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Situated in the lush greenery of the Sahyadri Range, <keyword id="19908016" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lonavala" source="keywords">Lonavala</keyword> welcomes you with its scenic beauty, historical charm, and tranquil ambience. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or adventure seeker, Lonavala offers a plethora of experiences to delight every traveller. Here's your comprehensive guide to the top 10 places to explore in <keyword id="21683834" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lonavala-in-2024" source="Orion">Lonavala in 2024</keyword>. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How to Reach Lonavala?" comment="subhead" text="How to Reach Lonavala?">How to Reach Lonavala?</cmsannotation> By Air: The nearest airport to Lonavala is Pune Airport, located approximately 70 kilometres away. From Pune Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Lonavala, which takes around 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic conditions. By Road: Lonavala is well-connected to major cities like Mumbai and Pune by road. You can drive to Lonavala via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway or take a bus from Mumbai or Pune, which takes around 2 to 3 hours. By Rail: Lonavala has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities like Mumbai and Pune. You can take a train to Lonavala from Mumbai or Pune, which takes around 2 to 3 hours. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Weather Around the Year in Lonavala" comment="subhead" text="Weather Around the Year in Lonavala">Weather Around the Year in Lonavala</cmsannotation> Lonavala experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year, making it a popular destination for travellers. Summers, from March to June, are mild with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C, ideal for outdoor activities. Monsoon, from July to September, brings heavy rainfall, transforming Lonavala into a lush green paradise. Autumn, from October to November, offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures, perfect for sightseeing. Winter, from December to February, brings cool temperatures ranging from 12°C to 25°C, making it an ideal time for trekking and enjoying bonfires. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Top 10 Places to Visit in Lonavala" comment="subhead" text="Top 10 Places to Visit in Lonavala">Top 10 Places to Visit in Lonavala</cmsannotation> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Bhaja Caves - Ancient Buddhist Caves" comment="subhead" text="Bhaja Caves - Ancient Buddhist Caves"><keyword id="1913801" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bhaja-Caves" source="Orion">Bhaja Caves</keyword> - Ancient Buddhist Caves</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="1" msid="110175193" hostid="261" sizebytes="2404251" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Step into history at Karla and Bhaja Caves, ancient marvels of Lonavala.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Discover the Bhaja Caves, ancient caves carved out of rock around 2,000 years ago! These caves are filled with beautiful carvings and statues telling stories from Buddhism. Visiting these caves is like stepping back in time and experiencing history firsthand. The peaceful atmosphere and the stories etched into the walls make Bhaja Caves a special place to visit in Lonavala. How to Reach: Located approximately 15 kilometres from Lonavala, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Bhaja Caves. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Rajmachi Fort - Historical Marvel" comment="subhead" text="Rajmachi Fort - Historical Marvel">Rajmachi Fort - Historical Marvel</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="2" msid="110175232" hostid="261" sizebytes="1826096" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Rajmachi Fort: Where adventure meets breathtaking vistas.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Trek to Rajmachi Fort, situated high up in the Sahyadri Mountains! Once you reach the top, you'll be treated to stunning views of valleys and waterfalls all around. This fort has a fascinating history, making it a hit among adventure lovers and history fans. Don't miss the chance to explore this ancient stronghold and soak in the beauty of nature from its lofty perch. How to Reach: Rajmachi Fort is located around 15 kilometres from Lonavala. You can reach the base village by car or bus and then trek to the fort. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Tiger's Leap - Scenic Vista Point" comment="subhead" text="Tiger's Leap - Scenic Vista Point">Tiger's Leap - Scenic Vista Point</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="3" msid="110175250" hostid="261" sizebytes="1416228" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Tiger&amp;#39;s Leap: Nature&amp;#39;s masterpiece overlooking the Western Ghats&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>This special spot offers jaw-dropping views of the Western Ghats, and if you look closely, you'll see why it's called Tiger's Leap—it looks like a tiger jumping into the valley below! Feel the refreshing breeze as you stand on the cliff edge, surrounded by lush green trees and waterfalls. It's the perfect place to snap some incredible photos and create memories that will last a lifetime. How to Reach: Tiger's Leap is easily accessible by road, located just a short drive from Lonavala town. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Karla Caves - Architectural Splendor" comment="subhead" text="Karla Caves - Architectural Splendor">Karla Caves - Architectural Splendor</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="4" msid="110175274" hostid="261" sizebytes="1952476" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Karla Caves: Journey back in time amidst ancient rock-cut wonders.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Uncover the secrets of Karla's ancient caves, crafted over 2,000 years ago! These caves are famous for their amazing architecture and detailed sculptures. Step into the majestic Chaitya Hall and be amazed by the intricate carvings telling stories of Buddhism. It's like walking into a magical world frozen in time. Don't miss the chance to explore these remarkable caves and learn about their rich history and cultural significance. How to Reach: Karla Caves are located approximately 11 kilometres from Lonavala. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the caves. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Bushi Dam - Picturesque Reservoir" comment="subhead" text="Bushi Dam - Picturesque Reservoir">Bushi Dam - Picturesque Reservoir</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="5" msid="110175298" hostid="261" sizebytes="1437703" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Bushi Dam: A tranquil retreat amidst lush greenery.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Leave behind the noise of the city and relax at Bushi Dam, a peaceful lake nestled among beautiful hills and greenery. Have a picnic by the water's edge, dip your toes in the refreshing lake, or just sit back and admire the stunning views around you. It's a perfect spot to unwind and recharge surrounded by nature's tranquility. How to Reach: Bushi Dam is located just a short drive from Lonavala town, easily accessible by car or local transport. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Lohagad Fort - Hilltop Citadel" comment="subhead" text="Lohagad Fort - Hilltop Citadel">Lohagad Fort - Hilltop Citadel</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="6" msid="110175404" hostid="261" sizebytes="1967231" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Lohagad Fort: A majestic fortress with a view to remember.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Transport yourself to the past as you wander through the ancient Lohagad Fort, sitting proudly atop a rocky hill with views of the Sahyadri Mountains. Trek through lush forests and old trails, and feel the history come alive as you explore the impressive ruins. This fort has stood the test of time, and each stone tells a story of its grandeur and strength. Don't miss the chance to delve into the rich history and breathtaking architecture of this remarkable fortress. How to Reach: Lohagad Fort is located approximately 11 kilometres from Lonavala. You can reach the base village by car or bus and then trek to the fort. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Ryewood Park - Tranquil Retreat" comment="subhead" text="Ryewood Park - Tranquil Retreat">Ryewood Park - Tranquil Retreat</cmsannotation> Find peace in the tranquil beauty of Ryewood Park, a vast green space filled with tall trees, colourful flowers, and winding paths. Whether you prefer a leisurely walk, a picnic with loved ones, or simply relaxing in nature's embrace, this park offers it all. Let the serenity of the surroundings wash over you as you escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Ryewood Park is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with the beauty of the natural world. How to Reach: Ryewood Park is located in the heart of Lonavala town, easily accessible by foot or local transport. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Della Adventure Park - Thrilling Escapade" comment="subhead" text="Della Adventure Park - Thrilling Escapade">Della Adventure Park - Thrilling Escapade</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="7" msid="110175438" hostid="261" sizebytes="2000998" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Della Adventure Park: Where thrill-seekers find their paradise&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Get ready for excitement at Della Adventure Park! This place is packed with thrilling activities like zorbing, zip-lining, rock climbing, and ATV rides. Whether you're a fearless adventurer or just love a good thrill, Della Adventure Park has something for everyone. It's an unforgettable experience that will leave you breathless and wanting more. So, gear up and get ready for an adventure like no other! How to Reach: Della Adventure Park is located on the Old Pune Mumbai Highway, just a short drive from Lonavala town. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Lonavala Lake - Serene Waterbody" comment="subhead" text="Lonavala Lake - Serene Waterbody">Lonavala Lake - Serene Waterbody</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="8" msid="110175461" hostid="261" sizebytes="354221" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Lonavala Lake: Where tranquility meets picturesque beauty.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Relax by the calm waters of Lonavala Lake, surrounded by green hills and lush trees. Take a peaceful boat ride, watch the stunning sunset, or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere. It's a perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature's beauty. Lonavala Lake offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing you to recharge and rejuvenate in its serene surroundings. How to Reach: Lonavala Lake is located within Lonavala town and is easily accessible by foot or local transport. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Tung Fort - Hilltop Citadel" comment="subhead" text="Tung Fort - Hilltop Citadel">Tung Fort - Hilltop Citadel</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="9" msid="110175501" hostid="261" sizebytes="763659" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Tung Fort: A historic citadel with panoramic vistas of Pawna Lake.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Take on an exciting trek to Tung Fort, sitting high on a rocky hill with views of beautiful Pawna Lake. Take in the stunning scenery of valleys and greenery as you discover the old ruins and defences of this ancient fortress. It's like stepping into history while enjoying breathtaking vistas all around. Tung Fort promises an adventure filled with exploration and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking both excitement and tranquillity. How to Reach: Tung Fort is located approximately 20 kilometres from Lonavala. You can reach the base village by car or bus and then trek to the fort. Whether you're seeking historical marvels, natural wonders, or adrenaline-pumping adventures, Lonavala has something for everyone. So pack your bags, embark on a journey to Lonavala, and immerse yourself in the timeless charm and natural beauty of this enchanting hill station. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Frequently Asked Questions" comment="subhead" text="Frequently Asked Questions">Frequently Asked Questions</cmsannotation> 1. What is the best time to visit Lonavala? The best time to visit Lonavala is during the monsoon season from July to September when the lush greenery is at its peak and waterfalls are in full flow. However, the post-monsoon months from October to November also offer pleasant weather and clear skies, ideal for outdoor activities. 2. What kind of accommodation options are available in Lonavala? Lonavala offers a wide range of accommodation options including luxury resorts, boutique hotels, budget guesthouses, and homestays. Whether you're looking for a lavish retreat or a cosy stay amidst nature, Lonavala has something to suit every traveller's preferences and budget. 3. What are the popular activities to do in Lonavala? <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/these-are-top-10-activities-you-need-to-do-on-your-next-trip-to-lonavala/slidelist/100623541.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Popular activities in Lonavala</a> include trekking to forts and caves, exploring scenic viewpoints, indulging in adventure sports at amusement parks, enjoying leisurely boat rides on lakes, and savouring local delicacies at roadside eateries and cafes. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/list-of-famous-things-to-buy-in-lonavala/slidelist/100640431.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">List of famous things to buy in Lonavala</a>

