Thomas Cook & SOTC Unveil 2025 India Travel Trends in Latest Holiday Report

Mumbai, May 28, 2025: Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its Group Company SOTC Travel, have released their India Holiday Report 2025 – a comprehensive study capturing the evolving aspirations and travel behaviour of Indian consumers. The survey conducted across digital platforms covering over 2500 respondents (a combination of past Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel customers, as well as non-customers) over a duration of one month, reflects a significant shift driven by rising disposable incomes and the growing aspirational value of travel, including experiential holidays.

 With 85% of Indians planning to increase their frequency of holidays and a significant number intending to boost budgets by up to 50%—the report paints a picture of a booming travel economy. Experiential and event-led travel such as polar/ icebreaker cruises, music concerts, global sporting events, wildlife safaris, gastronomy and vineyard trails, stargazing camps and phenomenon travel (Northern Lights, Cherry Blossom, Midnight Sun, etc.) are at the forefront of Indian travellers’ preferences. Phygital journeys, blending digital discovery with human touch-points, continue to influence and drive bookings. Additionally, travellers are showing a clear inclination towards longer holidays – both domestic and international. Today’s new-age Indian traveller is also keen on spiritual travel, hidden-gems and distinctive accommodation like igloos, treehouses, chalets-chateaux…

 Key findings include:
1. Key Holiday Drivers: Travel has now become a necessity – an essential part of the Indian lifestyle and is driven by factors like:
• Influence of Social media, OTT platforms and Movies: 60% respondents indicated that social media, OTT platforms and movies are increasingly shaping their travel decisions
• Simplified visa processes and easy access: 44% respondents are more likely to visit countries offering simplified visa processes like e-visa or visa-on-arrival options such as Thailand, Malaysia, UAE, Sri Lanka; while countries that issue long-term visas are also seeing uptick like the Australia, Japan, USA
• Enhanced connectivity: 43% Introduction of new routes and direct flights are significantly improving accessibility – fuelling travel demand not just from metros, but significantly from India’s rapidly growing Regional Tier 1 & 2 markets
• Indian consumers continue to remain value-seekers: 39% prefer to actively seek promotions, highlighting the strong influence of discounts/special offers on their purchasing decisions. Promotional campaigns & deals from tour operators and tourism boards are driving travel interest. At the same time, there is a clear shift towards trusted travel brands for premium holiday experiences, reflecting a focus on reliability
• Word of mouth still relevant: 30% of respondents reported that recommendations from friends, family and colleagues continue to impact their holiday decisions

2. Increased frequency of Holidays and Longer Stays:
• Holidays set to double/Triple: 85% of respondents plan to increase their holidays from 2 per year to 4-6 trips annually
• Smart planning fuels mini-cations: 47% of respondents intend to leverage long weekends/ public holidays for short getaways
• Equally, Strong shift towards longer trips with 54% respondents preferring longer holidays by extending for an additional 5-10 days, to create holidays of an average of 8-15 days

3. Strong Holiday Spend Intent:
• Approximately 84% of respondents plan to increase their travel spends by 20-50% in 2025, with over 18% intending to boost budgets by a significant 50%
• This mirrors a broader trend, where travellers are allocating more budgets to gastronomy, experiences and shopping – including premium outlets like McArthurGlen and Bicester Village

4. Evolving Travel Companion Preferences:
• Travelling together remains the preferred mode, with 90% opting for company. Multigenerational families (65%) lead the chart, followed by couples (60%) and a rising segment—‘frolleagues’ (colleagues who double as friends) at 28%; Solo at 10%
• Family bonding trips on the rise: There’s been an increase in travel experiences focused on family connections, such as mother-daughter trips and sibling/cousin holidays
• Growing subsets, including solo female travellers, also in older age groups and empty nesters, reflecting diverse companion preferences across demographics

