Spiritual Travel
Branded hospitality makes inroads into Gujarat’s hinterlands | Ahmedabad News

Ahmedabad: Over the past two years, Gujarat has quietly become a hotbed for branded hotel expansion, not just in major cities, but across its hinterland. Some 25 new properties from national and international chains have been announced or launched in Tier-2 and Tier-3 locations of the state. Domestic tourism surge along with improved connectivity, focused state-led promotion of religious and heritage circuits, and early bets on upcoming industrial zones are key factors driving the expansion.While major cities like Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar led this rise in the past decade alongside Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot, the expansion story is rapidly shaping up beyond big cities. Brands entering or expanding across these locations include IHCL (Taj, SeleQtions, Ginger), Marriott, Radisson, Lemon Tree, Sarovar, Fern, Lords, Evoke, Pride Hotels, and Fortune (ITC group). New properties are coming up in Mandvi, Kutch, Una, Gir, Dholera, Godhra, Nadiad, Ekta Nagar and beyond. After signing a property in Ahmedabad last month, developer Vikram Bharwad now plans to invest in Kandla and Dholera. “Gujarat’s expanding industrial hubs are attracting executives from across the globe, and with them comes the demand for quality, standardised accommodation,” he said. “We plan three properties targeting the growing need for well-run business hotels. With infrastructure like the Dholera airport taking shape, the viability of hospitality ventures in these regions is set to grow.“Pilgrimage destinations like Dwarka, Somnath, and Palitana are also being reimagined as year-round spiritual-leisure getaways. With new properties from Ginger, Sarovar, and a 65-key Taj Palitana Palace, religious tourism is now demanding clean, well-managed, branded stays.“There is growing demand across categories — from luxury to mid-market and budget — driven by travellers who now see all travel as an experience,” said Keenan McKenzie, cluster general manager, ITC Narmada. ITC Hotels has announced a new hotel in Kevadia.”Guests are willing to pay for comfort, service, and reliability, whether they’re visiting a tourist destination or an industrial hub. This shift reflects rising aspirations and a broader trend of experiential travel across India’s heartland.“Ankit Bajaj, a travel expert from Ahmedabad, said, “Spending capacity has gone up, and so has the ticket size of travel. People are now booking better properties, and tourists’ aspirations have evolved. There’s a clear preference for branded stays, where standardised service and consistency matter.”Industry insiders point to two major shifts: a post-pandemic rise in regional road travel among Indian families, and the Gujarat govt’s sustained tourism and industrial promotion through projects like the Statue of Unity zone, Dholera SIR, and heritage circuits.Unlike earlier decades where chains stuck to metros, today’s brands are placing bets on spiritual tourism, nature escapes, and demand from MSME and logistics sectors in small towns. Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar, meanwhile, is expected to see seven new five-star hotel launches over the next five years. Among them is the 164-key Le Meridien Ahmedabad, opening this Friday. “Ahmedabad is fast emerging as a progressive hospitality hub, fuelled by Gujarat’s industrial growth and visionary governance,” said Prashant Chadha, general manager, Le Meridien Ahmedabad. “Improved infrastructure, global events like the G20 and the Coldplay concert, and a rise in inbound travel have elevated the city’s appeal.“
Spiritual Travel
Bilaspur Set to Transform into Himachal’s Ultimate Adventure and Spiritual Hub

Move over, Manali and Shimla! Bilaspur is gearing up to become the state’s next big tourism hotspot, blending adrenaline-pumping adventures with serene spiritual experiences. The district administration has rolled out ambitious plans to develop water, land, and aerial tourism, promising something for thrill-seekers, pilgrims, and nature lovers alike.
A Sky-High Attraction: The Glass Bridge
Imagine walking on a transparent bridge, suspended high above breathtaking landscapes—Bilaspur’s upcoming Glass Bridge at Bharari will do just that! Designed to rival global attractions, this engineering marvel will offer daredevils an unforgettable experience while giving tourists a reason to extend their stay. Officials confirm the blueprint is ready, and construction will kick off soon after final approvals.
Sailing Through Scenic Routes: The Water Metro
Pilgrims visiting Maa Naina Devi will soon have a faster, more scenic journey thanks to the proposed Water Metro, connecting Bhakra Ghat to Kosariya Ghat. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about turning travel into an experience. Devotees and tourists can hop on boats, enjoy the tranquil waters, and even transport their vehicles via waterways.
Jet Skis, Kayaking & More: Water Sports at Nakrana
Bhakra Dam’s pristine waters are about to get a lot more exciting! The district is eyeing water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, and boating to attract adventure junkies. The best part? Pilgrims heading to Naina Devi can now add a splash of adventure to their spiritual trip.
Bharari – The New Stopover Destination
Strategically located near Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala, Bharari will soon feature modern tourist hubs with food plazas, parking, rest areas, and info centers. No more cramped pit stops—just smooth, comfortable breaks for travelers.
Listening to Locals: Boaters Get a Voice
Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar made sure local boat operators were heard during inspections, promising quick fixes to their concerns. This people-first approach ensures tourism growth benefits everyone.
Bilaspur’s transformation isn’t just about flashy infrastructure—it’s about jobs for youth, better travel experiences, and putting this hidden gem on India’s tourism radar. With projects set to launch soon, the district is poised to become a must-visit for those seeking adventure, spirituality, and untouched natural beauty.
Spiritual Travel
Shiva Tribe Debuts in Gurgaon’s Tikli-Raiseena: IMPC’s Bold Step to Merge Spirituality, Rural Tourism, and Modern Family Wellness

