Author name: vibrant colours

Food, Latest News

Experience the Regal Flavours of Awadh at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre

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Step into a world of royal indulgence at Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, as we present the Lucknow Food Festival from 5th June to 14th June, a specially curated celebration of the rich and refined culinary legacy of Awadhi cuisine. Crafted to bring the authentic essence of Lucknow to the table, this exclusive dinner festival showcases the elegance of royal hospitality, timeless recipes, and traditional cooking techniques that define the cuisine of Awadh. Set against a themed ambiance with live music, the experience promises an unforgettable journey through one of India’s most cherished gastronomic traditions. Indulge in a specially curated spread of signature delicacies featuring Gosht Galouti Kebab, Murgh Gilafi Seekh,Lucknowi Machli Ka Salan, and Nimona, thoughtfully prepared to reflect the depth, richness, and aromatic sophistication of Lucknowi cuisine. This special festival will be led by Samad Khan, Tandoor Specialist, whose professional experience includes roles across reputed hospitality brands such as Radisson Prayagraj, Four Points by Sheraton Kochi, Golden Orchid, and other tandoor-focused kitchens, bringing with him strong expertise in traditional preparation and regional flavours. From heritage food lovers to guests seeking an elevated regional dining experience, the Lucknow Food Festival offers a memorable celebration of flavour, culture, and craftsmanship in a refined setting. Event Details: Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre Date: 5th June – 14th June Dinner Buffet: Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM Price: Rs. 2799++

Latest News, Tourism

Home Ground: How Meghalaya Is Turning Local Families into the Future of Tourism

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When travellers visit a new place, they don’t always look for scenic spots. They look for genuine human connections. For years, Meghalaya has offered that warmth, rooted in its rich culture and deep hospitality. Today, that warmth is driving economic growth. The numbers tell this story clearly. Shillong recently topped Skyscanner’s 2025 Report as the most-searched travel destination in India. It is drawing more visitors than ever under its new tourism identity, Symphony in the Mist. Tourist arrivals have surged from roughly 12 lakhs in 2018 to over 16 lakhs today, and the State has set an ambitious target of 21 lakhs by 2028. In April 2026, NITI Aayog’s Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India report added further weight to this momentum. It identified Meghalaya as one of India’s few year-round travel destinations with no clear off-season. It highlighted the State’s living root bridges, extensive cave systems, and indigenous cultural traditions. The message was clear: Meghalaya is no longer a seasonal stop. It is a destination for all seasons. But recognition alone does not fill a room. As visitor numbers climbed, a serious challenge emerged. Demand was outpacing supply. Many high-potential destinations lacked adequate lodging, and tourist spending went unrealised. The government saw that building massive hotels was not the only answer. Instead, it chose to empower the families who call these hills home. This thinking made the homestay model the cornerstone of Meghalaya’s tourism strategy. The government took the first step in September 2023 by launching the Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme in convergence with the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). The scheme gives financial assistance of up to 70% for projects costing up to ₹10 lakhs. This includes a 35% subsidy under PMEGP and an equal 35% from the State’s Tourism Department, making it accessible to first-time entrepreneurs and rural households. The response was swift. The scheme sanctioned 900 applications. On the ground, more than 490 homestays became operational, creating 1,000 rooms and around 1,500 livelihood opportunities. With this proof of success, the government moved to scale. It launched the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission in September 2025, building on the earlier scheme with greater ambition. The Mission targets 3,000 new homestays and 15,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2028. The support structure improved as well. New homestays can receive a subsidy of up to 70%, capped at ₹7 lakhs. Existing homestays can claim an upgradation incentive of up to ₹2 lakhs to improve quality and visitor experience. Early momentum has been strong, with 80 applications already approved across 10 districts, showing participation from every part of the State. These are not just statistics. For people like Daminot Kharshandi from Ri Bhoi district, a first-generation entrepreneur and scheme beneficiary, this support changed everything. “The Homestay Scheme gave me the financial confidence to launch my business, which I have successfully expanded,” he added. “The State’s Meghalaya Tourism branding policy has also brought more footfalls and revenue.” His story is becoming a familiar one across the region. It shows that the right support, reaching the right people, multiplies. One such story belongs to Donny Esmond Rapsang. His Friendship Homestay at Umden Umsaitprah, Umroi is a story of resilience and community empowerment. Rapsang once moved between multiple small jobs and businesses to support his family. The Government of Meghalaya’s Homestay Scheme opened a new door. With financial assistance of over ₹9 lakh, he began construction in 2023, completed the homestay in 2024, and opened it to the public in 2025. Today, the homestay supports his household and has created opportunities for local youth involved in its construction and operations. His journey, like Daminot’s, shows how tourism-based initiatives can strengthen livelihoods, promote self-employment, and empower rural communities. This wide participation reflects what Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma has consistently emphasised. These initiatives are not isolated interventions. They build an ecosystem where homestay owners, local transport providers, food vendors, and tourist guides all grow together. The State treats smaller homestays as just as vital as large infrastructure, spreading the economic benefits of tourism to the grassroots rather than concentrating them at the top. Nowhere is this philosophy more visible than in the State’s plans for the upcoming 39th National Games, 2027. Meghalaya intends to house visitors in homestays rather than traditional Games Villages, placing local families at the centre of a national stage. As that moment approaches, the homestay revolution tells a bigger story about how Meghalaya is choosing to grow. By giving ordinary people, the tools to succeed, the Government of Meghalaya is doing more than expanding accommodation. It is building something more enduring, a tourism economy where benefits flow directly to the families who have always been its greatest hosts.