5. Experiential Travel Takes Centre Stage:
• Close to 75% respondents indicating strong interest for experience-led holidays
• Over 45% of respondents are prioritizing phenomenon-based travel (like Northern Lights – Norway, Murmansk; Japan-S Korea’s Cherry blossoms; Midnight sun –Iceland, Russia) – a pivot towards bucket list experiences
• Uptick in Safaris, self-drives, outdoor adventures (32%)
• Gastronomy (26%) reflecting – evolving palates and desire to experiment – with France, Spain, Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea
• Event tourism—global music concerts, sporting events and festivals are also on the rise, aligning with a focus on entertainment-driven travel experiences (22%). Australia, Abu Dhabi, Thailand
Spa-Wellness (19%) Relaxation & rejuvenation seeing demand – especially in destinations like Thailand, Bali, Kerala
6. Premium & Luxury Holidays on the Rise:
• Over 36% respondents are opting for premium experiences like transportation via super cars/bikes, luxury cruise holidays (Scandinavia, Mediterranean, USA), private island dining in Australia, upscale stays in boutique hotels, French chateaux/Swiss chalets, heritage properties in India, glacier landings in New Zealand

7. Destination Preferences:
• Internationally, Europe continues to top the list (50%) led by Switzerland, France, Austria, Germany; Eastern Europe’s Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia emerging well. Short-hauls like Southeast Asia follows with favourites like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore (46%); also Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Ras Al-Khaimah (37%); Japan & South Korea (35%) and Australia-New Zealand¬ (26%); Island locales – Mauritius, Maldives, Bali, Sri Lanka (22%); South Africa & Kenya (12%)
• Central Asia’s Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan (32%) signal growing interest for unique short hauls with easy access and affordability
• Morocco, Iceland, Greenland (8%) emerging on the radar
• For travel in India and subcontinent: Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand (55%) remain top favourites; North East (25%); Bhutan (32%); Rajasthan & Kerala (21%). Island/beach escapes like Andaman & Lakshadweep (3%); are also gaining strong momentum; Goa (13%)

8. Increasing Demand for New Travel formats: Indians are increasingly opting for new and unique travel formats
• Cruises (45%), self-drives (35%) and scenic train journeys (20%) have entered the top three holiday travel formats apart from flights, as more travellers seek unique, curated, comfort-first experiences.
• Cruises across domestic and international for both ocean and river options, are emerging as popular choices
• This shift reflects the growing appeal of slow, immersive travel over rushed itineraries, including sustainable options like scenic train journeys in Switzerland

9. Booking Patterns: Travellers are increasingly using a blend of digital platforms for research, contact centers and retail outlets for bookings, making phygital journeys a key driver of conversions
• 58% prefer a mix of online convenience with offline guidance (phygital), 59% opt for in-person visits to tour agency or talking over the phone while 68% book online
• While digital adoption is growing, there remains a strong dependency on in-person visits to agencies, valued for the human touch, personalized guidance and expert recommendations

10. Travellers Equally Divided Across Travel Styles: The report reveals a near-equal distribution in travellers preferences for type of holidays
• 35% prefer partially guided tours, valuing a balance of structure and autonomy
• 33% respondents opted for fully packaged and guided tours, seeking a seamless, worry-free experience. Interestingly an equal number of respondents (32%) opted for entirely self-planned journeys

11. Sustainability focus: 37% of respondents are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and eco-conscious practices in their travel choices

12. Impact of AI & Tech on Travel Planning: The rise of AI and technology is transforming travel planning, with 35% of travellers using digital platforms for research, bookings and itinerary planning

 Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., said, “The Indian traveller story is no longer just about destinations—it’s a reflection of evolving lifestyles and rising aspirations. Our Holiday Report 2025 clearly signals the emergence of a bold, experience-first traveller mind-set. Indians are not only travelling more, but also increasing spends – choosing depth, discovery and emotion over traditional sightseeing tours. While multigenerational family segments continue to lead, we are seeing strong emergence of new travel subsets like frolleagues and solo travellers.
Our Holiday Report 25 reflects a strong shift towards offbeat travel and emerging destinations like phenomenon travel – whether it’s experiencing cherry blossoms in Japan/South Korea or witnessing the midnight sun in Scandinavia/Russia. At Thomas Cook, we’re excited to witness the rapid evolution of Indian travellers and are curating exciting holidays that reflect this experience-first outlook.”

SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours – SOTC Travel, said, “Our Holiday Report 2025 reflects evolving travel formats, with Indians moving away from rushed itineraries in favour of comfort-first, immersive experiences. Slow travel is seeing an uptick, with river and ocean cruises and sustainable rail journeys offering unique opportunities for exploration. Additionally, spiritual/pilgrimage tourism is on the rise – with our ‘darshans’ portfolio coupled with adventure tourism is gaining popularity – interestingly from young India’s millennials and GenZ.

 Booking behaviours have also shifted—while Indians are researching online, they continue to value expert guidance, making SOTC’s phygital approach a key driver of trust and convenience. At SOTC, we’re proud to offer experiences to suit every Indian traveller segment. With over 75 years of experience and a deep understanding of Indian travellers’ evolving needs, SOTC ensures that every journey is memorable and enriching.”

The Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s India Holiday Report 2025 showcases the Companies’ commitment to understanding evolving traveller preferences and catering their offerings accordingly. While the 2025 findings delve deeper into emerging patterns, the consistent trend line from 2023 to 2025 is unmistakable: India is travelling more, spending more and wanting more from every holiday.

Indian HR Leaders Expect Agentic AI Adoption to Grow 383% by 2027

National, 28 May 2025: Salesforce’s latest research, which surveyed 200 global human resource executives, reveals that digital labor isn’t just a trend — it’s a business strategy revolution. With AI agent adoption expected to jump 383% over the next two years, leading to a productivity gain of 41.7%, HR leaders in India are reimagining the way organizations structure and skill their workforce. The findings reveal that CHROs in India expect to redeploy nearly a quarter (24.7%) of their workforce as their organizations implement and embrace digital labor.

The study also highlighted a growing focus on AI reskilling programs. 88% of Indian HR chiefs are or are planning to reskill their workers to be more competitive in a market shaped by AI agents. Most of these leaders (81%) also agree that soft skills like relationship building and collaboration will be even more critical as humans work alongside agents.

Why it matters: 85% of Indian HR leaders agree the workforce will be made up of humans and agents in the next five years. And yet, 88% say their organizations have yet to implement agentic AI and 63% say employees don’t yet understand how digital labor will impact their work. As agentic AI reshapes the workplace — and the skills workers need to succeed — understanding how HR leaders are ensuring organizational resilience is critically important.

Comments on the news:

“We’re in the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime transformation of work with digital labor that is unlocking new levels of productivity, autonomy, and agency at a speed never before thought possible,” said Nathalie Scardino, President and Chief People Officer at Salesforce. “Every industry must redesign jobs, reskill, and redeploy talent — and every employee will need to learn new human, agent, and business skills to thrive in the digital labor revolution.”

Key insights from the research include:

1. HR leaders in India believe digital labor is the future and its integration is critical to their role
   85% believe that within five years, most workforces will have humans and AI agents/digital labor working together.
   92% of CHROs say that integrating digital labor alongside their existing workforce will be a critical part of their job.
   CHROs project a 383% growth in agent adoption within their organizations by 2027 (from 12% adoption today to 58% two years from now).
   Once agentic AI is fully implemented, CHROs expect an average employee productivity gain of 41.7% and a 26.2% reduction in labor costs.
2. CHROs in India plan to reskill and redeploy their employees to work alongside agents
   83% of CHROs believe AI agents/digital labor will transform their organizational structure.
   93% of CHROs believe AI agents/digital labor will empower them to reassign employees to new, more relevant roles.
   They anticipate redeploying nearly a quarter (24.7%) of the workforce to new roles or teams.
   88% of CHROs believe redeployment is the more cost-effective approach compared to hiring outside the business for new roles.
   88% of CHROs are either already reskilling (15%) or plan to reskill (73%) employees for roles with better future opportunities.
3. With 88% of businesses yet to embrace agentic AI, CHROs in India direct near-term efforts toward AI implementation — including IT and research and development
   CHROs anticipate research and development (R&D) (59%), IT (51%), and sales teams (34%) will grow as their business begins to adopt AI agents.
   CHROs plan to reassign employees to governance, compliance, and ethics roles (60%), like defining standards and monitoring AI inputs, and technical roles (60%), like data scientists or technical architects, in the near term.
   CHROs believe AI literacy is the number one skill workers need as businesses move into the agentic economy.
4. As businesses implement digital labor strategies, CHROs in India believe soft skills and relationship-building roles will become more valuable
   81% of CHROs say AI agents/digital labor will increase the need for soft skills at their organization.
   CHROs also plan to reassign employees to relationship-building roles (54%), like partnerships and account management and say collaboration and adaptability skills will be valuable in the agentic economy.
5. Despite the urgency of digital labor, many Indian HR chiefs are still in early planning phases with preparing their workforce.
   Just 12% of Indian CHROs say their organization has fully implemented agentic AI.
   63% of Indian HR chiefs say their employees remain unaware of how AI agents will impact their work