VMPL
New Delhi [India], August 4: In the lush rural landscape of Tikli-Raiseena near Gurgaon, a new chapter in India’s spiritual and rural tourism ecosystem quietly unfolded. The International Mandir Prabandhak Committee (IMPC) launched its ambitious spiritual wellness initiative–Shiva Tribe–an experience-driven, immersive space designed to reconnect Gen Z and modern families with India’s timeless spiritual roots.
Set against the tranquil backdrop of Haryana’s Aravalli fringes, Shiva Tribe is more than a mandir–it is a curated journey of self-discovery, holistic wellness, and cultural revival, seamlessly merging ancient wisdom with modern aspirations. The inaugural three-day Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav was held in July, graced by spiritual luminaries including Pujya Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj, Pujya Shri Dayanand Ji Maharaj, and dignitaries such as Haryana’s former Minister Shri Om Prakash Dhankar. Business leaders, rural development advocates, and spiritual patrons attended in significant numbers–signaling a rising interest in faith-based tourism models.
Spiritual Tourism: India’s Growing Wellness Sector
India’s spiritual tourism market is undergoing a silent revolution. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the wellness and spiritual tourism segment is projected to reach USD 30 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of over 10%. With over 330 million domestic religious tourists recorded annually and rising international interest in authentic Indian experiences, initiatives like Shiva Tribe have the potential to create high-value, low-impact tourism models in rural belts–generating employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and revitalizing local economies.
“In today’s fragmented lifestyle, families are searching for meaningful escapes–not just vacations. Shiva Tribe is that sacred pause–a place to reconnect, reflect, and realign, together,” said Dr. Preet Sandhuu, mentor of the project and a key voice in India’s contemporary spiritual movement.
A New Blueprint: Spirituality Meets Community Living
Unlike traditional spiritual centers, Shiva Tribe offers a complete spiritual-eco retreat–including weekend live devotional music by its in-house ‘Shiva Tribe Band’, yoga sessions, mantra-infused meditations, Vedic rituals, and stay facilities for families. It’s a full-circle experience designed to inspire urban youth and families alike to step into a more conscious, value-driven lifestyle.
“Here, spirituality is not a sermon–it’s an experience,” said Shri MP Singh, project visionary and founder of ShivaTribe. “We want to build a network of such community-driven centers across rural India, using temple heritage as a catalyst for rural rejuvenation and youth engagement.”
Rural Regeneration Through Faith
The Tikli model aligns with India’s rural tourism policy goals by transforming underexplored rural regions into mindful tourism destinations. With over 60% of India’s population residing in villages, initiatives like this leverage India’s spiritual capital to promote rural entrepreneurship, handicrafts, organic farming, and ecotourism–creating a sustainable rural economy rooted in culture and community.
IMPC’s Broader Mission
The International Mandir Prabandhak Committee (IMPC), known for initiatives like the Mahasangam Yatra, Trisul Yatra and Shiv-Shakti Kendras, is rapidly becoming a bridge between India’s ancient temple traditions and its digital future. Its work focuses on temple modernization, spiritual leadership development, and community revival–backed by collaborations with scholars, saints, and civic leaders.
By anchoring the Shiva Tribe initiative in Tikli, IMPC demonstrates how faith-based community models can attract tourism, foster economic inclusion, and support national goals like ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Digital Bharat’.
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Spiritual Travel
10 oldest temple towns in India for spiritual getaways – The Times of India

10 oldest temple towns in India for spiritual getaways The Times of India
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