March 2025, Delhi, India: Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts announces the addition of Hanric by Eight Continents Ikshana Luxe, Nainital, to its expanding portfolio of premium hospitality experiences. This stunning retreat in the heart of the Kumaon foothills redefines luxury just 3 minutes away from the picturesque hill station’s vibrant centre, the Mall Road.

The property provides meticulously crafted accommodations, world-class dining, and a host of rejuvenating experiences. Each room is designed to offer guests maximum comfort, featuring upscale amenities. At the signature Travel Diaries Café, guests can indulge in an exceptional culinary journey with their Indian, Continental, and regional delicacies, while evenings come alive with bonfire gatherings under the starlit sky, enhancing the overall experience.

Beyond luxury accommodations, Hanric by Eight Continents Ikshana Luxe, Nainital serves as a gateway to exciting experiences such as trekking to Naina Peak, boating on the tranquil Naini Lake, exploring vibrant markets, and cable car rides to Snow View Point. An array of recreational activities and wellness offerings further ensure a memorable and holistic stay.

“This move is a testament to our commitment to curating unique and luxurious experiences in India's most scenic destinations,” said Haninder Sachdeva, CEO, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts. “With its breathtaking views, exceptional hospitality, and thoughtfully designed spaces, this property is set to become a preferred retreat for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure in the Himalayas.”

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts continues its strategic expansion across India, reinforcing its reputation for delivering unforgettable hospitality experiences in culturally and naturally rich destinations.

Hoteliers said that often tourists arrive without prior bookings but now they were being turned away. A hotelier in Mussoorie said that on Friday and Saturday, a number of tourists were turned away by police for not carrying hotel booking slips

Tourist footfalls declined by as much as half in Mussoorie and Nainital this weekend as strict Covid-related checks kicked in. While hotel bookings were made mandatory last week to enter both hill stations, police teams also started thorough inspection of Covid- negative test reports.

Compared with the past few weekends when hotels in Mussoorie had recorded 100 percent occupancy, bookings nosedived to 40 percent to 50 percent this weekend. In Nainital, many top hotels had barely 20 percent occupancy on Sunday. Sandeep Sahni, president of Uttarakhand Hotels' Association, said that tourist footfall had declined drastically by half in hill stations.

“A number of factors have contributed to the decline in tourist rush. The administration has become very strict and there has also been some negative publicity after a video of a large number of tourists taking a dip at Kempty Falls went viral. Heavy rainfall over the past week has also caused people to change travel plans,” Sahni said.

Those associated with the tourism industry said that with the arrival of the monsoon, chances of tourism picking up in the next few weeks were slim.

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