Blog

Faith Meets Exploration: SOTC Travel curates a year-round calendar of spiritual journeys across India & beyond

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From Char Dham and Kailash Mansarovar to Rath Yatra, Magh Mela and Holi in Varanasi, travellers are increasingly seeking journeys that blend faith, culture, heritage and immersive experiences Spiritual tourism is witnessing a strong resurgence in India, evolving beyond traditional pilgrimage into a broader travel trend centered around faith, culture, heritage and meaningful experiences. Today’s travellers are increasingly seeking journeys that offer spiritual fulfilment while enabling deeper connections with local traditions, festivals, history and communities. Recognizing this growing demand, SOTC Travel has curated a month-wise calendar of spiritual destinations and pilgrimage circuits across India and neighboring countries, helping travellers plan their journeys around key religious events, pilgrimage seasons and favorable travel periods. The recommendations also highlight opportunities to explore nearby cultural, heritage and scenic attractions, creating a more holistic travel experience. As part of its year-round spiritual travel calendar, SOTC Travel recommends: June ·        Char Dham Yatra (Uttarakhand), Amarnath Yatra (J&K), Kailash Mansarovar, Nepal Muktinath, Jagannath Temple (Puri), Vaishno Devi (J&K) ·        Key festivals/events: Snana Purnima and preparations for Rath Yatra in Puri. ·        Add-on experiences: Haridwar Ganga Aarti, Rishikesh yoga retreats, Konark Sun Temple, Chilika Lake. July ·        Puri-Bhubaneswar, Kailash Mansarovar, Amarnath Yatra, Vaishno Devi, Char Dham ·        Key festivals/events: Rath Yatra (Puri), Guru Purnima celebrations across Nashik, Varanasi and spiritual centres nationwide. ·        Add-on experiences: Odisha temple circuit, Cuttack heritage trail, Varanasi ghats and evening aarti. August ·        Mathura-Vrindavan, Dwarka, Puri, Ujjain, Nashik Trimbakeshwar, Kailash Mansarovar ·        Key festivals/events: Janmashtami, Shravan month pilgrimages, Naga Panchami and Krishna-centric celebrations. ·        Add-on experiences: Govardhan Parikrama, Bet Dwarka, Omkareshwar, Mahakaleshwar Temple. September ·        Madurai-Rameshwaram-Kanyakumari-Trivandrum, Dwarka-Somnath, Malwa Jyotirling Circuit, Tirupati, Srisailam ·        Key festivals/events: Onam (Kerala), Ganesh Chaturthi (Mumbai and Maharashtra) ·        Add-on experiences: Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kovalam, Alleppey backwaters, Diu. October ·        Kashi-Ayodhya-Prayagraj, Gaya, Haridwar, Char Dham, Dwarka-Somnath, Dakshin Bharat Circuit, Tirupati, Shirdi ·        Key festivals/events: Navratri, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Mysuru Dasara, Sharad Purnima, Pitru Paksha rituals in Gaya ·        Add-on experiences: Prayagraj, Sarnath, Mysuru Palace, Hampi and Ahmedabad’s Navratri celebrations. November ·        Ayodhya, Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Pushkar, Dakshin Bharat Circuit, Golden Temple (Amritsar) ·        Key festivals/events: Dev Deepawali (Varanasi), Kartik Purnima, Pushkar Camel Fair, Guru Nanak Jayanti. ·        Add-on experiences: Sarnath, Gaya, Amritsar heritage walk, Rajasthan desert experiences. December ·        Panch Jyotirlinga Circuit, Kashi-Chitrakoot, Sri Lanka Ramayana Trail, Shirdi, Tiruvannamalai ·        Key festivals/events: Karthigai Deepam (Tamil Nadu), Christmas celebrations in Goa, Kerala and Shillong. ·        Add-on experiences: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ram Setu viewpoints, heritage temples of Tamil Nadu. Mr. SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel, said “Spiritual tourism is witnessing strong momentum across India, driven by travellers seeking journeys that offer a deeper sense of meaning, connection and cultural discovery. While pilgrimage remains at the heart of these experiences, spiritual tourism is increasingly becoming a year-round travel consideration, with travellers planning visits around temple circuits, sacred routes, religious festivals and pilgrimage seasons across the country, combining faith with local culture, heritage and immersive exploration. With our Darshans portfolio, we have focused on creating thoughtfully curated spiritual journeys that blend devotion with comfort, convenience and seamless planning. By taking care of travel logistics, accommodation, meals and on-ground assistance, we enable travellers to focus entirely on their spiritual experience. We are witnessing strong demand from senior citizens, families and multigenerational groups, reflecting the growing appeal of spiritual travel as a segment that seamlessly blends faith, culture and discovery.”

