The Kerala Tourism Department has approved a total of ₹4.64 crore for the renovation of the Government Guest House at Palakkad, located adjacent to the Civil Station, and an additional ₹1.12 crore for upgrading guesthouses under the department in Munnar and Devikulam, in Idukki, two of the state’s most popular hill destinations.

Of the sanctioned amount, ₹58.3 lakh has been earmarked for the Munnar guesthouse and ₹54.45 lakh for the one in Devikulam. The renovation work in Munnar is expected to be completed within eight months, while the Devikulam project is scheduled for completion in six months.

An order from the Tourism Department has also stated that the Palakkad Guest House renovation will be completed within 18 months, with the project estimate and implementation being handled by Indigo Architects.

Speaking about the initiative, Tourism and Public Works Minister Mr. P.A. Mohamed Riyas said the upgraded guesthouses will enable affordable, quality accommodation for the public in scenic locations such as Munnar, Devikulam, Malampuzha, and Kollengode.

“These destinations are key tourism hubs, and by upgrading the government guesthouses, we are ensuring that common people have access to modern facilities at low cost,” the Minister noted. “Such initiatives also help boost tourism revenue for the state.”

The renovation plans for Munnar and Devikulam were drafted by the Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. Key upgrades in Munnar include: Renovation of the existing building and guardroom; Complete electrification and New signage installation

Meanwhile, the Devikulam project will focus on: Building construction; Underground water storage facilities; Public toilets and Electrical repairs

These initiatives are part of Kerala’s broader strategy to enhance tourism infrastructure and make government-run guesthouses more accessible and appealing to travelers, especially domestic tourists seeking budget-friendly options in high-demand locations.

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For those yearning for a serene escape amidst the captivating beauty of Kerala’s hills, the Ramee Wolkenburg Resort & Spa has officially opened its doors in Munnar. This new property by the Ramee Group of Hotels promises a refreshing blend of luxury and nature, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the region’s exotic flora, spice-scented air, and panoramic valley views.

A Sanctuary Designed for Every Traveler

The resort boasts 40 meticulously designed rooms and suites, catering to diverse preferences. From comfortable Bay Rooms and Premium Rooms to the more expansive Executive Valley Suites, the accommodations offer a harmonious blend of style and practicality. Guests can expect modern conveniences like high-speed Wi-Fi, LCD TVs, minibars, and dedicated workspaces. For an elevated experience of privacy and indulgence, the Jacuzzi Villas and Premium Villas stand out as exceptional choices.

A Vision of Harmonious Hospitality

“The launch of Ramee Wolkenburg Resort & Spa marks a pivotal moment for us,” shared Mr. Saurabh Gahoi, Senior Vice President, Ramee Group of Hotels. “Our aim is to deliver high-quality, immersive hospitality in India’s most picturesque locations, and Kerala, a top travel destination, is perfect for this vision.” Mr. Gahoi emphasized the resort’s commitment to seamlessly blending premium stays with the tranquility of nature, ensuring guests can truly relax while enjoying world-class amenities. “We eagerly await travelers from around the globe to experience Munnar through the distinctive warmth and excellence that defines the Ramee Group,” he added.

Indulge Your Senses

Beyond the luxurious accommodations, Ramee Wolkenburg Resort & Spa offers a complete hospitality experience. Speziato, the resort’s signature multi-cuisine restaurant, takes guests on a culinary journey, expertly combining Indian culinary traditions with global influences in an elegant setting. For special occasions or corporate gatherings, the rooftop banquet hall, ‘Saptaswara’, provides an intimate and picturesque venue. Completing the holistic offerings are a well-equipped fitness center and a serene spa, ensuring guests can rejuvenate both body and mind.

Your Ideal Munnar Getaway Awaits

Strategically located away from the bustling crowds, Ramee Wolkenburg Resort & Spa is perfectly positioned for those seeking a tranquil retreat. Whether you’re planning a romantic escapade, a memorable family vacation, or a much-needed rejuvenating break, this new resort offers an idyllic setting to create unforgettable memories in the heart of Munnar.

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Ramee Group of Hotels enters Munnar, Kerala with a new sign up with Wolkenburg Resort & Spa.

Ramee Group of Hotels has signed a franchise agreement for its entry into the scenic destination of Munnar in Kerala. The newly branded Ramee Wolkenburg Resorts and Spa marks Ramee Group’s first venture in Kerala and reflects the brand’s strategic focus on expanding its footprint in key leisure markets across India.

As the franchisor, Ramee Group will provide its renowned brand identity, operational standards, and extensive sales and marketing support, while Wolkenburg Resorts and Spa will manage the day-to-day operations under the Ramee brand. This collaboration brings together the trusted legacy of Wolkenburg and Ramee’s global expertise in hospitality.

