offers a replicable model for other rural communities. It stands as a testament to the incredible potential that lies in India’s vast and varied countryside when sustainable practices are harmoniously woven into the fabric of rural life.
Christmas Must-Try Menus and Festive Events to Explore in Mu...
Mumbai’s festive season dining gets a vibrant lift this Chri...
Delhi–NCR Malls Light Up Christmas with Festive Installation...
In Delhi–NCR, the festive season is in full swing as malls a...
Lodha Group Makes Delhi NCR Debut with MRG Group Partnership
Lodha Group has officially made its debut in the Delhi NCR r...
Ambience Mall Gurugram Elevates Luxury Home Décor with OMA’s...
Ambience Mall Gurugram has elevated its luxury home décor of...
By Hariharan U
Published on December 19, 2025
As the countdown to 2026 begins, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts invite travellers to celebrate the New Year in style with thoughtfully curated packages across some of India’s most picturesque destinations. From lakeside luxury and hill retreats to wildlife escapes, these celebrations promise a perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and indulgence.
ZANA Luxury Resorts – Jim Corbett: Guests at ZANA Luxury Suites & Cottages and ZANA In The Wild can enjoy an energetic New Year under the stars with DJ entertainment, fireworks, lucky draws, and a live performance by acclaimed percussionist Nishant Gugnani. A dedicated kids’ zone and special buffet ensure fun for all ages.
ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur: Celebrate amid the shimmering lakes of Udaipur with a serene yet festive lakeside gala dinner. Guests can enjoy gourmet breakfasts, leisurely hi-teas, and even bring their own alcohol for a personalised experience.
ZANA By The Ganges, Rishikesh: This newest luxury address offers a soulful start to 2026 with a lively gala dinner, live singing, and tranquil views of the Ganges and Himalayas—perfect for those seeking festive celebrations with a touch of serenity.
ZANA Forest Resort, Ranthambore: Spread across 11 acres, the resort blends luxury cottages, green spaces, and a festive gala dinner, making it ideal for families and nature enthusiasts looking for a peaceful yet memorable New Year.
Country Inn Nature Resort, Bhimtal: Surrounded by hills and crisp mountain air, guests can enjoy a DJ, fireworks, Kumaoni folk dance, live singing, bonfire, and a lavish gala dinner, providing a joyous and family-friendly way to welcome 2026.
Country Inn Premier, Mussoorie: Step into the New Year with panoramic hill station views, warm hospitality, a lively DJ, and gala dinner, creating a relaxed yet festive celebration in Mussoorie.
Country Inn Riverside Resort, Jim Corbett: Adjacent to ZANA In The Wild, this property offers a nature-centric celebration with fireworks, bonfire, DJ entertainment, lucky draws, and live percussion performances, ensuring a memorable New Year getaway.
Across all locations, guests can enjoy live music, curated gastronomic experiences, and immersive entertainment designed to create unforgettable memories. With these New Year packages, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels offer the perfect blend of celebration, comfort, and scenic beauty.
Published on December 10, 2025
PRISM, the parent company of OYO, has announced a full refund policy for guests who could not check into their hotels between December 5 and 15, 2025 due to the widespread flight disruptions across India. With more than 1,400 flights cancelled over the weekend and multiple delays crossing four hours, thousands of travel plans were affected at the peak of the wedding and holiday season.
Under this policy, guests who booked through the OYO or CheckIn apps will receive automatic refunds once they submit valid proof of cancellation or delay. PRISM is also coordinating closely with its hotel partners to ensure the process is smooth and does not burden small and mid-sized properties that depend heavily on seasonal business.
Sharing more details, Varun Jain, Chief Operating Officer, PRISM Asia, said, “Our early estimates indicate that significant bookings across our hotel network may be affected by the ongoing flight disruptions. Coinciding with the peak wedding and holiday season, both leisure and business travel plans are being impacted. Our decision to offer full refunds is guided by empathy and a sense of responsibility to ensure our guests are not financially burdened by circumstances entirely beyond their control.”
PRISM today operates 13,000+ hotels under brands such as Townhouse, Sunday and Palette across India. To support the increased volume of queries, the group has also expanded its customer service team to help guests with refund requests and clarity on documentation. The company will continue to monitor the situation and extend the refund window if required.
Guests can access detailed policy information or raise requests through the CheckIn policy page or contact the dedicated support helpline.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on December 8, 2025
Christmas in India brings together beaches, hills, colonial heritage, and cultural celebrations, creating a festive atmosphere that feels unique to every region. Showcasing this diversity, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have highlighted seven destinations that capture the country’s holiday spirit and inspire travellers to plan memorable year-end trips.
Goa remains one of India’s most popular festive escapes, glowing with lights, carols, and its signature Christmas flavours. Churches such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception host soulful midnight masses that attract visitors from across the country. Travellers can explore lively Christmas markets, enjoy beachfront music sessions, or savour traditional Goan feasts.
In Kerala, Christmas blends coastal charm with serene celebrations. Cities such as Kochi, Kottayam, and Thiruvananthapuram come alive with star lanterns, nativity displays, and warm community gatherings. A backwater cruise on Christmas Eve, a Kathakali show in Kochi, and the beautifully lit streets of Fort Kochi offer a relaxed yet festive holiday experience.
Puducherry brings together French elegance and coastal simplicity for a peaceful Christmas getaway. White Town turns into a picture-perfect festive setting lined with cafés, heritage buildings, and soft illumination. Visitors can attend midnight mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, enjoy French-Indian festive menus, or spend quiet evenings by the sea.
For travellers seeking a hill destination, Meghalaya offers a vibrant yet serene celebration. Shillong shines with decorated churches, choir performances, and lively music nights that reflect the state’s strong musical culture. Christmas fairs, colourful lights at Police Bazaar, and outings to Umiam Lake make it an inviting winter retreat.
A culturally rich experience awaits visitors in Nagaland, where community feasts, gospel performances, and beautifully decorated churches define the celebrations. Kohima and Dimapur showcase the state’s strong sense of togetherness, while travellers visiting in early December can also experience the energy of the Hornbill Festival.
Kolkata brings timeless charm to Christmas with its Anglo-Indian traditions and festive street scenes. Park Street turns into a hub of lights, music, and food, drawing crowds throughout the season. Midnight mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral, treats from heritage bakeries, and the warm celebrations of Bow Barracks add to the nostalgic experience.
Those dreaming of a winter escape can head to Shimla, where pine trees, colonial architecture, and the possibility of snow create a classic Christmas mood. The Ridge and Mall Road glow with decorations, while Christ Church offers a peaceful setting for Christmas services. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, warm cafés, and short trips to Kufri for snow-filled adventures.
Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s curated selection offers travellers a chance to choose a Christmas holiday that suits their festive mood, be it relaxed, cultural, adventurous, or nostalgic.
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.
A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.
Already have an account?Login
By clicking you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Subscribe for ₹2,000 and receive our monthly magazine for one year (12 months) from the coming month and save 2 months cost.