Rosatom Presented Solutions for the Region’s Sustainable Development at the NT2E Forum in Brazil

Moscow, 28th May 2025 – The State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom took part in the NT2E-2025 Forum (Nuclear Trade & Technology Exchange) – the largest nuclear industry event in Latin America. The forum brought together more than 2,700 participants, including representatives of government agencies, businesses, academia, and international organizations, highlighting the growing role of Russian-Brazilian cooperation in the energy and climate agenda.

Rosatom’s corporate booth featured key solutions for Brazil – from small modular reactors (SMRs) to strengthen energy system resilience and supply power to remote regions, to approaches for managing used nuclear fuel, which is particularly relevant for the Angra nuclear power plant and nuclear medicine, one of the Forum’s key discussion topics.

Ivan Dybov, Director of Rosatom America Latina, spoke at the Forum’s opening plenary session. In his address, he focused on the sustainable and expanding cooperation between Russia and Brazil in the nuclear sector: “For Rosatom, developing relations with Brazilian partners in the peaceful use of nuclear energy is among our strategic priorities. Our partnership began over 30 years ago. Today, Rosatom supplies 100 % of the enriched uranium needs of the Angra nuclear power plant, which generates electricity for São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and also provides the Brazilian market with medical isotopes for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Emphasizing the importance of nuclear projects in addressing climate challenges and regional development, we are ready to expand our cooperation by offering Brazil both small modular nuclear power plants (SMRs) and large-capacity power units to strengthen the national energy system – technologies whose reliability is backed by the 80-year history of the Russian nuclear industry.”

At the session “Engaging the New Generation: The Future of the Nuclear Sector”, Elena Vesna, Vice-Rector of MEPhI, emphasized that international cooperation and academic exchange are fundamental to training highly qualified professionals who will shape the future of the nuclear sector. The National Research Nuclear University MEPhI trains specialists for Rosatom’s international projects and is among the world’s leading universities in the field of nuclear energy. Within the cooperation with Brazil, an updated agreement with IPEN (Brazil’s Institute for Energy and Nuclear Research) was signed in 2024, and a joint “1+1” Master’s program in nuclear engineering is scheduled to launch in 2025. Currently, 48 Latin American students from Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Chile, and Ecuador are studying at MEPhI.

During the discussion “Global SMR Projects”, Ruan Souza (Rosatom America Latina) highlighted the potential of SMR technology in Brazil: “Small modular reactors are not a concept of the future, but a practical solution for energy access, decarbonization, and the development of remote areas. SMRs provide clean energy at predictable prices, are easily scalable, and are suitable for isolated regions – not only in the Arctic, but also in Brazil’s rainforest – without harming the climate and with the potential for integration with data centers and local industry.”

In the thematic session “The Clean Energy Revolution”, he also described SMRs as a highly promising tool for replacing coal-based generation, especially given Brazil’s ongoing dependence on hydropower and its vulnerability to droughts.