Latest News

Adani Airports and Bastian Hospitality Launch Maison Twenty-Seven at Ahmedabad Airport

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Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL) has launched Maison Twenty-Seven, adjoining the arrivals area of Terminal 2 (T2) at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad, in partnership with Bastian Hospitality. Spread across 52,000 square feet, the integrated destination brings together luxury dining, wellness, fitness, recovery, entertainment and curated lifestyle experiences under one roof. Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) has launched Maison Twenty-Seven in partnership with Bastian Hospitality, adjoining the arrivals area of Terminal 2 (T2) at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA). The launch marks another strategic step in AAHL’s vision of transforming airports into integrated lifestyle, hospitality and urban ecosystems that extend beyond conventional transit infrastructure. The launch also follows AAHL’s recent partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts to develop and operate five airport-linked hotels across key Indian cities, further strengthening its vision of building integrated airport ecosystems. For Bastian Hospitality, it marks the group’s boldest expansion yet as it completes a decade of shaping some of India’s most celebrated dining and lifestyle experiences.  Located adjoining Terminal 2 of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and within proximity to GIFT City, Maison Twenty-Seven is envisioned as a first-of-its-kind integrated hospitality, wellness and entertainment destination designed for the future of modern Indian living and travel.  Strategically located within one of India’s fastest-growing aviation and business corridors, Maison Twenty-Seven aligns with the broader transformation of Ahmedabad into a major transit, commerce and lifestyle destination. The project also complements AAHL’s rapidly expanding airport ecosystem and the emergence of GIFT City in adjoining Gandhinagar as a global financial and business hub. The destination also aims to integrate Gujarat’s rich craft and cultural traditions into its larger experience philosophy by creating opportunities for regional artists and artisans to showcase their work within the property. AAHL’s Pranaam service will allow passengers to enjoy the Maison Twenty-Seven without anxiety about boarding the flight. Pranaam service is a guest services platform of AAHL — India’s largest private airport operator — focused on enhancing premium travel, lounge and passenger experiences across its airport network. Spread across 52,000 square feet, Maison Twenty-Seven has been conceptualised as India’s first airport-integrated hospitality and wellness destination, combining dining, wellness, recovery, entertainment and community-led experiences within a single ecosystem. Located directly adjacent to the T2 arrivals area, the destination has been designed for travellers, business professionals, families and residents of Ahmedabad, reflecting the growing shift towards experience-led travel and urban lifestyles. At a time when Gujarat is rapidly emerging as one of India’s most important economic and infrastructure growth corridors, Maison Twenty-Seven has been envisioned to complement the larger growth story surrounding Ahmedabad, GIFT City and the evolving airport ecosystem. More than a venue, the destination has been designed as a landmark hospitality ecosystem – a space that signals the future of experiential travel and lifestyle infrastructure in India.  