Dear Travel Partners,
May clearly reflects a decisive shift toward hill destinations like Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Meghalaya, where demand is strong, inventory is closing early, and pricing remains firm. The market is firmly leaning toward cooler regions.
At the same time, plains destinations such as Assam and Dooars are seeing softer traction, with leisure demand in Kolkata remaining subdued. This highlights a clear drop in preference for warmer regions.
Travel behavior has also shifted, with a strong preference for short, flexible trips of 2–5 nights, often booked last minute. Coastal destinations still see movement, but largely as weekend-driven getaways rather than planned holidays.
At the same time, emerging destinations like Kohima are gaining attention for more immersive and authentic experiences. With supply gradually evolving through better stays and offerings, the focus for the trade remains on agility, precision, and aligning with what the market is actively demanding.
warm regards
Amit Periwal
Director
Demand Radar
Forward Booking
Very strong for hills & high-altitude circuits: Darjeeling, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Bhutan
Peak summer holidays driving early closures in premium inventory
Short-Lead Movement
Strong weekend demand from South Bengal: Digha, Mandarmani, Sundarbans
Quick 2N–3N getaways dominating decisions
Steady Demand
Cultural & niche circuits holding ground: Bishnupur, Shantiniketan, Kohima
Underperforming
Kolkata (leisure) remains soft
Andaman and Nicobar Islands seeing slower pickup vs hills
Transit stays in Siliguri and rural circuits continue to lag
Cooling Segments
Plains & low-altitude regions: Assam, Dooars, South Bengal interiors
Budget & non-AC inventory facing resistance
Price & Supply
Sharp rate escalation across hills (Darjeeling, Gangtok, Meghalaya belt, Arunachal, Bhutan)
Inventory tight in North Sikkim and premium categories
Coastal belt seeing weekend price spikes
Last-Minute Trend
Strong across segments
Preference firmly towards short, flexible itineraries (2N–5N)
Seasonal Insight
Clear migration to cooler, high-altitude destinations
Hills dominating; coast stable; plains decisively weaker
Destination Decode
Kohima: Where Culture Breathes
Why Sell This Now:
Capitalize on the rising demand for authentic, offbeat Northeast experiences. Kohima offers a rare mix of tribal heritage, World War II history, and untouched natural landscapes—making it highly appealing to travelers looking beyond mainstream hill stations. With growing interest in experiential travel, Kohima stands out as a culturally immersive destination.
Client Matching: Ideal for culture & heritage explorers, experience-driven travelers, trekkers, WWII-focused international tourists, and niche premium clients seeking offbeat, non-commercial destinations.
The Anti-Persona: Not suited for travelers seeking luxury nightlife, shopping-heavy or fast-paced itineraries, polished tourist setups, or those uncomfortable with basic infrastructure—Kohima is raw, authentic, and slow.
Optimized Routing Architectures:
FLOW 1 (4 Days – Kohima Focused)
- Day 01: Dimapur to Kohima (70 kms / approx. 2 hrs)
- Day 02: Kohima Local Exploration (War Cemetery, local markets, village visit)
- Day 03: Excursion to Dzukou Valley / Khonoma
- Day 04: Kohima to Dimapur
FLOW 2 (6 Days – Kohima + Wildlife Extension)
- Day 01: Dimapur to Kohima
- Day 02–03: Kohima Exploration
- Day 04: Kohima to Kaziranga National Park (220 kms / 5 hrs)
- Day 05: Kaziranga Safari
- Day 06: Kaziranga to Guwahati
FLOW 3 (6 Days – Kohima + Cultural Extension)
- Day 01: Dimapur to Kohima
- Day 02–03: Kohima
- Day 04: Kohima to Jorhat
- Day 05: Day trip to Majuli
- Day 06: Jorhat Departure
Critical Operational Alert
Kohima is an experience-first destination with hilly travel, limited connectivity, and permit requirements (ILP), where experiences depend on culture, weather, and terrain—set clear expectations for a smooth journey.
The Inventory Snapshot
- Kohima (Premium Boutique Stays):
Niraamaya Retreats Aradura | Hotel Vivor | Hotel Polo Towers | Hotel De Oriental
Extensions:
- Kaziranga: Diphlu River Lodge, Borgos Resort, Infinity Resort
- Jorhat: Thengal Manor, Banyan Grove
The Rookie Booking Mistake
Selling Kohima only around the Hornbill Festival limits its true potential, as the destination offers rich cultural and trekking experiences throughout the year.
Managing Reality
Position Kohima War Cemetery as a key highlight rather than just a stopover, promote immersive village experiences like Khonoma, and clearly communicate travel time, terrain, and permit requirements to set the right expectations.
Yield Maximizer
Plan travel between October to May for the best mix of pleasant weather, smooth accessibility, and overall experience quality.
When to Lock Inventory (Pricing Insight)
Secure bookings at least 2 months in advance for the Hornbill Festival and peak season, while the post-festival window (Jan–Feb) offers better rates with fewer crowds.
Kohima isn’t just a destination—it’s a story-driven journey into living culture and untouched landscapes, making it a strong high-value niche seller when positioned right.
Ground Intelligence
Pelling Ropeway Now Open: Ride Above Sikkim’s Scenic Paradise
The much-awaited Pelling Ropeway is now operational, offering a breathtaking 970-meter aerial journey from Pelling town to Sanghak Choeling. With 14 cabins accommodating up to 8 passengers each, this experience near the iconic Skywalk promises stunning Himalayan views—making it a must-add to your Sikkim itinerary.
Singell Tea Bungalow: A Timeless Himalayan Retreat in the Heart of Tea Country
Perched at 4,500 ft in Kurseong, Singell Tea Bungalow is a 150-year-old heritage stay set within one of Darjeeling’s oldest organic tea estates. Blending colonial charm with modern comfort, it offers immersive experiences—from tea tastings and plantation walks to serene nature trails—making it a perfect escape for travellers seeking tranquillity, history, and authentic Himalayan living.
Tata Group to Launch Luxury Taj Resort in Meghalaya Near Umiam Lake
Indian Hotels Company Limited is investing ₹300–330 crore to build the Taj Umiam Resort & Spa near Shillong.Set to be the state’s largest hospitality project, it will boost premium tourism and mark Meghalaya’s first flagship Taj property.
Taj Bengal’s Elegant Transformation Continues Without Disrupting Guest Comfort
The Promenade Lounge in the lobby section at Taj Bengal is currently under renovation. All other areas of the hotel are fully operational, and there is no interruption to the regular guest movement or daily operations.
Zone by The Park Debuts in Darjeeling with Smart, Stylish Stays
Zone by The Park Darjeeling marks its entry with a 70-room property designed for modern comfort. Blending contemporary design with the charm of the hills, it offers a fresh hospitality option in Darjeeling.