Top 10 must-visit destinations in Lonavala in 2024

The domestic hospitality industry is gearing up to make the most of full-fledged <keyword id="8206" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="christmas" source="Orion">Christmas</keyword> and <keyword id="6389817" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-year" source="Orion">New Year</keyword> celebrations this time around after two years of washout by the pandemic, with rooms at many hotels and resorts already sold out. As people seek to make up for the winter holidays lost to COVID-19, destinations like Karjat, Lonavala, Vizag, Dharamshala, <keyword id="42774" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="udaipur" source="Orion">Udaipur</keyword>, <keyword id="6363190" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="manali" source="Orion">Manali</keyword> and Gir are witnessing good demand, apart from traditional popular places like <keyword id="826" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="goa" source="Orion">Goa</keyword>, Kerala and Shimla. "The year-end festive season looks very positive and this year appears to be one of the best years so far for the hospitality sector," Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Ltd Managing Director, Vijay Dewan told PTI in an e-mailed response. He further said, "All our hotels are gearing up for sold out spaces along with high occupancy in rooms. This year we have lined up some great events during Christmas and New Year's which the guests missed out during the last 2 years due to the pandemic." Mahindra Holidays &amp; Resorts India Ltd (MHRIL) Managing Director and CEO Kavinder Singh, "If you really look at it this year, this Christmas and New Year will be the first proper Christmas-New Year after 2020...if I were to look at December occupancy, in some of our resorts we have no space for even a single room available in December because people have all booked up." Even in 2021, he said the Christmas and New Year celebrations were marred after the outbreak of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19, which continued beyond January. Now, Singh said, people are going to Coorg, Gir, Shimla, Manali beyond the usual destinations like Goa, while some are even travelling abroad to places like Singapore and Dubai. There is a very high level of occupancy in the southern side, he said, adding in the western region locations like Alibaugh and Lonavala are already full. "It's a very, very big momentum now in December and January, aided by the holiday season, and years of not being able to spend time in this period of the year with your loved ones, and that is really aiding the momentum in December and January," Singh said. On the kind of demand coming from travellers, Hotel Association of India Vice President K B Kachru said, "We are finding dates getting sold out months in advance and lots of enthusiasm for innovative and creative offers that showcase the locale that the hotel is in, including its culture and cuisine given our unique and authentic culinary specialties across the country through our culinary ambassadors." Kachru, who is also Chairman Emeritus and Principal Advisor, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, further said there is an uptick in demand for the upcoming wedding season as well. "Our hotels across key leisure destinations, including Karjat, Lonavala, Vizag, Goa, Dharamshala, and Udaipur are geared up for welcoming guests," he added. InterGlobe Hotels Head - Asset Management, Manoj Agarwal said, "We expect a healthy and robust room demand during the festive season for our leisure destinations. The ongoing travel patterns and trends have had a positive impact on the hospitality industry, and we are quite optimistic with our portfolio performance already surpassing our pre-COVID numbers." Similarly, an OYO spokesperson said, "Based on advanced bookings for the upcoming holiday season between December 25-31, we are witnessing a 44 per cent rise in booking demand, led by leisure cities such as Goa, Hyderabad, Puri, Manali and Kolkata. Business travel is also showing strong signs of revival."

