Unique Winter Travel Destinations for You in Vistadome Coaches

Unique Winter Travel Destinations for You in Vistadome Coaches

By Author

Published on October 31, 2023

This winter, embark on an unforgettable rail journey across India's diverse landscapes with the newly introduced Vistadome coaches. Offering 360-degree views, rotating seats, and glass-topped roofs, these coaches provide an unparalleled opportunity to witness the country's natural beauty in full splendor.

Jammu and Kashmir’s New Vistadome Coach

In Jammu and Kashmir, the Vistadome coach, inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, takes you from Banihal to Budgam. This 90km journey through the heart of Kashmir offers breathtaking views of saffron dunes, snow-capped Pir Panjal ranges, and vibrant orchards. Designed for comfort, the coach features double-wide reclining seats with a 360-degree rotation, large windows, and an electrically controlled opalescent roof for the best viewing experience.

Discover the Araku Valley

Experience the allure of the Araku Valley on the Vistadome coach. The journey, best enjoyed between October and December, presents a tapestry of blooming flowers set against a backdrop of verdant hills. The rotating seats ensure that you won't miss a single view of this picturesque valley.

Shimla’s Him Darshan Express

Travel in the Him Darshan Express between Kalka and Shimla. Over 1000 passengers can enjoy nature through the transparent roofs of the Vistadome coaches. A winter journey here might even reward you with a magical snowfall, viewed through the glass-enclosed coaches.

The Green Trails of Alipurduar, West Bengal

The journey from New Jalpaiguri to Alipurduar takes you through North Bengal's lush forests, tea orchards, and tranquil rivers. The Vistadome's large windows and transparent ceiling ensure a close-up view of the region's natural beauty.

Northeastern Splendor: Tinsukia, Assam

From Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh to Tinsukia, the Vistadome Express brings the landscapes of the North East closer. Enjoy the unending greenery and tea garden views, complemented by glass rooftops and 180-degree rotatable seats.

The Western Ghats to Pune, Maharashtra

Travel to Pune via the Vistadome coach for mesmerizing views of the Western Ghats. The journey showcases landmarks like the Songir and Matheran Hills, Ulhas River, and the breathtaking regions of Khandala and Lonavala.

A Unique Journey to Madgaon, Goa

Trade the usual flight or road trip for a unique train journey to Goa. The Dadar-Madgaon Jan Shatabdi Express, with its Vistadome coaches, offers an enchanting view of the Western Ghats and Konkan coast, making your trip to Goa unforgettable.

Mangaluru, Karnataka: A Western Ghats Vista

Embark on a journey to Mangaluru in Karnataka's Vistadome coaches. Witness the grandeur of the Western Ghats with large windows and glass panels that offer uninterrupted views. The seats revolve 80 degrees, ensuring you don't miss a moment of the scenic beauty.

Each Vistadome journey promises a blend of comfort, luxury, and panoramic views, making your winter travel through India an experience to cherish. So, this December and November, take advantage of the beautiful rains and snow as you travel in style, relishing the breathtaking views that each of these routes has to offer.




Alivaa Hotels & Resorts Makes Strategic Investment in Xenious Hotels

Alivaa Hotels & Resorts Makes Strategic Investment in Xenious Hotels

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 17, 2025

Alivaa Hotels & Resorts, the upscale hospitality brand backed by Ananta Capital, has announced a strategic investment in Xenious Hotels, a fast-growing chain of mid to upscale properties. This move marks the official launch of Xenious as a distinct brand under the Alivaa umbrella, further reinforcing the group’s multi-brand growth strategy.

With this partnership, Xenious Hotels, which currently runs 11 hotels and has 7 more in the pipeline, will now be part of the Alivaa platform. The integration expands Alivaa’s reach and positions the group to serve a wider variety of travellers—from modern explorers to business guests.

Currently, Alivaa operates 16 hotels across key cities in India. Looking ahead, the company has mapped out an ambitious plan to grow to 100 hotels within five years, operating through three clearly defined brands:

  • Alivaa – modern lifestyle stays

  • Hoften – fresh, young, urban stays

  • Xenious – quality comfort for business and leisure

This move gives a significant push to Alivaa’s vision of becoming one of the fastest-growing mid-market hospitality platforms in India.

