MAM
Darjeeling tops Agoda searches for North-East travel this winter
MUMBAI: When wanderlust goes uphill, Darjeeling is where it seems to pause and stare. Agoda’s latest search data shows the Queen of the Hills emerging as the most searched destination in India’s North-East for the October to December 2025 travel window, signalling a strong domestic appetite for misty views, cool weather and unhurried escapes.
The findings, based on accommodation searches made by Indian travellers between July and September 2025, place Gangtok in second position and Shillong third, completing a hill-station hat-trick that continues to define the region’s holiday appeal. Together, the trio reflects a clear seasonal pattern, as travellers gravitate towards scenic, slower-paced destinations in the final quarter of the year.
Rounding out the top five are Guwahati at number four and Siliguri at number five. While Guwahati draws visitors with its urban buzz and cultural energy, Siliguri’s role as the gateway to the North-East keeps it firmly embedded in many itineraries, acting as a launchpad for hill-bound journeys.
Beyond the usual favourites, Agoda’s data also points to growing curiosity around smaller towns. Cherrapunji, Pelling and Kalimpong are attracting increased search interest, suggesting that travellers are looking beyond headline destinations. From Cherrapunji’s rain-soaked waterfalls and Pelling’s sweeping views of the Kanchenjunga range to Kalimpong’s flower markets and colonial charm, these quieter spots are adding texture to the North-East travel map.
Commenting on the trend Agoda country director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands Gaurav Malik noted that domestic travellers are increasingly embracing the region’s mix of well-known and lesser-explored destinations. He added that a growing number of accommodation providers, from hotels and hostels to homestays and serviced apartments, are tapping into this interest by partnering with digital platforms.
The data underlines a broader shift in domestic travel behaviour, where familiarity is giving way to curiosity, and year-end holidays are becoming an excuse to explore landscapes that feel both restorative and culturally rich. For the North-East, it appears the season of travel is also a season of rediscovery.
Brands
Hardik Jhaveri named senior director marketing at Colgate-Palmolive Asean hub
Former Hill’s Pet Nutrition general manager returns to the company to steer marketing for South Asean from Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR: Hardik Jhaveri has been appointed senior director marketing for the South Asean hub at Colgate-Palmolive, marking a return to the consumer goods major after a three year stint with Hill’s Pet Nutrition. He will be based in Kuala Lumpur and will lead marketing strategy for the region.
Jhaveri joins the role after serving as general manager at Hill’s Pet Nutrition in Taipei, where he led a cross functional team and oversaw the business with full profit and loss responsibility. The role placed him at the helm of operations in Taiwan, managing growth in what he described as a start-up style environment within a global multinational.
Before that, Jhaveri spent over a decade with Colgate-Palmolive across several marketing and innovation roles in Asia. As associate director innovation for Apac excluding China, based in Hong Kong, he led new product development and launches across multiple markets.
His portfolio ranged from developing specialised oral care products such as a diabetes focused toothpaste for the Indian market to launching premium oral care experiences under the Colgate Total brand in Australia. Alongside innovation, he also worked on launch planning, brand strategy and communications for the company’s oral care portfolio.
Earlier in his Colgate-Palmolive journey, Jhaveri held roles including marketing manager innovation, senior brand manager and brand manager. His work spanned urban and rural markets in Mumbai and customer development responsibilities in the Greater Kolkata Area.
Prior to his long association with Colgate-Palmolive, Jhaveri worked as brand officer home care at Unilever, where he helped drive marketing initiatives for the Rin detergent brand, including nationwide relaunch and on ground activation campaigns.
He began his career in advertising with Bates David Enterprise, working on brands such as IDBI Bank, The Leela Hotels and The Times of India.
Jhaveri holds a post graduate programme in management from the Indian School of Business and has also completed a level 4 diploma in wine from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
Announcing the move, Jhaveri said he is excited to begin his new chapter at Colgate-Palmolive’s South Asean hub and thanked colleagues and mentors who supported his journey at Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