Housed within a reimagined architectural structure, the destination unfolds through layered experiential environments defined by soaring volumes, sculptural lighting, abundant natural light and lush greenery. Guests enter through intimate low-height spaces that gradually reveal expansive open environments anchored by a striking central tree installation, immersive dining pockets and thoughtfully designed social zones that encourage both pause and interaction.  The culinary philosophy at Maison Twenty-Seven remains deeply rooted in the iconic Bastian DNA while evolving to reflect the needs of a modern transit and wellness-led audience. The destination’s food and beverage program has been designed to seamlessly move across transit meals, business meetings, family dining, late-night indulgence, wellness-focused nutrition and casual coffee moments.  Wellness sits at the heart of the Maison Twenty-Seven experience. The property houses a dedicated wellness center featuring cryotherapy, hot and cold plunge pools, steam and sauna rooms, dry flotation therapies, yoga and sound healing studios, salon experiences and indoor and outdoor fitness spaces positioning the destination as a modern urban retreat focused on restoration, recovery and mindful living.  Maison Twenty-Seven will operate through a reservations and access-led model alongside curated day-pass experiences, enabling guests to engage with its hospitality, wellness and lifestyle offerings in flexible formats. Designed to encourage repeat engagement and community-driven usage, the model reflects a growing consumer shift toward flexible, experience-first living and social ecosystems Further elevating its family-forward philosophy are immersive lifestyle zones including a games arcade, co-working lounge, curated entertainment experiences, expansive indoor-outdoor dining spaces and dedicated areas designed for children and families creating a destination that caters to multiple generations and occasions through the day. The brand aims to keep the vibrant and expansive craft culture of Gujarat integral to its philosophy, by giving regional artists and crafts folk the opportunity to showcase at Maison Twenty-Seven. Special focus has also been placed on Bastian Bakery and the Temptation Room envisioned as everyday celebration-led formats for the city, designed to become synonymous with local occasions, gifting and indulgent experiences.  Speaking on the launch, Mr Ranjit Bindra, Founder, Bastian Hospitality, said: “Maison Twenty-Seven represents an important evolution for Bastian Hospitality as we complete ten years of creating experiential dining and lifestyle destinations in India. We wanted to build a space that responds to how modern consumers increasingly travel, work, recover and connect. Ahmedabad, with the rapid growth around SVPIA and GIFT City, offered the perfect environment for a concept that brings together hospitality, wellness and community in a globally relevant format.” Arun Bansal, CEO, AAHL, said: “At Adani airports, we are reimagining airports as dynamic lifestyle and social ecosystems that extend far beyond travel. Maison Twenty-Seven reflects our commitment to creating experiences that are immersive, future-ready and rooted in evolving consumer aspirations. From hospitality and wellness to dining and community spaces, every aspect of the destination has been shaped through a deeply hands-on approach to how modern travellers and urban consumers want to engage, pause and connect. As Ahmedabad and GIFT City continue to emerge as globally significant growth hubs, we believe destinations like Maison Twenty-Seven will redefine the role airports play in shaping urban experiences.” Actor, entrepreneur, wellness advocate and co-founder of Bastian Hospitality Shilpa Shetty said: “Wellness today is no longer limited to fitness. It shapes how people travel, recharge, spend time with family and build meaningful everyday experiences. What makes Maison Twenty-Seven special is the way it brings together recovery, hospitality,