Mr. Vikramjit Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of Alivaa Hotels & Resorts, said, “This deal is more than just an expansion – it is a decisive step toward our mission of building one of the fastest-growing mid-market hospitality platforms in India.”

Praising the addition of Xenious to the group, he added, “Xenious is regarded for its warm service, well-maintained properties, and eclectic dining options. By integrating it into our portfolio, we will amplify its strengths and bring high-quality hospitality to more markets across India.”

Mr. Inder Pal Batra, Co-founder of Alivaa Hotels & Resorts, noted the scalability of the partnership, saying, “Our investment in Xenious Hotels reflects our focus on building a scalable mid-market brand. Together with the Xenious team, we aim to set new benchmarks in affordable hospitality by combining their local expertise with our operational excellence and innovative approach.”

From the Xenious side, Mr. Sanjay Kaw, Owner of Xenious Hotels, expressed enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to partner with Alivaa Hotels & Resorts. This collaboration opens new doors for Xenious Hotels, allowing us to enhance guest experiences while benefitting from Alivaa’s operational excellence and strategic vision.”

The partnership underscores Alivaa’s long-term commitment to scaling with purpose, offering differentiated experiences, and building a resilient, future-forward hospitality platform in India.


Tesla Launches in India with Model Y and First Experience Centre in Mumbai

Tesla Launches in India with Model Y and First Experience Centre in Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 16, 2025

Tesla has officially marked its entry into the Indian automobile market by launching its first experience centre in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai. Alongside the launch, the company has also introduced the much-awaited Model Y, with bookings now open across two variants.

The showroom in Mumbai is Tesla’s first physical presence in India, and another centre is expected to open soon in Delhi NCR, though the date hasn’t been revealed yet.

Isabelle Fan, Director of Tesla Southeast Asia, was present at the Mumbai launch, where she posed alongside the Model Y—an SUV that has earned the title of best-selling car globally in 2023 and 2024. The vehicle will be imported from Tesla’s factory in China, and company officials shared that its cutting-edge tech and top-tier performance continue to make it a standout in the EV market.

While the base model of the Model Y will be delivered starting this quarter, the long-range rear-wheel drive variant is set for rollout in the next quarter. Officials also mentioned that the response to bookings has been promising, with early signs of strong demand in India.

To ensure a seamless experience for early adopters, Tesla is working on setting up a robust charging infrastructure in Mumbai and Delhi-NCR before the first batch of deliveries.

Initially, Tesla cars will be registered in Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram. The company has already onboarded the necessary sales and service teams to support operations in India.

With this debut, Tesla is not just bringing its vehicles to Indian roads, but also laying the foundation for a larger electric mobility ecosystem that blends innovation, sustainability, and luxury.


Metro Shoes Opens Its Doors at Spectrum@Metro, Noida

Metro Shoes Opens Its Doors at Spectrum@Metro, Noida

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 16, 2025

Spectrum@Metro has added a stylish new feather to its retail cap with the grand opening of Metro Shoes at Tower C, Ground Floor, Phase 1. Known across India for blending comfort with cutting-edge fashion, Metro Shoes now brings its signature footwear experience to Noida’s trend-savvy shoppers.

The new outlet is set to become a favourite for families and fashion-forward individuals alike. With a well-curated collection for men, women, and kids, the store offers everything from sleek formals and elegant party shoes to relaxed casuals and sporty sneakers. Whether you’re heading to a business meeting or a brunch date, there's a pair waiting just for you.

What makes this store stand out is not just the variety but the contemporary store layout—designed to make shopping smooth and enjoyable. Customers can also explore exclusive collections, get help from personalised stylists, and take advantage of exciting launch offers.

Ajendra Singh, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Spectrum@Metro, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch: “We are delighted to welcome Metro Shoes to our retail family. Their commitment to fashion and quality resonates with our vision of bringing global shopping experiences to Noida.”

With the arrival of Metro Shoes, Spectrum@Metro further strengthens its place as Noida’s go-to retail destination, bringing top brands under one roof and delivering an engaging mix of shopping, lifestyle, and convenience.

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