Uber’s data reflects a sharp increase in the number of Indians using the ridesharing app abroad during 2023, with the number of overseas travelers being second only to Americans. During the ongoing summer travel season, Indians are expected to surpass records set in the previous years.

The number of Indians traveling abroad has seen a marked jump over the past two years, with almost a million of them using their trusted ridesharing app overseas during the year gone by.

As per the data, Indians traveled to close to 1,000 cities across 68 countries over the year. While the number of cities they explored increased significantly, most Uber-ed countries stayed the same – The United States, The United Kingdom, and Canada.

Summer holidays appear to be the most popular travel time for Indians to travel abroad as schools and colleges go into a break, giving families more time to spend together. The most popular month for overseas travel in 2023 was May, compared to June in 2022.

Commenting on the trend, Prabhjeet Singh, President, of Uber India and South Asia said, “Indians have been breaking all travel records over the past couple of years, and it’s heartwarming to see how Uber continues to be their trusted last-mile partner in these travels. Be it the familiarity when landing at an airport in a new city, or the safety when riding late at night, it’s a huge mark of trust for us to see Indians book an Uber for their overseas travels.”

While overseas, Indians traveled 25% longer distances in Ubers on average compared to their trips in India, and tried as many as 21 different products across countries, including Comfort Electric which are premium EVs, Multimodal Transit – an option that includes mass-transit modes such as trains) and most ubiquitous UberX option among others.

A lot of the countries Indians traveled to operate peer-to-peer ridesharing, letting people use their vehicles to give Uber rides, supporting the gig economy in its truest form. That perhaps explains a range of luxury vehicle Uber rides for Indians while traveling abroad in 2023 including:

• Porsche Cayenne     
• Jaguar F PACE         
• Range Rover Sport   
• Mercedes S450        
• BMW 740i M Sport   
• Lincoln Navigator              

Apart from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, Indians also had some premium EVs show up when they booked Uber rides abroad. Some of them were:

• Jaguar I PACE
• Audi e-tron Sportback        
• Mercedes EQE 500   
• Ford F150 Lightning  

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CFAR protection is becoming increasingly popular among consumers and online travel agencies (OTAs) as it provides a seamless experience that eliminates paperwork when making any refund request. Additionally, OTAs, remove the need for insurance licensing. The recent survey conducted by Momentive.ai, commissioned by Cover Genius, revealed that 13% of Indian travelers who made a claim for pandemic-related reasons were not covered despite purchasing travel insurance for pandemic protection. Furthermore, 32% of Indian travelers would prefer to buy protection from embedded sources like their travel provider, agent, or airline, rather than traditional insurance sources such as credit cards.

Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, said, “With an increase in demand for domestic and international travel, Cover Genius has the global expertise we needed to curate tailor-made protection, backed by AI, that offers customers seamless experiences and flexibility. CFAR is a one-of-a-kind solution that will assure our customers in unforeseen circumstances.” Barney Pierce, SVP, of Strategic Partnerships, APAC for Cover Genius, added, “We are excited to partner with EaseMyTrip and offer its customers innovative and bespoke products that are dynamically priced and easily accessible.”

The partnership between EaseMyTrip and Cover Genius will provide customers with flexible travel protection that covers all manner of uncertainties and ‘what-ifs.’ The AI-backed pricing and end-to-end customer experience provided by Cover Genius’ XCover platform will offer customers the comfort and flexibility to change their travel plans without repercussions.

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Escape to the mesmerizing landscapes of Lonavala, where heavenly hotels await to embrace you with warm hospitality and awe-inspiring vistas. Indulge in the serenity of nature and the luxurious comforts of Lonavala hotels, creating unforgettable memories that will forever hold a special place in your heart. Visitors to Lonavala can find a variety of accommodation options that cater to adrenaline junkies, families, and individuals of all age groups seeking fun-filled days. With their convenient locations and comfortable amenities, these hotels serve as the perfect base for enjoying thrilling experiences like ziplining, ATV rides, water slides, roller coasters, and more. Nestled in this captivating destination, these accommodations ensure that your stay is nothing short of memorable, whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure enthusiast.

Historical and Cultural Attractions

Near places, you will find several historical and cultural attractions showcasing the region’s rich heritage. One of the main sites is Visapur Fort, a hilltop fortress with a fascinating history. Constructed during the 1700s, the fort’s design highlights the impressive workmanship of skilled builders. For those who enjoy hiking, an exhilarating adventure awaits to access the fortress, and stunning vistas of nearby valleys and mountains await as a reward. Investigating its ancient caverns, reservoirs, and dilapidated remains provides a window into its magnificent historical background.