Blog

AIR INDIA EXPRESS LAUNCHES XPRESS SALE WITH 5 MILLION SEATS ON OFFER

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Bookings open from 27–31 May 2026, offering up to 50% savings on domestic and international flights, along with an additional 20% discount on seat selection and pre-booked meals. Air India Express announces the launch of its ‘Xpress Sale,’ offering 5 million seats with savings of up to 50% on Lite (Zero Check-in Baggage) and Value fares across its domestic and international network. The sale is open for bookings from 27 May to 31 May 2026, for travel between 15 June to 10 October 2026. The airline is providing exclusive early access on its website, airindiaexpress.com, and mobile app on 27 May, before the sale opens across all major booking platforms from 28 May. Air India Express offers Zero Convenience Fees for all bookings made on its official website and app during this sale. The ‘Xpress Sale’ offers logged-in Tata Neupass members 20% off Business Class fares, which feature best-in-class legroom, complimentary ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, extra check-in baggage allowance and ‘Xpress Ahead’ priority services. Tata NeuPass members can also unlock an additional discount of up to ₹300 on flight bookings and earn up to 8% NeuCoins. Members can also benefit from up to 30% off ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, standard and prime seat selection, and excess baggage options such as 10 kg Xcess Check-In and 3 kg Xtra Carry-On. The airline continues to provide specialised discounted fares and benefits for students, senior citizens, members of the armed forces (serving and retired) and their dependents. Through its recently launched campaign, ‘Xpress Wali Baat Hai’, featuring actor Pankaj Tripathi, Air India Express highlights the airline’s signature experience, including comfortable seating, ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, warm Indian hospitality, and a growing network that enhances connectivity across domestic and international destinations.

Food, Latest News

Finland in the Skies: Finnair Launches Its Summer 2026 Onboard Menu

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From 20 May to 20 October 2026, Finnair introduces a refreshed onboard dining experience inspired by the flavours of the Finnish summer.  Rooted in Nordic simplicity and seasonal ingredients, the menus draw inspiration from two distinctly Finnish summer notes: the brightness of fresh strawberries and the depth of delicately smoked notes, reimagined across all travel classes. With direct connectivity between Helsinki and Delhi, Indian travellers can seamlessly access Finnair’s new onboard dining experience as part of their journey to Northern Europe and beyond. Long-haul Business Class: Finnish flavours with destination-inspired touches For long-haul Business Class passengers departing from Helsinki, the onboard dining experience has been thoughtfully elevated to reflect the clean, balanced flavours of Finnish cuisine. Starters spotlight ingredients from the Nordic pantry, including salmon pastrami with sour milk sauce and cauliflower, or marinated whitefish paired with sour cream potato salad and dill mayonnaise, depending on the route. A vibrant tomato broth with cream cheese, crushed peas, strawberries and jalapeño oil is served across all flights, offering a fresh and contemporary interpretation of Finnish summer flavours. Main courses continue the seasonal narrative alongside destination-inspired dishes that nod to local culinary traditions. Desserts include strawberry cake with rhubarb compote or chocolate cake with pistachio crème, complemented by a curated cheese selection served with fig compote. Finnair’s refreshed Business Class wine programme has been curated to complement the summer menu, featuring labels from across Europe. However, the most distinctive offering, however, is Finland’s own Ainoa Kaste, a lightly sparkling dessert wine crafted from lingonberry, honey and meadowsweet, capturing the character of a Finnish summer forest in every glass. Premium Economy and Economy: lighter, brighter seasonal dining The seasonal refresh extends across Premium Economy and Economy cabins, where menus have been designed with lighter sauces, fresher flavours and comforting favourites inspired by the Nordic summer. Premium Economy passengers can enjoy dishes such as chicken with shiitake mushrooms in Chikuzen sauce or linguine with prawns in Choron sauce, alongside a complimentary selection of hot, cold and alcoholic beverages throughout the flight. In Economy Class on long-haul routes, passengers are served a hot meal with non-alcoholic beverages and one complimentary alcoholic drink, with a second light meal offered on longer journeys. Additional snacks and refreshments can also be conveniently ordered through Finnair’s inflight entertainment system. European flights: expanded pre-order and onboard selections On European flights, Business Class passengers can pre-select from five main course options on day and evening services, spanning chicken, seafood and vegetarian dishes, paired with the airline’s refreshed summer wine selection. Economy Class travellers will also find an expanded onboard sales and pre-order menu, featuring new additions such as Asian chicken noodles, creamy pesto pasta, tomato and spinach lasagna, and green chicken curry on selected routes. Pre-order options range from the Northern Choice rye sandwich with cold-smoked salmon to Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian sandwiches with feta and hummus. Finnair’s signature blueberry juice or water continues to be offered complimentary on all flights except the shortest routes. Families travelling with children can also opt for the Kid’s Choice meal, which includes a turkey and cheese sandwich, juice, Moomin candy and an activity kit, a thoughtful touch designed to make flying easier for younger passengers. Designed around the journey Finnair’s onboard dining programme is carefully tailored according to route, flight duration and departure timing. On select overnight Asian routes, including Hong Kong, Singapore and Osaka, passengers are first served a lighter meal followed by a brunch service later in the flight, a format mirrored across Premium Economy and Economy cabins.