Nestled in the lush hills of Munnar, Ramee Wolkenburg Resorts and Spa is designed to offer a luxurious escape, combining modern comforts with the tranquility of nature. The resort will feature 70 Lavish Rooms & Villas; a Signature Spa & Wellness Centre, A multi-cuisine restaurant and Recreational facilities like swimming pool and games

Mr. Saurabh Gahoi, Senior Vice President of Ramee Group of Hotels, commented: “We are thrilled to announce the signing of this franchise agreement with Wolkenburg Resorts and Spa as our franchisee in Munnar. Kerala’s rich heritage and growing tourism appeal make it a natural fit for the Ramee brand. Through this partnership, we aim to deliver our signature hospitality and create a premier destination for both leisure travelers and corporate guests.”

Mr. Rajagopalan Nair, Owner of Wolkenburg Resorts and Spa, added: “Becoming a franchisee of the Ramee Group is a significant step forward for us. This partnership allows us to tap into their global hospitality expertise and robust network across India and the GCC. We are confident that Ramee Wolkenburg Resorts and Spa will set new benchmarks in Munnar’s luxury hospitality space.”

Ramee Wolkenburg Resorts and Spa is scheduled to open in the second quarter of the current financial year.

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Munnar Destination Makers (MDM), the association of hotel and resort promoters, has welcomed Mr. Vimal Roy V from Grasshopper Hotels as its new President, and Shefeer Salim from Hotel Star Emirates as the Secretary during their recent annual general body meeting. Mr. Pramod TC from Tea Castle Munnar has assumed the role of Treasurer for the current term.

Mr. Vimal Roy, an experienced hospitality professional and a renowned author of the Malayalam bestseller “Hridayam Thotta Munnar,” has taken the helm as President. In addition, Mr. Jis M Kandathil from Gokulam Park has been selected as the Vice President, and Mr. Jomon from Kamaraa.com is the new Joint Secretary. Mr. Manoj Kumaran from Green Valley Vista will serve as the Public Relations Officer for the current term.

Munnar Destination Makers is a Munnar-based organization dedicated to addressing issues such as waste management, plastic reduction, and other common challenges facing Munnar. Their goal is to encourage all hotels to adopt environmentally friendly practices while also working to attract more tourists to Munnar.

The outgoing President of MDM, Mr. Varghese Elias from Munnar Queen, and Secretary Benny George from Mountain Club will continue to serve on the Executive Committee alongside Mr. Pramod from Panoramic Getaway, Mr. James from Wind Song, Mr. Praveen Menon from The Fog Munnar, Mr. Basil Yoyaki from Vibe Munnar, Mr. Subeesh from Maat Hotels, Mr. Jolly James from The Leaf Munnar, Mr. Atheist S Prathap from The Leaf Munnar, Adv. Manjesh Kumar from Blanket/Revulet, Mr. Babychan from British County, Mr. Babu from Misty Mountain, and Mr. Deepu Chandran from Club Mahindra.

The newly elected office bearers and management committee have unveiled their comprehensive operational and marketing plan to position Munnar as the best sustainable destination in the country. They have also decided to organize the Sudheesh Memorial Badminton Tournament 2023 on August 7, 2023, at the Maryland Church indoor court in Chithirapuram, Munnar, Idukki.

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Indian Hotels Company has signed a management contract with CRB Hotels & Resorts Pvt. Ltd for the SeleQtions hotel in Munnar, Kerala.

Commenting on the signing, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, at IHCL, said, “IHCL has always been at the forefront of identifying destinations with strong tourism potential and putting them on the global travel map. A much sought-after hill station for its natural beauty, Munnar is popular for leisure travel. This hotel will further elevate the hospitality landscape of Munnar. We are delighted to partner with CRB Hotels & Resorts Pvt. Ltd. for this project.”

Featuring a combination of 55 rooms and suites, the SeleQtions hotel will be located at an easy driving distance from Kochi airport. It will house an all-day restaurant and bar, in addition to a fitness centre, swimming pool, and spa, making it ideal for a leisure getaway. Located at a short driving distance from the Tata Tea gardens, this hotel will be the perfect location for those looking to revel in the midst of nature, while its banqueting facilities will cater to bleisure travel, events, and conferences.

Mr. Cyriac Augustine, Group Chairman, CRB Group, said, “This SeleQtions hotel will allow guests to experience a slice of the rich natural beauty that Munnar is known for. We are excited to partner with IHCL, India’s leading hospitality company, to create a unique hospitality experience for guests in the heart of the “Kashmir of South India.”

In addition to this, IHCL has 14 hotels in Kerala including three under development.

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Most years, summer is one of the highest travel seasons in India and traveller sentiment tapers off as the monsoons arrive, owing to the reopening of schools, traffic and driving conditions due to rain, among other factors. However, post-pandemic, travel trends have shifted — travellers are now looking to make up for lost vacations. As per global hospitality technology company, OYO’s Monsoon Travel Report 2022, Indian travellers expressed high travel intent for intercity road trips, especially ones surrounded by nature, with a majority of respondents opting for hotel rooms with mountain & lake views. This indicates the rise in monsoon tourism across the country with a strong consumer preference to spend holidays closer to nature.