At the session “Uranium Mining Market in Brazil and Globally”, Alexander Boytsov (TENEX) emphasized the importance of international cooperation and the competitive advantages of Russia’s experience in uranium logistics and processing. Rosatom’s approach is based on closing the nuclear fuel cycle. Used nuclear fuel is viewed not as waste, but as a valuable resource. As a sustainable, safe, and economically viable solution for used nuclear fuel (UNF) management, Rosatom offers partners a comprehensive product called the Balanced Nuclear Fuel Cycle (Balanced NFC).

“The Balanced NFC allows for the generation of stable and clean electricity with minimal waste, ensuring its safe and reliable isolation. Our comprehensive solution is based on innovative technologies and enables the return of up to 97% of the components of used nuclear fuel to the fuel cycle, making the use of natural resources truly responsible,” said Mikhail Baryshnikov, Director of the Department for Innovation and Technology at TENEX.

At the session “Used Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Scenarios”, Gonçalo Castillo, Business Development Manager at Rosatom America Latina, described Rosatom’s approach to environmental protection: “Rosatom has unique expertise in radioactive waste management and the remediation of radiation-affected territories. We are ready to offer Brazil not only technologies, but a step-by-step methodology for implementing such projects – from regulatory frameworks to commissioning. We transform post-industrial areas into safe platforms for new eco-friendly initiatives.”

On the sidelines of the Forum, a session of the BRICS Nuclear Energy Platform took place – an independent international initiative aimed at promoting nuclear energy as a tool for energy transition, technological sovereignty, and sustainable development. The session was titled “Financing Tools for Nuclear Projects: Development Prospects.” Participants included representatives from financial institutions, state bodies, and companies from BRICS and partner countries.

In his speech, Rosatom’s representative Stanislav Shpakovsky emphasized: “Nuclear energy must be fully integrated into the global sustainable development financing agenda as a reliable, carbon-free energy source. It is a tool that can simultaneously deliver sustainable growth, energy security, and progress toward climate goals.”

Rosatom’s participation in the Forum contributes to promoting sustainable, safe, and economically efficient nuclear technologies, building partnerships with both established industry leaders and new market entrants.

No Plates, Just Patties – A Boomburger Ode to International Burger Day

This International Burger Day, forget the fancy and go straight for the flavour. Boomburger is serving up a mouth-watering lineup of stacked, saucy, and seriously satisfying burgers that hit all the right spots. Whether you’re craving sweet and smoky, spicy and juicy, or just straight-up indulgent, we have got the goods to make your burger binge worthwhile.

BOOM PULLED PORK BURGER – Smoky, Saucy, and Simply Unmissable
A slow-cooked pulled pork patty dripping with BBQ sauce, topped with tangy slaw and a zesty house-made aioli. It is rich, tender, and a must-have for the hardcore meat lover.

 BOOM DOUBLE SMAASH BURGER – Double the Patty, Double the Pleasure
Two juicy, smashed-to-perfection beef patties, topped with oozy cheese, caramelized onions, and Boom’s signature burger sauce. The ultimate bite for when you’re all in for the beef.

 BOOM BACON & JAM BURGER – Sweet, Savoury, Smoky
A thick, juicy patty layered with crispy bacon strips, a slathering of sweet onion jam, and molten cheddar. It is the perfect mash-up of sweet and savoury that you won’t forget.

BOOM PORK AND APPLE BURGER – A Bite of Bold & Bright
A succulent pork patty paired with a crisp apple slaw and tangy mustard aioli. It’s sweet, smoky, and refreshingly different – just the way we like it.

WTFund Opens Applications for Third Cohort Backing India’s Most Innovative Young Founders

National, Wednesday, May 28, 2025 – WTFund, India’s leading platform for entrepreneurs under 25, has opened applications for its third cohort – C1/25 inviting young, ambitious founders to apply for its pioneering non-dilutive grant and mentorship program.

Following the success of its first two cohorts, WTFund continues to champion early-stage startups by offering INR 20 lakh in non-dilutive grants per selected startup, alongside unmatched access to mentorship, strategic guidance, and a powerful network of industry leaders, operators, and investors.