Resorts, Latest News

JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa Appoints Ershad Mullick as Executive Assistant Manager, Food & Beverages

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 JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Ershad Mullick as the Executive Assistant Manager, Food & Beverages. With over 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality and food and beverage operations, Ershad brings extensive expertise in restaurant management, guest experience enhancement, revenue growth, and operational excellence. Prior to joining JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, Ershad served as Director of Food & Beverage at Park Hyatt Chennai, where he led the hotel’s overall food and beverage operations, focusing on strategic growth, innovative beverage programming, operational efficiencies, and elevated guest experiences. Over the years, he has held leadership roles with renowned hospitality brands including Hyatt Regency Kolkata, ANDAZ Delhi, Hyatt Hotels and few others. His expertise spans restaurant operations, banquets, beverage strategy, team leadership, and creating distinctive dining experiences. In his new role, Ershad will oversee the resort’s food and beverage operations across its dining venues and banquet spaces, with a focus on enhancing service standards, driving innovation, and curating memorable culinary experiences for guests. Speaking on the appointment, Ronan Fearon, General Manager, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, said, “We are delighted to welcome Ershad to the team. His strong operational expertise, leadership approach, and passion for creating exceptional guest experiences make him a valuable addition to the resort. We look forward to his contributions in further elevating our food and beverage offerings and strengthening the culinary positioning of the property.” Ershad holds a degree in Hospitality Management from the International Institute of Hotel Management and is known for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to operational excellence.

Events, Latest News

Culinary Tribute at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre for Telangana Formation Day

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Mark the occasion of Telangana Formation Day with an elegant and immersive dining experience at Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, as we honour the rich legacy, cultural vibrance, and remarkable journey of the state on 1st and 2nd June. Experience the ‘Telangana Formation Day Dinner Buffet’, a thoughtfully curated celebration of authentic regional flavours, crafted to showcase the warmth, diversity, and culinary richness of Telangana. Set against a themed ambiance with live music and festive touches, the evening promises a memorable blend of tradition and sophistication. Delight in a specially prepared selection of signature Telangana favourites, featuring Chicken 65, Apollo fish fry, Masala Vada, Gongura mamasam, Chepla pulusu, Natu kodi kura, Munakaya Jedipappu & Gutti Vankaya Kura each dish inspired by the region’s timeless culinary heritage and presented with distinctive flair. Conclude your dining experience on a sweet note with traditional desserts such as Bobbattlu, Putharekulu & Belam paysam, offering a perfect finish to an indulgent celebration. Whether you are a connoisseur of regional cuisine or looking to discover the essence of Telangana through its flavours, this exclusive dining experience offers a wonderful opportunity to savour the spirit of the state in a truly elevated setting. Event Details: Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre Date: 1st June – 2nd June Dinner Buffet: Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM Price: 2499 + taxes ( 2949 AI)