Hotel, resorts sold out as demand soars for first full Christmas-New Year party after two years

<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=travel&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Travelling </a>to Lonavala always comes as a breather as you zip away from hustle-bustle life of Mumbai and Pune. Lonavala becomes picturesque especially during the monsoons as you can see clouds circling the mountains and engulfing you. 
 
If you want to extend your stay in Lonavala, you must choose a resort which is comfortable, open and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=luxury+apartments&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">luxurious</a>, which will add more zing to your travel. 
 
One of the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=resorts&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">resorts</a> that have come up in Lonavala is Della Resorts, which promise you comfort with a dash of luxury. 
 
The resort, located in Kunegaon, offers four stay experiences to choose from over 160 rooms, along with an option of the presidential suite and four designer suites. 
 
They also have Camp Della Luxury Resort tents, adventure park rooms, luxury resort rooms and villa resort rooms. 
 
The resort, apart from teeming with greenery, has over 70 activities for guests. There are five restaurants, which offer various cuisines and a suave nightclub. 
 
The cost of accommodation starts from Rs 12, 000 onwards and extends to Rs 75000 onwards for the presidential suite. 
 Here’s a sneak peek into the <keyword id="4060588" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Della-resort">Della resort</keyword>

This
resort in the picturesque hills of Lonavala near Mumbai is the only luxury
travel destination you need to set your sight on today

Instead of the usual hotel booking, how about you stay in a tree-house resort this time and call for some adventure? 
 
Are you excited? 
 
To make you even more excited, we list down the five nicest tree-house resorts that will not only make your vacation 10 times better but will also make you ditch the hotels!

These
5 Tree House Resorts will make you want to ditch hotels

This resort in the picturesque hills of Lonavala near Mumbai is the only luxury travel destination you need to set your sight on today

<keyword id="6354720" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ola">Ola</keyword> has shared an analysis of the user and ride data generated from the <keyword id="3814516" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ola-outstation">Ola Outstation</keyword> category collected May 2016 onwards, which shows some interesting trends on consumer preferences for weekend getaways, popular tourist destinations, average travel days, and popular months through the year for outstation travel. <div type="embedgroup"> <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="58927276" title="77% of Venture Capitalists in IBM “Entrepreneurial India” Study Believe that Indian Startups Lack Innovation" rank="1.0" kind="RELATED" publishDate="May 31, 2017, 5:00 PM" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div></div>
Mumbai - Where most Ola Outstation trips originate: The report takes into consideration preference of commuters across 700 cities in the country that are connected by Ola’s Outstation offering. As per the findings, Mumbai leads the pack of vacationers in the country, closely followed by Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai and <keyword id="6354321" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bengaluru">Bengaluru</keyword>. <div type="embedgroup"> <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="58951257" title="These Disruptions made by Flipkart over Ten Years Helped it Lead the E-commerce Sector" rank="1.0" kind="RELATED" publishDate="Jun 01, 2017, 11:49 PM" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div></div>
Top locations on Ola Outstation: The data shows that travelers in India seem to prefer weekend getaways more than longer vacations. Mumbaikars love to hop onto an Ola Outstation to travel to places such as Pune, Lonavala, and Imagica; following suit are Delhiites who have fed their wanderlust through trips to places such as Agra, Neemrana and Jaipur. Punekars have hailed Ola Outstation the most to go to Mumbai, Lonavala and Lavasa. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is one of the most travelled expressways in India. Travelers love to escape to the Himalayan resort town, Manali, which has emerged as the favourite hill station. They also love to soak the sun in the famous beach town - Puducherry. Shirdi in <keyword id="13126" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Maharashtra">Maharashtra</keyword> has emerged as the most preferred pilgrimage destination, followed by Tirupati and Haridwar. Some other frequently visited locations across the country include; Agra, Jaipur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Puri and Mysuru. <div type="embedgroup"> <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="58839029" title="59% travelers care more about Online Travel Deals Compared to Brands According to This Survey" rank="1.0" kind="RELATED" publishDate="May 25, 2017, 2:48 PM" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div></div>
Additionally, Ola has identified that commuters across the country tend to plan their travel in the months of the year, with the period of April to July and October to December witnessing the most number of outstation rides.

Mumbai & Delhi Citizens Vacation the most, according to Ola’s Outstation Insights

Heavy and incessant rains wreaked havoc in Maharashtra's <keyword id="19897309" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pune" source="keywords">Pune</keyword>, where at least four persons died in <keyword id="21591568" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rain-related-incidents" source="keywords">rain-related incidents</keyword> on Thursday, while several houses and residential societies in low-lying areas in the city were inundated, following which people are being evacuated, officials said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a '<keyword id="20169545" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="red-alert" source="keywords">red alert</keyword>' for Pune district and asked people to take precautions. Schools and colleges in most parts of the district have declared a holiday in view of the heavy rainfall warning, they said. Pune city and other parts of the district, including Velha, Mulshi, Bhor talukas and the catchments areas of several dams, including Khadakwasla, have been witnessing incessant rains since Wednesday night. In the city, housing societies in the low-lying areas, such as Sinhagad Road, Bavdhan, Baner and Deccan Gymkhana, witnessed flooding and inundation and efforts have been launched by the fire brigade and disaster management cell of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to evacuate the stranded people, the officials said. Pune district collector Suhas Diwase said that in the wake of heavy rains in the Khadakwasla dam's catchment area, water has been released from the reservoir. "As the catchment areas of Khadakwasla dam has been witnessing incessant rains, water is being released at over 35,000 cusec and it will further increase to 45,000 cusec. Due to the water discharge, several low lying areas along the Mutha river witnessed inundation and flooding," he said. Four persons lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Pune, officials said. While three men died of electrocution in Deccan area of the city while trying to move their handcart, on which they used to sell egg dishes, got submerged due to heavy rains, one person died and another one sustained injuries in a landslide in Tahmini ghat section in Mulshi tehsil, district officials said. "One person died while another sustained injuries after a landslide on a small eatery in Tahmini ghat in Mulshi tehsil," inspector Manoj Yadav of Paud police station said. The district administration and local police are engaged in the task removing the debris from the road, he said adding that after removing it the road will be open for the vehicular movement. In another incident, three people are feared trapped in a bungalow in Lavasa area after mudslide, police said. Considering heavy rainfall in the 'ghat' (mountain pass) sections of Khed, Junnar, Ambegaon, Velha, Mulshi, Maval, Bhor, Haveli talukas and Pimpri Chinchwad as well as Pune city area, a holiday has been for schools. "As a precautionary measure, the disaster management cells and teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed at the low lying areas, where flooding and inundation is anticipated," he said. Diwase appealed not to step out of homes unless it is very important. The IMD has given a red alert for Pune district for the next 24 hours, he said. Meanwhile, 29 tourists who were stranded due to flooding at resorts and bungalows in Malavli area near Lonavala hill station in the district were evacuated on Wednesday evening, a police official said. Deputy Chief Minister and Pune Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar took stock of the rain situation and instructed the district authorities and the civic administration to provide all the help to the citizens.