The Bhaja Caves, situated in Lonavala, is a great tourist spot. These rock-cut caves from the ancient Buddhist era fascinate visitors with their serene and calming ambiance dating back to 200 BC. The intricate carvings, pillars, and stupas found inside offer an insight into the lifestyle of Buddhist monks during that period. While exploring these architectural marvels, tourists can experience the rich cultural heritage alongside the spiritual tranquility which characterizes this place even today.

Natural Wonders

Lonavala is blessed with abundant natural wonders showcasing the region’s breathtaking beauty. One such marvel is Rajmachi Point, a popular viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills. Trekking enthusiasts can embark on adventurous trails to reach this point and are rewarded with lush greenery and cascading waterfalls. The serene atmosphere and the refreshing cool breeze make Rajmachi Point an ideal spot for nature lovers seeking tranquility.

Another natural wonder that leaves visitors in awe is Tiger’s Leap. This unique cliff formation resembles a tiger leaping into the valley, giving it its name. Tiger’s Leap’s view is mesmerizing, with a deep valley on one side and a lush green landscape on the other. This picturesque spot is a paradise for photographers, providing ample opportunities to capture the stunning vista. Visitors can also indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities like valley crossing and rappelling to make their experience even more thrilling.

Natural Wonders

Lonavala is not just a destination for natural beauty and historical charm; it also offers an array of adventure and amusement parks that promise excitement and entertainment for visitors of all ages. One of the prominent parks in the area is Della Adventure Park. Della Adventure Park, widely acknowledged for its fame, grants an exhilarating encounter with activities like ziplining, rappelling, rock climbing, and ATV rides. It avails a risk-free environment where thrill seekers can challenge their boundaries to revel in adrenaline-boosting adventures. Irrespective of age or inclination, anyone who visits the park is guaranteed a day full of action-packed entertainment that they will forever cherish in memory.

Adventure and Amusement Parks

Lonavala not only captivates visitors with its natural wonders and thrilling attractions but also tantalizes their taste buds with its local delicacies and offers a vibrant shopping experience. The Chikki Market is a must-visit destination, where one can explore a wide array of chikkis, a traditional sweet snack made from jaggery and nuts. From classic flavors like peanut and sesame to innovative combinations like chocolate and dry fruits, the Chikki Market presents a delightful opportunity to indulge in this local specialty and bring home some delicious souvenirs.

Regarding local cuisine, Lonavala offers a tempting spread of Maharashtrian delicacies. Sample the iconic vada pav, a spicy potato fritter sandwich, or savor the deep-fried bhajiyas made from assorted vegetables. Treat your taste buds to the fiery and flavorful misal pav, a sprouted lentil curry served with bread rolls, or relish the diverse flavors of a traditional Maharashtrian thali featuring an assortment of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Lonavala’s restaurants, eateries, and street food stalls are abundant with these mouthwatering delights, ensuring a gastronomic adventure for every visitor.

Festivals and Events

Lonavala is a place that bursts with vitality during its lively festivals and events. Among the noteworthy festivities is Ganesh Chaturthi, when Lonavala’s streets turn into a spectacular display of liveliness and hues. Artfully designed idols of Lord Ganesha are worshipped with great intensity while captivating parades fill the air with music, dance, and delight. The vivacious ambiance, blended with colorful embellishments and cultural performances, produces an engaging opportunity for tourists to partake in local customs and merriments.

Another noteworthy event in Lonavala is Bhairavnath Jayanti, a celebration dedicated to Lord Bhairavnath. Devotees from near and far gather at the Bhairavnath Temple to pay homage to the deity and seek blessings. The temple is adorned with vibrant flowers and lights, and religious rituals are performed throughout the day. This event offers a glimpse into the region’s religious fervor and cultural heritage, allowing visitors to witness the devotion and spiritual significance of Bhairavnath Jayanti.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lonavala is a captivating destination that offers visitors an array of options from its diverse attractions and experiences. Indulge in the serenity of nature while basking in the luxurious comforts of Lonavala hotels, creating unforgettable memories that will forever hold a special place in your heart. Lonavala has something for everyone, whether you’re a nature lover seeking breathtaking views, an adventure enthusiast looking for thrilling activities, a foodie craving local delicacies, or a culture enthusiast interested in festivals and events. With its historical and cultural landmarks, natural wonders, adventure parks, culinary delights, shopping opportunities, and festive celebrations, these hotels provide the perfect base for exploring and indulging in all these enchanting destination offers.

The historical forts, ancient caves, and beautiful temples provide glimpses into the region’s rich heritage and architectural marvels. The natural wonders, including scenic viewpoints, cascading waterfalls, and serene lakes, offer a tranquil escape into the lap of nature. Adventure and amusement parks provide excitement and entertainment, while the local delicacies and vibrant shopping scenes allow for a sensory exploration of the region’s flavors and craftsmanship.

Photo by Alina Skazka: https://www.pexels.com/photo/bushes-on-rocky-hill-16563300/

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