Blog

Cordelia Cruises Returns to Chennai for Its 5th Season with Sailings Across India, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia

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Cordelia Cruises, India’s premium cruise line, is set to return to Chennai for its 5th cruising season in 2026, further strengthening the city’s position as one of India’s key cruise gateways. The Cordelia Empress will make its first call in Chennai on 20th June 2026, with sailings scheduled through the end of August. The upcoming season will feature a diverse mix of domestic and international itineraries ranging from 2 to 10 nights, including sailings to Visakhapatnam, Puducherry, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. Over the last few years, Chennai has steadily emerged as an important homeport for cruise tourism in India, offering travellers easier access to cruise holidays across both coastal and international destinations. 2026 Chennai Season Highlights The 2026 season will include multiple itineraries departing from Chennai, including: 10-Night Southeast Asia Cruise (International) Chennai – Phuket – Langkawi – Kuala Lumpur – Singapore Departs: July 18  5-Night Sri Lanka Cruise (International) Chennai – Hambantota – Trincomalee – Jaffna – Chennai Departs: August 10, 17   3-Night Sri Lanka Cruise (International) Chennai – Trincomalee – Chennai Departs: August 7 Closer to Home: Domestic Itineraries from Chennai 5-Night Visakhapatnam & Puducherry Cruise Chennai – Visakhapatnam – Puducherry – Chennai Departs: June 22, 29, July 6, 13 2-Night Weekend Cruises Chennai – At Sea – Chennai Departs: June 20, 27, July 4, 11, Aug 15, 22   5-Night Grand Westbound Sailing Chennai – Kochi – Mumbai Departs: August 24 The deployment offers travellers a combination of short getaways, regional sailings, and longer international vacations, all from a single departure point. Extended 13-Night Cruise to Southeast Asia For travellers looking to plan a longer holiday, Cordelia Cruises also offers the option to combine two back-to-back sailings into a 13-night cruise from Visakhapatnam to Singapore. The itinerary includes: 3-Night One-Way: Visakhapatnam – Puducherry – Chennai (July 15–18, 2026) 10-Night Southeast Asia Cruise: Chennai – Phuket – Langkawi – Kuala Lumpur – Singapore (July 18–28, 2026) This extended routing allows travellers to begin their journey from Visakhapatnam and continue onward to Southeast Asia within a single, seamless cruise plan. A Growing Preference for Cruise Holidays Cruise vacations continue to see increasing interest among Indian travellers looking for well-planned, all-in-one holiday experiences. By combining accommodation, dining, entertainment, and travel into one format, cruising offers a convenient option for families, couples, and groups travelling together. “Chennai has become an important part of India’s cruise story and we are excited to return for our 5th season with a wider mix of itineraries and experiences for Indian travellers. What makes this deployment particularly exciting is the variety it offers, from short coastal getaways to longer international sailings across Southeast Asia. We are also seeing growing interest from families and groups looking for holidays that are easy to plan and bring multiple experiences together within a single journey. As cruise travel continues to grow in India, Chennai is steadily strengthening its position as a gateway for both domestic and international cruising,” said Jurgen Bailom, President & CEO of Cordelia Cruises. Ship Snapshot: Cordelia Empress Onboard the Empress, every day feels like a new destination. With all-inclusive dining, serene spa treatments, Broadway-style entertainment, games for kids and grown-ups alike, and sea views that go on forever — you don’t have to plan every detail. You simply step on, and let the journey unfold. Length: 692 ft | Gross Tonnage: 48,563 tons Decks: 11 Staterooms: 796 cabins across 5 categories Capacity: 1,592 guests (double occupancy); up to 1,950 guests (including triple and quadruple sharing) Onboard Highlights 4 dining venues 9 bars & lounges Live entertainment & shows Rock climbing wall & gaming arcade Casino & retail outlets Ocean-view spa & wellness areas