Pune on red alert! 4 dead in rain-related incidents; Low-lying areas inundated, people being evacuated

<ul><li><keyword id="6358301" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Monsoon" source="Orion">Monsoon</keyword> holidays in India offer a captivating experience with lush greenery, sparkling waterfalls, and breathtaking lanscapes.</li><li>Travelers should study the weather forecast carefully and stay informed about current conditions for a safe and enjoyable trip.</li><li>Some top <keyword id="6599786" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Monsoon-destinations-in-India" source="Orion">monsoon destinations in India</keyword> include Lonavala in Maharashtra for its serene hills, Munnar in Kerala for its tea gardens, and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya for its waterfalls and living root bridges.</li></ul>Monsoon holidays in India offer an enchanting and unforgettable experience as the country's exotic locations leave visitors spellbound with their breathtaking beauty. The hills and mountains are adorned with a lush carpet of greenery, while the lakes overflow with sparkling water, creating a picturesque landscape that is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The sight of cascading waterfalls during this season is truly heavenly, making it impossible not to fall in love with Incredible India. However, as alluring as these destinations may be, we advise prospective travelers to study the weather forecast carefully before planning their monsoon getaway. It is crucial to stay informed about the current weather conditions in order to make well-informed decisions and ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to any of these captivating destinations. <h3>Have look at these Top 8 Places To Visit In India During This Monsoon:</h3><h3>Lonavala, Maharashtra</h3> <div type="image" title="Lonavala" msid="101724271" hostid="261"></div>Lonavala is a serene hill town located in the Sahyadri mountain ranges of Maharashtra. It is known for its natural beauty, with lush greenery, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes. The town offers a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere, making it a perfect getaway from the city. Lonavala is blessed with numerous viewpoints that offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, explore the local markets, and relish the delicious local cuisine. <ul><li>Ideal for: Nature lovers</li><li>Things to do: Trekking, sightseeing, camping, horse riding</li><li>How to reach: It's 1 hour 45 minutes (83.6 km) from Mumbai &amp; 1 hour 26 minutes (67.1 km) from Pune by road. Lonavala has its own railway station, and almost all the trains running on this route halt here. The nearest airport is Mumbai airport, at a distance of 89 km.</li><li>Attractions: Enjoy the extensive view of a stream flowing by at the cliff top called The Tiger Point and relish in the tranquility of Karla caves built by the Buddhist monks around the 3rd to 2nd century BC. There's a famous waterfall near Bushi Dam which is a very popular spot for all the monsoon lovers.</li><li>Land package: INR 6,000</li><li>Accommodations: Hotels, Guesthouses, Homestays</li><li>Souvenirs: Chikki – a local sweet, wooden mementos</li><li>Weather in Lonavala in monsoon: The climate stays pleasant with low to medium rainfall and an average temperature of 25°C.</li></ul><h3>Munnar, Kerala</h3> <div type="image" title="Munnar" msid="101724333" hostid="261"></div>Munnar, situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a popular destination known for its tea gardens and mist-covered hills. The town boasts vast stretches of tea plantations that create a mesmerizing green carpet across the landscape. Apart from the tea gardens, Munnar is also home to sparkling waterfalls, serene lakes, and diverse flora and fauna. The cool climate and tranquil surroundings make it an ideal place to unwind and rejuvenate. <ul><li>Ideal for: Nature lovers, tea enthusiasts</li><li>Things to do: Explore tea gardens, visit the famous Eravikulam National Park, enjoy a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage</li><li>How to reach: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, approximately 110 km away. From there, Munnar can be reached by road in about 4 hours.</li><li>Attractions: Witness the beauty of the tea gardens at Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, visit the iconic Mattupetty Dam, and take a refreshing stroll through the fragrant tea plantations.</li><li>Land package: INR 10,000</li><li>Accommodations: Hotels, Guesthouses, Homestays, Resorts</li><li>Souvenirs: Locally produced tea, spices</li><li>Weather in Munnar in monsoon: Moderate to heavy rainfall, with an average temperature of 20-25°C.</li></ul><h3>Cherrapunji, Meghalaya</h3> <div type="image" title="Cherrapunji" msid="101724391" hostid="261"></div>Cherrapunji, located in the northeast Indian state of Meghalaya, holds the record for being one of the wettest places on Earth. The region receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, resulting in lush green landscapes, roaring waterfalls, and mist-filled valleys. Cherrapunji is famous for its Living Root Bridges, unique natural formations created by the local Khasi tribes. The scenic beauty of Cherrapunji, with its dense forests and cascading waterfalls, is a treat for nature lovers. <ul><li>Ideal for: Nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts</li><li>Things to do: Explore Living Root Bridges, visit Nohkalikai Falls, enjoy trekking in picturesque landscapes</li><li>How to reach: Guwahati Airport is the nearest airport, approximately 180 km away. From there, Cherrapunji can be reached by road in about 4 hours.</li><li>Attractions: Marvel at the Living Root Bridges, created by intertwining the roots of rubber trees, witness the awe-inspiring Nohkalikai Falls, and embark on scenic treks through the lush landscapes.</li><li>Land package: INR 12,000</li><li>Accommodations: Hotels, Guesthouses, Homestays, Resorts</li><li>Souvenirs: Handmade crafts, local handicrafts</li><li>Weather in Cherrapunji in monsoon: Heavy rainfall, with an average temperature of 20-25°C.