As per the hospitality technology platform’s domestic travel study, Indians have a mixed bag of preferred destinations for monsoon. Among preference for the state, with nearly 18% of respondents opting for Uttarakhand, the famous pilgrimage & leisure destination becomes the top monsoon destination of choice, followed by Goa, Kerala, and Maharashtra. Interestingly, among cities, the hill destinations of  Ooty (20%), Lonavala (16%), Munnar (11%), Shillong (11%) and Coorg (8%) raked in maximum consumer intent for travel.

While short trips are usually popular during the monsoon season, with 54% saying they would take a trip between 1-3 days, a significantly high 33% also expressed interest to head out for a week-long monsoon trip. The trend to head out on longer vacations can be attributed to flexible remote and hybrid work policies popularised by corporate India during the pandemic. Approx. 84% of consumers prefer booking their travel and staying closer to the date.

As experiential travel becomes one of the top trends in the travel and tourism economy, consumers are looking at serene locations to spend quality time with family and friends. As per the survey insights, a majority of consumers (40%)were inclined towards booking hotels with a view, followed by unique stays such as tree houses and cottages in the woods, stays surrounded by scenic lush hills and/or by the beach. This indicates consumer desire for “ecotherapy”, a rising trend among today’s evolved travellers since the pandemic restricted travellers within the periphery of their residence due to lockdowns.

When it comes to go-to travel essentials for monsoon trips, an astounding 48% of respondents picked earphones as their top choice, while raincoats were a far second with nearly 30% votes, followed by umbrellas, zip-lock bags for electronic devices, warm shawls, sunglasses, books and mosquito repellents.

Sheeran Godbole, SVP – Product & Chief Service Officer – OYO said,“In 2022, we’re seeing a shift in traveller mindset to pre-lockdown times. We’re observing more and more consumer demand to travel throughout the year, for shorter trips. This monsoon, as per our findings, consumers are looking forward to travelling to scenic destinations and making the most of the rains, closer to nature. As a majority of travellers looking to book their stays closer to the date, our app-level features such as ‘Pay at Hotel’, easy cancellation and refund policies, 3-click booking process, and Nearby stays enable travellers to make their travel choice on the go without any hassle.”

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Sterling Holiday Resorts has received top honours in the Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best, 2020  awards by  TripAdvisor.

Two resorts of Sterling received the recognition of being in the top 25 of the best in Hotels under the ‘Family Category’ across India and Asia.  One of its iconic resorts, Sterling Ooty Elk Hill ranked 4th in India and 12th in Asia – which included the best from India, Japan, Thailand, China, Indonesia, and Taiwan, while Sterling Nainital has been ranked 22nd in the India list. Through this list, TripAdvisor recognizes the top 1% of all their business listings as “Traveller’s Choice Best of the Best.”

Stating on this accolade, CMD Ramesh Ramanathan from Sterling Holiday Resorts says: “We are immensely delighted about the recognition by TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2020. We are cognisant of the fact that millions of hotel properties are listed on TripAdvisor across India, Asia and around the world, and being awarded in the top 25 is exceptional. Its’ not just Sterling Ooty Elk Hill and Sterling Nainital – 26 resorts of Sterling have received recognition for being ‘Travellers Choice for Excellence in Service’ from TripAdvisor. I see this as recognition of our efforts across all our resorts towards providing Holidays with Discoveries and Experiences in line with our brand promise – Holiday Differently! It encourages us to continue to serve our guests with the signature Sterling warmth and passion.”

This list of top 25 is a unification of reviews, ratings (quality and quantity) and all the saves that travellers made and share from across the country, region and the world, calculated by the unique algorithm of TripAdvisor. The recognition represents the most exceptional, highest-rated properties around the world. These businesses are among the top 1% of all listings on TripAdvisor. With over 8.7 million businesses listed on TripAdvisor, these awards are a true testament to the outstanding service and quality that frontrunners consistently provide to their guests.”

Tripadvisor, as part of its ongoing efforts to support the recovery of the tourism and hospitality industry, announced the winners of its 18th annual Travelers’ Choice Awards.

Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited has been delivering great holidays to Indians since 1986 and has a network of resorts at some of the best holiday destinations in India. Currently, Sterling has resorts located in Anaikatti, Corbett, Dabhosa, Darjeeling, Dharamshala, Durshet, Gangtok, Goa, Godavari, Guruvayur, Jaipur, Kanha, Karwar, Kodaikanal, Kufri, Kundalika, Lonavala, Manali, Mount Abu, Munnar, Mussoorie, Nainital, Ooty, Puri, Rajakkad, Sajan, Sariska, Srinagar, Thekkady, Wayanad, Yelagiri and Yercaud. Sterling Holidays also owns ‘Nature Trails Resorts Private Limited’ – an adventure holiday company that operates resorts at four unique destinations in Maharashtra.

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