Resorts, Latest News

Slow Travel, Shorter Journeys: The Summer Escape Shift Defining 2026

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In 2026, luxury travel is becoming more intentional, with travellers increasingly choosing shorter, slower, and more meaningful escapes over long, exhaustive holidays. The focus is shifting from covering multiple destinations to experiencing a place more deeply, whether through wellness, nature, culture, or simple moments of pause. From restorative retreats nestled in the mountains to heritage stays steeped in local storytelling, these short-haul getaways offer the luxury of ease, accessibility, and emotional connection. As travellers prioritise balance, flexibility, and mindful living, the rise of closer-to-home escapes is redefining what modern summer travel looks like. Culture-Led Escape – Close to Home voco Amritsar Set in the heart of one of India’s most culturally rich cities, voco Amritsar offers travellers a short haul escape that blends heritage, comfort, and immersive local experiences. Located close to the Golden Temple and the city’s historic old lanes, voco Amritsar features 139 contemporary rooms designed for a relaxed and comfortable stay. Guests can also unwind over leisurely meals at Saffron – all day dining, sundowners and rooftop evenings at Plum Lounge, or rejuvenating wellness experiences at Tattva Spa. Through thoughtfully curated experiences including heritage walks, local dining, and cultural discovery, voco Amritsar reflects the growing shift towards slower, experience-led getaways, that feel both restorative and deeply connected to place. Heritage & Wellness Escapes – Slow Living in Regal Surroundings Six Senses Fort Barwara Set within a restored 14th-century fort in Rajasthan, Six Senses Fort Barwara offers a slower, more intentional style of escape shaped by heritage, wellness, and a strong sense of place. Within easy reach of major North Indian cities, the retreat brings together royal history, holistic wellness experiences, locally inspired cuisine, and the quiet serenity of the fort’s surroundings. From unhurried mornings overlooking the Aravallis to restorative spa rituals and immersive cultural experiences, the property reflects the growing shift toward travel that feels restorative, personal, and deeply connected to its destination. Wellness Retreats – Reset, Rebalance, Restore Six Senses Vana As wellness continues to define modern travel, short-haul retreats are increasingly becoming spaces for genuine reset. Nestled within Dehradun’s sal forests, Six Senses Vana offers personalised wellness journeys rooted in holistic healing, mindfulness, and ancient therapies. With its deeply immersive approach to wellbeing, the retreat reflects a growing preference for purpose-driven escapes where rest, balance, and inner wellbeing take precedence over packed itineraries. Nature-Led Escapes – Into the Wild, Without the Distance Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa Set between the Malani Hills and the tranquil Kosi River, Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa offers a slower, more restorative escape from the pace of city life. Just a few hours from Delhi NCR, the resort brings together wild landscapes, sunrise safaris, riverside trails, Ayurvedic therapies at Quan Spa, Kumaoni flavours at The Corbett Kitchen, and nature-inspired cocktails at Sal Bar. Whether travelling solo, with friends, or family, it’s an ideal setting for a mindful summer getaway immersed in nature. Familiar Favourites – Comfort in the Known Holiday Inn Resort Goa In an era of uncertainty and fast-paced lives, travellers are returning to destinations that feel familiar yet indulgent. Goa continues to lead this sentiment, with trusted stays offering comfort, accessibility, and ease. Holiday Inn Resort Goa embodies this shift, where repeat visits are less about novelty and more about effortless relaxation and rediscovering joy in the familiar.

Vibrant Colours is an Indian registered publication catering to the travel, tourism, embassy and hospitality sector. The magazine is published under the global publication group  Prime Communication from New Delhi, India. Launched in 2019, the magazine was conceived with a vision to serve and celebrate the ever-growing travel trade and tourism industry across India and beyond.

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