</li></ul><h3>Udaipur, Rajasthan</h3> <div type="image" title="Udaipur" msid="101724437" hostid="261"></div>Udaipur, often referred to as the "City of Lakes," is a city of royal grandeur and architectural beauty. The city is adorned with magnificent palaces, serene lakes, and ornate temples. Udaipur's charm lies in its regal heritage and the breathtaking views it offers. Visitors can explore the opulent City Palace, take boat rides on Lake Pichola, and immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of Rajasthan. <ul><li>Ideal for: Culture enthusiasts, history lovers</li><li>Things to do: Explore palaces and forts, take boat rides on Lake Pichola, enjoy traditional Rajasthani cuisine</li><li>How to reach: Udaipur Airport is the nearest airport, with regular flights from major cities. Udaipur is also well-connected by rail and road.</li><li>Attractions: Visit the majestic City Palace, explore the enchanting Lake Palace, and admire the architectural marvel of Jag Mandir Palace.</li><li>Land package: INR 8,000</li><li>Accommodations: Hotels, Guesthouses, Homestays, Resorts, palaces</li><li>Souvenirs: Traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, miniature paintings</li><li>Weather in Udaipur in monsoon: Moderate rainfall, with an average temperature of 25-30°C.</li></ul><h3>Goa</h3> <div type="image" title="Goa" msid="101724476" hostid="261"></div>India's beach paradise, is a vibrant and lively destination that attracts tourists from around the world. With its pristine sandy beaches, azure waters, and laid-back vibe, Goa is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the monsoon season. Visitors can indulge in water sports, explore the colonial architecture in Old Goa, and savor the delicious Goan cuisine. Goa's vibrant nightlife, beach shacks, and vibrant markets add to its charm. <ul><li>Ideal for: Beach lovers, party enthusiasts</li><li>Things to do: Relax on beaches, enjoy water sports, explore colonial architecture, indulge in Goan cuisine</li><li>How to reach: Goa has an international airport, Dabolim Airport, with regular flights from major cities. It is also well-connected by rail and road.</li><li>Attractions: Visit popular beaches like Calangute, Baga, and Anjuna, explore Old Goa and its churches, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.</li><li>Land package: INR 15,000</li><li>Accommodations: Hotels, Guesthouses, Resorts</li><li>Souvenirs: Cashew nuts, local handicrafts, beachwear</li><li>Weather in Goa in monsoon: Moderate rainfall, with an average temperature of 25-30°C.</li></ul><h3>Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu</h3> <div type="image" title="Kodaikanal" msid="101724509" hostid="261"></div>Kodaikanal, nestled in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, is a charming hill station known for its tranquility and natural beauty. The town is blessed with lush forests, meandering rivers, and misty valleys. Kodaikanal is famous for its scenic viewpoints, such as Pillar Rocks and Coaker's Walk, which offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes. Visitors can enjoy boating in the serene Kodaikanal Lake and explore the beautiful surroundings. <ul><li>Ideal for: Nature lovers, honeymooners</li><li>Things to do: Enjoy boating on the lake, explore the Pillar Rocks, visit Coaker's Walk, indulge in homemade chocolates</li><li>How to reach: Madurai Airport is the nearest airport, approximately 120 km away. From there, Kodaikanal can be reached by road in about 3 hours.</li><li>Attractions: Take a serene boat ride on Kodaikanal Lake, admire the magnificent Pillar Rocks, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Coaker's Walk.</li><li>Land package: INR 8,000</li><li>Accommodations: Hotels, Guesthouses, Homestays, Resorts</li><li>Souvenirs: Homemade chocolates, eucalyptus oil, handicrafts</li><li>Weather in Kodaikanal in monsoon: Moderate rainfall, with an average temperature of 20-25°C.</li></ul><h3>Darjeeling, West Bengal</h3> <div type="image" title="Darjeeling" msid="101724534" hostid="261"></div>Darjeeling, situated in the Indian state of West Bengal, is renowned for its tea estates, stunning vistas, and the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The town offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, and tea-covered slopes. Darjeeling's colonial charm, Buddhist monasteries, and the iconic Tiger Hill sunrise make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. <ul><li>Ideal for: Nature lovers, tea enthusiasts</li><li>Things to do: Visit tea gardens, take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train), witness sunrise from Tiger Hill</li><li>How to reach: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport, approximately 70 km away. From there, Darjeeling can be reached by road in about 3 hours.</li><li>Attractions: Explore the tea estates, experience the iconic Toy Train ride, and witness the breathtaking sunrise from Tiger Hill.</li><li>Land package: INR 12,000</li><li>Accommodations: Hotels, Guesthouses, Homestays, Resorts</li><li>Souvenirs: Darjeeling tea, local handicrafts, Tibetan artifacts</li><li>Weather in Darjeeling in monsoon: Moderate rainfall, with an average temperature of 15-20°C.</li></ul><h3>Coorg, Karnataka</h3> <div type="image" title="Coorg" msid="101724557" hostid="261"></div>Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The region is known for its sprawling coffee plantations, mist-covered hills, and gushing waterfalls. Coorg's pleasant climate and scenic landscapes make it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Visitors can explore the coffee estates, embark on adventurous treks, and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. <ul><li>Ideal for: Nature lovers, coffee enthusiasts</li><li>Things to do: Explore coffee plantations, visit Abbey Falls, indulge in river rafting, enjoy the view from Raja's Seat</li><li>How to reach: Mangalore Airport is the nearest airport, approximately 160 km away. From there, Coorg can be reached by road in about 4 hours.</li><li>Attractions: Immerse yourself in the aromatic coffee plantations, marvel at the beauty of Abbey Falls, and indulge in adrenaline-pumping river rafting. Don't miss the panoramic view from Raja's Seat.</li><li>Land package: INR 10,000</li><li>Accommodations:Hotels, Guesthouses, Homestays, Resorts</li><li>Souvenirs: Coorg coffee beans, spices, handmade chocolates</li><li>Weather in Coorg in monsoon: Moderate to heavy rainfall, with an average temperature of 20-25°C.</li></ul>Please note that the prices mentioned are approximate and subject to change. It is always recommended to check for the latest information and plan your travel accordingly.