Founded by investor and entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath, WTFund has quickly emerged as a launchpad for India’s youngest founders. Focused on democratizing access to capital, it supports first-time entrepreneurs to scale bold ideas with global ambition.

Comprehensive Support for Young Builders
WTFund’s highly selective program offers early capital along with insights and hands-on support, giving young founders the runway to grow without the pressure of giving up equity too soon. Selected startups get hands-on support, practical mentorship, and direct access to industry leaders and domain experts – the kind of backing early-stage founders usually don’t have easy access to. What sets WTFund apart is that all of this is offered with no strings attached.

Whether building in health tech, clean energy, agri innovation, AI, or consumer tech, WTFund offers holistic support across the entire journey: from ideation to execution, crafting go-to-market strategies, and even preparing to raise capital from investors. It’s a high-impact platform built to turn bold ideas into scalable ventures.

In less than two years, WTFund has received over 5,000 applications and disbursed non-dilutive capital to high-potential startups across 50+ cities. The fund has enabled founders from all backgrounds to build scalable solutions in sectors including SaaS, D2C, EdTech, FinTech, HealthTech, AgriTech, and CleanTech.

Infinix Levels up: Partners with Esports Titans True Rippers to Launch ‘Infinix True Rippers’ Ahead of GT 30 Pro Gaming Phone Debut

India – May 28, 2025: Infinix India, a new-age smartphone brand, has partnered with True Rippers, one of India’s most prominent Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) Esports teams. As part of this revolutionary move, the team will now compete under the ‘Infinix True Rippers’ banner – marking Infinix’s first-ever Esports team collaboration globally. The move reflects Infinix’s vision to support the rise of Esports in India and empower the next generation of Esports athletes.

This landmark deal reaffirms Infinix’s commitment to India’s gaming and Esports scene. Beyond its grassroots-level initiatives like the GT Powerplay Tournament, this collaboration aims to support the country’s top BGMI athletes while strengthening the brand’s connection with growing gamers.

The collaboration comes ahead of the launch of Infinix’s GT 30 Pro, an Esports-ready smartphone debuting on June 3. Tailored for high-performance gameplay, the GT 30 Pro offers 120 FPS support certified by BGMI Krafton and introduces dual gaming shoulder triggers—a segment-first feature aimed at competitive mobile gamers. This synergy between product innovation and strategic partnership reflects Infinix’s vision to support and empower the next generation of Esports talent.

Commenting on the partnership, Anish Kapoor, CEO at Infinix India said, “At Infinix, we’re not just witnessing the gaming revolution—we’re driving it. Teams like True Rippers are the driving force behind India’s growing Esports culture. Our collaboration is rooted in a shared belief—that gaming in India is more than just play; it’s a powerful aspiration for the youth. Today’s gamers aren’t just looking for entertainment; they’re driven by recognition, purpose, and identity. We’re proud to be among the first brands in the industry taking active steps to encourage aspiring esports athletes—empowering young gamers with products and initiatives that would be a testament to fulfilling our mission to support esports in India.

As we gear up for the launch of the GT 30 Pro, this collaboration signals more than just brand synergy—it’s about building a performance-driven ecosystem that inspires and empowers the next generation of gamers. In True Rippers, we’ve found a team whose competitive edge, creativity, and strong community presence align with our vision. Together, we’re setting the stage towards strengthening the Indian Esports ecosystem.”

Currently, Infinix True Rippers is competing in the prestigious BGMI Pro Series (BMPS) 2025 by Krafton, being one of the few elite teams in this invite-only competition. The tournament will culminate in a grand finale in New Delhi next month. The squad heads into the event in strong form, having secured a sixth-place finish at the BGMI India Series (BGIS) in Kolkata last month.

Aside from tournaments, the team will engage in ongoing co-creation with Infinix throughout the year, focusing on GT and other performance-driven smartphones.