Top destinations in India during monsoon

<ul><li><keyword id="826" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="goa" source="Orion">Goa</keyword> is where everyone’s headed for the long weekends in <keyword id="6415645" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AUGUST" source="Orion">August</keyword>. </li><li>For short haul international destinations, <keyword id="19988" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="bali" source="Orion">Bali</keyword> has seen a rise in demand for <keyword id="638735" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="flight-bookings" source="Orion">flight bookings</keyword> and queries.</li><li>Travel and hospitality industry is slated to grow by nearly 90% this year.</li></ul>With <keyword id="28240" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="independence-day" source="Orion">Independence Day</keyword> and <keyword id="6385850" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="raksha-bandhan" source="Orion">Raksha Bandhan</keyword> around the corner, August has three long weekends. Indian travelers, after staying home for almost two years, want to make the most of it by planning short getaways in advance. “Long-weekend cheer is back, and many are eagerly waiting to head-out to make the most of this upcoming weekend,” said Vipul Prakash, COO, MakeMyTrip. Companies are seeing an uptick in leisure travel, staycations and people traveling to their hometowns for the long break from August 11- 15. “Coorg, Kerala and Pondicheryy are amongst the top favorite destinations searched by travelers this monsoon,” shared Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO and co-founder of Ixigo. Goa however remains the strongest contender, ranking alongside the edgy suburbs — with more than 100% increase in flight search queries — as the ideal beach destination for unwinding. As per data recorded on Goibibo, there is a consistent week-on-week increase in bookings across hotels and alternate accommodation properties in some of the preferred leisure hotspots. "Currently, across both the segments, we are recording a w-o-w growth in higher single-digit, and we are expecting this momentum to continue over the comings days. We are noticing an uptick in bookings for homebound travel. Data further indicates that 49% of the flight bookings are for travel to tier II and III sectors, suggesting that many are planning to head home to spend the long-weekend and the festival of Rakhi with friends and family," Vipul Prakash, COO, Goibibo told Business Insider India Amongst cities, Bangalore is high on the list. Ooty too is a top favorite destination after Pondicherry. Delhiites and Mumbaikars are heading to the hills of Shimla, Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala. Udaipur and Rishikesh made it to the list. Travel bugs are also flying abroad for short-haul vacations. Vipul Prakash, COO, MakeMyTrip said, “On the international front, people are opting for short-haul travel to Singapore, Thailand and Dubai. Close on the heels are Bali, Istanbul and London – that are seeing a spike in bookings for the said period.” As consumer travel sentiments remain strong towards traveling, the hospitality industry is optimistic about the future of travel and the return of leisure as international borders have reopened. "The sector is expected to grow by around 80%-90% this year," says Aditya Gupta, Senior VP of Yatra.com. “So far, 2022 has been promising for the travel and hospitality industry owing to higher consumer confidence to travel, especially this season," Shreerang Godbole, SVP - product &amp; chief service officer of <keyword id="2808667" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="oyo" source="Orion">Oyo</keyword> told Business Insider India. Indians are also shelling out more money for the long weekend, as 4-star hotels see a rise in queries. Aditya Gupta, senior VP of Yatra.com, observed a “hike in demand and queries for premium accommodation options, mostly 4 and 5 star properties across hotels and resorts. There has been a subsequent increase in hotel tariff with the average hotel price being ₹7,000-8,000.” Travel is more flexible today than it ever was due to shifts in trends. For pocket travelers weekend trips often become compacted. For this, hostels have also witnessed a spike in their bookings almost at 100% in destinations like Goa, Udaipur and Coorg. Experts said that more consumers are opting for experiential and unexplored travel destinations today. Even during the typically lean monsoon season, Indian travelers expressed high travel intent for intercity road trips for about 1-3 days. "The yearning for travel still runs strong across the country," said Godbole. SEE ALSO : <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/check-out-best-deals-on-smart-led-tvs-in-amazon-festival-sale-2022/articleshow/93363340.cms">Amazon Great Freedom Festival Sale 2022: Check out early deals on smart TVs</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/meta-rolls-out-nft-support-on-instagram-to-100-countries/articleshow/93362860.cms">Meta rolls out NFT support on Instagram to 100 countries</a>

August has a long weekend and Indian consumers are packing their bags to travel to Goa and Bali

New Delhi, Jan 5 () Continuing with its pro-employee initiatives, Sebi plans to rope in an agency to provide holiday home facility to the markets regulator for its annual requirement of 10,000 room nights on pan-India basis for its staff.
 Earlier in October, Sebi had invited applications to hire an agency for providing gym instructors and trainers as well as a firm to supply flowers and look after floral managements at its office.
 The markets watchdog, which has been taking several pro-staff initiatives, has now invited "Expression of Interest from reputed, well established entities or agencies having hotels or resorts at tourist destinations in India to provide holiday home facility to Sebi".
 Spelling out the eligibility criteria, the regulator said the agencies should have a minimum experience of three years in hospitality business -- owning and running hotel chains and resorts.
 The applicant agencies should necessarily have their well-established resorts or hotels with all modern facilities at at least 10 locations from the 24 locations, including Srinagar, Mussoorie, Amritsar, Delhi, Mumbai, Ooty, Goa, Gangtok, Darjeeling, Lonavala, Mysore, Hyderabad, Bhubaneshwar, Kolkata and Pune.
 The properties offered at each location should be near the tourist attraction in such destinations and should have facilities like restaurant, fitness centre, laundry and room service among others.
 "Preference would be given to properties having amenities such as indoor games, swimming pool, health club etc," the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said in a notice.
 The regulator said that the properties should be available throughout the year for the employees of Sebi.
 Interested agencies will have to send application to Sebi by January 17, 2020.
 Among other pro-staff measures, Sebi in 2015 had introduced ''special hardship leave'' for up to two years for female employees once they complete five years of service.
 A female employee may avail special hardship leave as extension of maternity leave irrespective of completion of service of five years with the regulator.
 The ''special hardship leave'' can be applied for the purposes of taking care of family or children or on health grounds of self or dependent family members.
 In 2013, Sebi board had introduced paternity leave for male employees. SP RVK
RVK

Sebi continues with pro-employee measures, plans holiday home tie-up

<ul><li>On June 8, the first phase of <keyword id="5577826" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="UNLOCK-INDIA">unlock India</keyword> began with <keyword id="89358" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="shopping-malls">shopping malls</keyword>, offices, religious places opening across India. </li><li>However, the fear of the virus still looms large and the number of coronavirus cases continues to be on the rise. </li><li>Here's a look at what worked in the first week and what didn’t. </li></ul>It’s been a week of India’s <keyword id="9318169" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Unlock-1-0">Unlock 1.0</keyword> – when the country slowly began to open up from the coronavirus lockdown. On June 8, shopping <keyword id="45856" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Malls">malls</keyword>, offices, religious places opened across India. Even while the fear of the virus still looms large and the number of coronavirus cases continues to be on the rise, businesses are beginning to return to work with the hope of normalcy returning soon. But here’s a look at what worked and what didn’t. Public Transport With offices resuming in a phased manner, people are getting back on the roads. However, metros continue to stay shut, while buses have resumed service in several cities. In the national capital, the Delhi Transport Corporation had started shuttle services in mid-May and the ridership had already risen to 3.5 lakh as of <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-buses-ridership-reaches-over-3-5-lakh/articleshow/75901874.cms">May 22</a>. <div type="image" title="traffic jam mumbai" msid="76351623" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Traffic jam in Mumbai&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> While Mumbai misses its local trains, autos, taxis and BEST buses are now plying on the roads again. But because of social distancing, the BEST buses aren’t working in full capacity and this has resulted in delays as people have to wait longer for bus availability. "We don't take too many passengers. Also, people are cooperating. If the bus is full, they don't come in," a bus conductor in Mumbai told <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mumbai-residents-miss-local-trains-as-city-reopens-after-lockdown-2243507">NDTV.</a> <div type="image" title="bus1" msid="76351631" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A bus conductor in Mumbai stopping more people from boarding &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> In Mumbai, Freego – a self balancing scooter for the Mumbai police was also launched for patrolling. <div type="image" title="police" msid="76351650" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Scooters launched for police patrolling in Mumbai&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> In Bengaluru, public transport is still being avoided by people and people are preferring to travel their own cars. <keyword id="34615" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="restaurants">Restaurants</keyword> A lot of the restaurants decided to <a href="https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/restaurants-open-in-delhi-footfall-still-low-6095511.htm">not reopen</a> as with the migrant workers having gone home, they are short staffed and the curfew timing doesn’t really help their operations. Footfall has <a href="https://www.theweek.in/news/biz-tech/2020/06/08/as-malls-restaurants-open-across-india-footfall-low-amid-infection-fear.html">remained low</a> for almost all restaurants across the country. <div type="image" title="restaurant" msid="76351722" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A restaurant in Bengaluru practices social distancing while serving guests&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> In Delhi’s posh Khan Market, <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-40-restaurants-in-khan-market-shut-shop-more-likely-to-follow-suit-1688048-2020-06-11">40% </a>of the hotels have shut down. The 9 pm curfew also means the restaurants have to start winding down at a time which would have been their busiest hour earlier. Malls “Over 250 malls have started operations again, operating between 60-70 percent occupancy. Categories like electronics, cosmetics, casual fashion wear, kids wear have seen a good uptake in the first few days,” said Amitabh Taneja, Chairman, Shopping Centres Association of India. <div type="image" title="thiruvanthapuram mall" msid="76351742" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;People at a mall in Thiruvanthapuram &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> But that’s not the full story. A survey from the Retailers Association of India said that a majority 67% of the consumers surveyed showed little to no excitement in shopping post the lockdown. Moreover, 78% of the respondents said their shopping expenditure would decrease. <div type="image" title="mall sanitization" msid="76351761" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Cleaning staff sanitizing a mall in Thiruvanthapuram&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> From directives like those from the UP government where malls can stay open, but not the shops in them to the rising number of coronavirus cases in India, consumers are still shying away from retail therapy. <div type="image" title="crawford market shops" msid="76351769" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Crawford market in Mumbai reopens&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> “Retailers are amongst the most resilient entrepreneurs of the Indian ecosystem. Despite the lockdown relaxations, retailers are still facing a challenging time to revive their business. The impact on retail across the country is concerning and it will take a considerable amount of time for retailers to return to the green,” said Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India. <div type="image" title="sarojini" msid="76351786" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A retailer waits for customers at the otherwise crowded Sarojini Nagar market in Delhi&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Hospitality The hospitality industry which has been one of the worst hit because of the coronavirus pandemic is now betting on “aas paas tourism”. The likes of Mahindra Resorts and OYO are betting on weekend getaways and driving destinations. Now, Airbnb too has joined them. Airbnb has recently launched the ‘Go Near’ campaign – betting on driving destinations. “Key domestic markets for Airbnb are Goa, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Mumbai &amp; Bangalore, but we are also seeing a surge in searches for stay options in nearby cities especially near metros like Alibag, Lonavala, Panchgani near Mumbai,” Airbnb said. Meanwhile, OYO is also seeing a similar positive uptick in bookings. “A significant part of this demand is driven by metro cities, including Gurugram, Noida, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Hyderabad, with a majority of bookings being made by young travellers followed by corporates and SMEs. With most people opting for personal means of transport, bookings trends so far show guests’ preference towards same-city travel. A majority of this traffic is being generated by our own channels - OYO app, website and call centre,” said an OYO spokesperson. Salons and spas Probably one of the most popular YouTube videos during the lockdown became “how to cut your own hair” – while some managed it successfully, others waited for the salons and spas to open again. But not so easily, salons themselves had to go for a makeover before opening up. <div type="image" title="SALON" msid="76351888" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;People at a salon wearing full PPE kits&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> "L’Oréal’s Professional Products Division in India has over 170,000 hairdresser partners, operating in over 45,000 salons. We are strongly mobilised to help our salon partners navigate these challenging times, with the primary objective of ensuring the safety of consumers, our partner salons and their employees. We are committed, now more than ever, to our role as partner and advocate of the hairdressing industry and will continue to work tirelessly to lessen the impact of this crisis on them,” said DP Sharma, director, professional products division of L’Oreal. Meanwhile, as companies like Urban Company too started functioning, they have seen a huge uptick in the number of orders for haircuts and beauty services at home. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/mm-share-price-gains-as-ssangyong-dents-fourth-quarter-profit/articleshow/76338292.cms">Mahindra and Mahindra sees a ₹2,700 crore dent from Ssangyong and other global subsidiaries</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/zero-late-fee-for-those-who-have-nil-tax-liability-says-fm-nirmala-sitharaman-in-gst-meeting/articleshow/76338653.cms">40th GST Council meeting highlights – zero late fee for those who have nil tax liability, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman</a>