Speaking about the partnership, Yashwanth AR, CEO at True Rippers said, “At True Rippers, we’re not just focused on building one of the best BGMI lineups in the country. We’re also committed to connecting with our young audience beyond the game through innovative content and meaningful engagement. We’re thrilled to partner with Infinix, a brand that shares our vision for trendy storytelling and performance excellence. This carefully curated collaboration is a step towards redefining how brand narratives can go beyond conventional naming rights deals.”

The Infinix True Rippers BGMI roster is comprised as follows:

· Gunjan Thakur aka Jelly

· Swaraj Singh aka KioLmao

· Ngurang Takar aka Ninzae

· Samuel Nabam aka SAM

India is one of the fastest-growing gaming markets globally, with over 454 million gamers in 2023, a number expected to exceed 730 million by 2028. According to Niko Partners, more than 65% of gamers either play, watch Esports, or compete in tournaments with BGMI playing a significant role in driving this engagement. Earlier this year, the BGIS 2025 recorded a peak concurrent viewership of 485,132 and amassed over 9.4 million watch hours, per Esports Charts data, showcasing the potential of the Infinix and True Rippers partnership in engaging with gamers directly.

With True Rippers’ in-game dominance and Infinix’s vision for empowering gamers beyond the screen, the Infinix True Rippers are set to become a powerful force at the intersection of technology, performance, and community-driven gaming culture.

7 properties to visit near Delhi

As travel preferences shift towards short, meaningful breaks, the demand for charming, experience-led escapes closer to home is on the rise. Just a few hours from Delhi lie a host of exceptional stays—think boutique resorts, serene wellness retreats, and character-rich heritage hideaways—that offer the perfect mix of comfort, style, and discovery. Whether you are craving a quick recharge or a change of scenery, these handpicked properties near Delhi promise unforgettable getaways without the long haul.

1) Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, Greater Noida

Nestled in the heart of Greater Noida, New Delhi Capital Region, Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort offers an unparalleled staycation experience.This award-winning resort boasts 170 harmoniously designed rooms and suites, each offering spectacular views of the lush golf course or tropical gardens. Culinary enthusiasts can indulge in seven fine dining restaurants, including the 24-hour Eggspectation café and authentic Italian and Indian cuisines. The crown jewel of the resort is its Greg Norman-designed 18-hole golf course, recognized as the “Best Golf Course” at the India Golf Awards 2017. For ultimate relaxation, the Six Senses Spa spans an impressive 90,000 sq. ft., offering a range of holistic therapies from traditional hammam to Ayurvedic rituals. Recently honored as the “Best Resort of the Year” by Franchisee India and “Best Golf Resort (India)” by Travel & Leisure, Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort combines luxury accommodations, world-class amenities, and picturesque landscapes to create an unforgettable destination. Whether you’re teeing off on the award-winning course or unwinding in the rejuvenating spa, this resort promises a perfect blend of leisure, comfort, and sophistication.At Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, every moment is designed to make your mother feel special, celebrated, and cherished.

2) Aahana Resort, Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Nestled across 13.5 acres of pristine wilderness, Aahana – The Forest Resort stands as a boutique luxury property bordering Jim Corbett National Park, where untamed natural beauty creates the perfect setting for discerning travelers. This remarkable sanctuary was born from barren land, now flourishing as a verdant forest ecosystem—a testament to regeneration, patience, and profound reverence for nature.

Victorian-inspired residences showcase thoughtfully crafted living spaces that frame spectacular forest views through expansive windows. For those seeking ultimate privacy, the exclusive pool villas offer secluded retreats—intimate sanctuaries where the forest’s serene presence enhances every moment of complete relaxation and tranquility.

Featuring a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa, farm-to-table cuisine crafted from organic harvests, and carefully curated experiences that celebrate the natural world, Aahana creates an ideal environment for renewal through forest bathing and meaningful wilderness connection that restores both body and spirit.

Each day begins with the melodic calls of hornbills, while evenings are embraced by the forest’s gentle sounds that lull guests into peaceful serenity. Aahana transcends the typical resort experience—it’s where luxury meets environmental stewardship, where the forest doesn’t merely surround you, it becomes an integral part of your transformative stay.

3) Jaypee Residency Manor, Mussoorie

Discover the perfect staycation destination at Jaypee Residency Manor in Mussoorie, the Queen of Hills. Perched atop a hilltop, this luxurious resort offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The property’s crowning glory is its breathtaking 360-degree panorama, showcasing the lush Doon Valley and the majestic snow-capped Himalayas. Guests can indulge in top-notch amenities and warm hospitality while surrounded by nature’s beauty. The pleasant climate provides a refreshing respite from the plains, making it an ideal retreat year-round.

Adventure seekers can use the resort as a base to explore Mussoorie’s attractions, from scenic hiking trails to charming local markets. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the diverse menu featuring both local Garhwali specialties and international cuisine. For those seeking relaxation, the spa offers rejuvenating treatments inspired by the mountains. Whether you’re capturing misty mornings from your balcony, enjoying a romantic getaway, or creating lasting family memories, Jaypee Residency Manor promises a stay that feels like a world away, all within the comfort of your own country.

4) The Oberoi Sukhvilas, New Chandigarh: A Soulful Staycation in the Heart of Nature

Looking for a luxurious pause without straying too far? Nestled in the tranquil Siswan Forest at the foothills of the Himalayas, The Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa Resort, New Chandigarh offers the perfect staycation for those seeking rejuvenation, romance, or simply a change of pace.

With private villas, temperature-controlled pools, and personalised service, every moment here feels like an escape into serenity. Unwind with forest bathing, indulge in award-winning wellness therapies at the spa, or toast under the stars with a starlit bubbly evening. Curated experiences like private candlelight dinners and guided nature trails add a touch of magic to your stay.

Whether you’re rekindling romance, reconnecting with yourself, or indulging in luxurious solitude, The Oberoi Sukhvilas redefines what a soulful staycation should feel like — immersive, indulgent, and completely unforgettable.

5) Kiyo Stays: A Slow-Living Staycation in the Hills of Kumaon

If you’re seeking a meaningful break from the everyday, Kiyo Stays invites you into a staycation that’s as immersive as it is intimate. With handpicked boutique homes across the Kumaon hills — including scenic gems like Naukuchiatal, Bhimtal, and Mukteshwar — each property is a seamless blend of design, nature, and slow living.

The standout Villa Mizu in Bhimtal offers expansive lake views, sunlit corners, and warm interiors that invite you to pause, reflect, and reconnect. Spend your days taking forest walks, enjoying locally inspired meals, reading by the veranda, or winding down by a glowing fire.

Kiyo isn’t just a getaway — it’s a return to the rhythms of stillness, comfort, and connection. A true staycation for the soul.

6) Taj Damdama Lake Resort & Spa, Gurugram: A Nature-Soaked Staycation Near Delhi

Just a short drive from Delhi-NCR, Taj Damdama Lake Resort & Spa, Gurugram offers a staycation experience that feels worlds away from the city rush. Spread across 20 acres and cradled by the Aravallis, this serene escape is where nature and luxury find perfect harmony.

Stay in elegant villas with private plunge pools, wake up to birdsong, and enjoy guided nature walks through undisturbed greenery. Let the J Wellness Circle reset your senses with bespoke therapies, and dine at Shamiana or Zvatra for culinary journeys that satisfy both the palate and the soul.

Whether you’re seeking solitude or shared moments, this is the kind of staycation that lingers long after you’ve returned.

7) Taj Surajkund Resort & Spa, Delhi NCR: Your Urban Oasis Staycation

Tucked just beyond the city bustle, Taj Surajkund Resort & Spa offers a staycation that fuses wellness, sophistication, and soulful comfort. Designed as a sanctuary of calm, the resort is a celebration of light-filled courtyards, tranquil pools, and luxurious experiences rooted in holistic healing.

Enjoy signature treatments at the J Wellness Circle, savour global and regional flavours at Oasis and Paranda, and let every space — from the sun-dappled corridors to the soothing spa rooms — invite you to slow down and simply be.

Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat, a mindful solo recharge, or a serene group stay, Taj Surajkund delivers an experience of refined stillness right at your doorstep.