First week of Unlock 1.0 – Here’s what worked and what didn’t

<ul><li>With returning consumer confidence, <keyword id="2913812" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Treebo-Hotels">Treebo Hotels</keyword> has witnessed an increase in bookings and has returned to 40%+ average occupancy, with zero marketing budget. </li><li>Now it is aiming to go back to where it was in 2019 before COVID disrupted the world. </li><li>We spoke to Sidharth Gupta, Co-founder, Treebo to understand the market sentiments, its plan to reach before COVID-level occupancy and revenue levels and what makes the brand stand out in the clutter of hospitality firms. </li></ul>With COVID-19 impacting the hospitality industry, bringing its revenues down to almost zero, to the steady recovery of the industry, a lot happened in 2020. Young hospitality brand Treebo, which began its operations only in 2015, was making about Rs 40 crore monthly sales at a near-neutral EBITDA but the grinding halt on travel and tourism brought its revenue to zero. However, after September 2020, people went on workations or took solo trips to snow-capped mountains in Manali or serene beaches in Goa. Today, Treebo is back to 40%+ average occupancy across the portfolio. The hotel chain is now expecting to revive to pre-COVID levels over the next 2-3 quarters. Telling us how the lockdown impacted Treebo and the status of its business today, Sidharth Gupta, Co-founder, Treebo said, “The lockdown brought our business to a screeching halt. From the point where we were doing about 40 Cr of monthly sales at a near-neutral EBITDA, we came down to pretty much zero sales and ballooned up EBITDA losses. We are now at 40%+ average occupancy for the portfolio, with the leisure properties doing 60-90% occupancies. This is a big uptick from where we were 3-4 months back. We expect this trend to continue and we should be at pre-COVID levels over the next 2-3 quarters.” However, once Treebo saw a window to open up its services, it was quick to revive. It executed a 3 point plan: Firstly, Treebo conserved enough cash to ensure that its family survives to see the other side of the crisis. Secondly, it pursued all possible revenue opportunities, no matter how unusual, to bring in some business for its hotel partners and lastly, it made sure the necessary safety measures were followed to give its guests the comfort and win their trust. “We stripped down our expenses by giving up our office altogether and offering people paid voluntary resignation schemes. On the second, we went after COVID-related demand (quarantine facilities, hospital extensions), we found ancillary revenue opportunities like leasing out of kitchens and parking space, we set up offices at our hotels for some of our corporate clients who were not equipped to switch to work-from-home, etc. And finally, we launched a comprehensive hygiene program called Treebo Hygiene Shield in partnership with Dettol to implement strict safety measures at our hotels,” explained Gupta. It also decided to put a halt on its marketing activities completely and shifted its focus to the fundamentals. On how the brand tweaked its marketing strategy after the lockdown, Gupta said, “Our marketing strategy was to not do any marketing at all! Yes we were active on our social media handles and were telling people about the safety measures we had put in place, but beyond that, we weren't doing anything. We decided to rather conserve our marketing monies because no matter how loudly you shout from the rooftop, people were not going to travel at that time. They were either being extra careful (and rightly so!) or they were just under lockdown. As we move forward, we are still being cautious and taking a very hard ROI lens for every single marketing dollar we spend. We have minimum hurdle expectations from each sales &amp; marketing channel and if we don't see that productivity, we pull the spend. We are spending on success-based expense channels, we are offering people incentives on sales, etc. rather than signing up for fixed commitments.” <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="USP in a room full of hospitality brands" text="USP in a room full of hospitality brands">USP in a room full of hospitality brands</cmsannotation> Treebo has a network of 600+ hotels across 100+ cities in India. Within two years of launch, it became the highest rated brand in the budget segment of hospitality in India. It has been able to retain that position ever since. It is the oodles of love that the brand has received for its customer service that has helped the brand beat its competitors. Gupta said, “We are obsessed about the experience we offer to our customers and we have made some tough decisions to protect that experience. Our company's culture is centered around this customer obsession. Every Treeb knows that customer experience is the holy grail and solves for it in their area of work. No other company has demonstrated that sincerity towards experience. Customers see this. They are smart. For them, the space is not a cluttered one. It just takes them a few quick filters around price and review ratings, and invariably Treebo emerges as a winner on this 'value for money' ask.” In this 5-year-long journey, the brand has also survived many crises, which Gupta said, has made the brand stronger and prepared for the future. “We were the pioneers of the full inventory manachised model in this segment and that turned out to be a win-win for customers and partners alike. Hotel owners have always lauded our model and business ethics. Thanks to the support of these two stakeholders, we have grown relatively quickly from 4 hotels in 2015 to well over 500 now. However, our journey has also seen multiple crises - sudden loss of a large distribution channel, irrational competitive intensity, eleventh hour miscarriage of investment rounds, etc. We wear our scars from these crises with pride because as they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. We have used each of these challenges to reinvent ourselves as a company and strengthen our fundamentals,” shared Gupta. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Market sentiment today and travel trends to expect this year" text="Market sentiment today and travel trends to expect this year">Market sentiment today and travel trends to expect this year</cmsannotation> After the excruciating lull of March to September, the travel sentiment has improved dramatically in the last 3-4 months. People, exhausted by months of lockdown and staying home, have started venturing out. Telling us about the market sentiment today, Gupta said, “In February, we are seeing business travel opening up as well, which was not the case earlier. I think the expectation around the vaccine becoming available for common citizens soon, combined with the falling number of cases in the country has given people the confidence to travel again. With international travel staying closed for the next 6-9 months in all likelihood, the prospects for the domestic travel sector could look even promising through the rest of this year.” It has seen leisure travel making a steady comeback and Gupta said, the work-from-anywhere travel trend is here to stay for a long time. “Leisure travel has been leading overall business recovery for us. We believe this surge in leisure travel will continue in the foreseeable future. We are therefore ramping our inventory in such markets to be able to serve this demand rush. People are feeling much more confident about traveling now and are giving themselves the much needed break from staying locked up at home. Secondly, smaller leisure destinations in close proximity to big cities are becoming hugely popular. Places like Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Coorg, Chikmaglur, etc. have seen tremendous interest from travellers. Thirdly, people are realising what a win-win work-from-anywhere trend is as they get to spend 2/4/6 weeks staying in some getaway town and working from there rather than being in office everyday. This will lead to people doing many more workations and making long stay bookings and hotels and resorts. And finally, customers' inclination to engage with branded suppliers has become even stronger. A bare minimum peace of mind is needed even as you overcome your fear psychosis and decide to make the trip, and established brands provide that much more easily compared to unbranded suppliers,” said Gupta. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Goals for Treebo’s 6th year" text="Goals for Treebo’s 6th year">Goals for Treebo’s 6th year</cmsannotation> Founded by Sidharth Gupta, Rahul Chaudhary, and Kadam Jeet Jain in 2015, the company has been using a technology-enabled ‘manachised’ model to work with owners of existing hotel assets. Hotel owners need to abide by Treebo’s standard operating procedures and maintain quality as desired by the brand, whereas the company takes responsibility for sales and marketing of the property. This year, Gupta and his team will continue to polish its USP, which is good customer service. It will also focus on reducing cash burn. Sharing the two areas Treebo will focus on in 2021, Gupta said, “We will continue to deliver the best-in-class experience to customers so that we keep the brand reputation strong as always and remain the preferred brand for our customers as they step out and look for a new freedom and a breath of fresh air. And remain acutely conscious of our business economics and ensure sustainability of business. While the COVID situation in the country looks promising, we can't lower our guard and we need to have staying power in the company in the medium-to-long term. It is critical to be cash conscious. The external environment is still hugely unpredictable. The best you can do in such times is to solve for foundational success factors, which in our case are guest experience and economics. As long as these two remain strong, revenue will follow. Our vision is centered around what is predictable and what will ALWAYS matter - guest experience and economics.”

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