The iconic Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district has reopened for tourists, marking the beginning of another season at one of India's most celebrated natural attractions. Visitors can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site until the first fortnight of October.

Located near Badrinath, the Valley of Flowers is known for its breathtaking landscapes, colourful alpine meadows, and rich variety of floral species. Spread across 87 square kilometres, the national park has attracted nature lovers, trekkers, and botanists from around the world for decades.

The park was granted national park status in 1982 to protect its unique geography, alpine grasslands, and diverse plant life. Its global recognition grew after botanist and mountaineer Frank Smythe visited the region in the early twentieth century and documented its remarkable floral diversity in his book, The Valley of Flowers.

Tourists planning to visit the park can travel from Govind Ghat on the Badrinath National Highway to Pulna by road. From Pulna, visitors undertake an 11-kilometre trek to Ghangharia, which serves as the gateway to the Valley of Flowers. Entry permits are issued at Ghangharia before visitors can access the park.

Officials formally opened the gates to tourists on Monday morning, signalling the start of the annual tourism season. According to Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Abhimanyu, more than 108 tourists visited the Valley of Flowers on the opening day.

The Valley of Flowers National Park is managed by the Nanda Devi National Park Division, which also oversees the nearby Nanda Devi National Park. Both parks form the core areas of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and hold UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

With its stunning natural beauty and seasonal bloom of rare Himalayan flowers, the Valley of Flowers continues to be one of Uttarakhand's most sought-after destinations for nature enthusiasts and adventure travellers alike.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the opening of Taj Hessischer Hof Frankfurt, marking a significant milestone for the brand as it enters Continental Europe for the first time. The launch further strengthens Taj’s international presence and aligns with IHCL’s strategy of expanding into leading global gateway cities.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL, said, “Established in 1903, Taj is a legendary symbol of timeless hospitality. Recognised as World’s Strongest Hotel Brand 2025, it is a unique collection of 150+ hotels across 15 countries offering an unrivalled fusion of Indian hospitality and world-class service. The opening of Taj Hessischer Hof Frankfurt marks Taj’s debut into Continental Europe, in line with our international strategy to grow our presence in key gateway cities of the world. We are delighted to reopen this iconic landmark following its extensive renovations and bringing the warmth of Tajness to Frankfurt.”

Located at one of Frankfurt’s most historic addresses, the 126-key hotel combines heritage charm with contemporary luxury. The property has been extensively renovated and reintroduced with a renewed focus on comfort, elegance, and personalised hospitality.

Guests can enjoy a range of dining experiences, including Bombay Brasserie, known for its authentic and eclectic Bombay and Indian cuisine. The hotel is also home to the iconic Jimmy’s Bar, popular for its live piano performances and signature cocktails, while the Lobby Bar offers a relaxed setting with fine teas, coffees, and pastries throughout the day.

Commenting on the opening, Mr. Simon Lutz, Partner at Peakside Capital and owner of the hotel, said, “We are delighted on the opening of Taj Hessischer Hof. This will be a landmark, bringing together the hotel’s rich legacy with Taj’s world-renowned luxury hospitality to Frankfurt.”

Mr. Boris Schran, Partner at Peakside, added: “We are very pleased that the legendary Hotel Hessischer Hof, with its long tradition as a five-star hotel close to the Frankfurt Exhibition Centre, is now reopening its doors as a Taj Hotel.”

The hotel also features Taj’s signature J Wellness Circle, offering wellness experiences inspired by Ayurveda and focused on balancing the mind, body, and soul. Guests have access to a fully equipped fitness centre, while business and event travellers can make use of three spacious venues designed for meetings, private gatherings, and corporate events.

Adding to its premium offerings, the property houses The Chambers, Taj’s exclusive members-only business club, providing a private space for networking, business interactions, and social engagements.

Mr. Albert Mayr, General Manager, Taj Hessischer Hof Frankfurt, said, “Taj Hessischer Hof draws from its aristocratic provenance which has been thoughtfully reimagined for today’s traveller. We are proud to reintroduce this living legacy blending European heritage with the essence of Indian hospitality and look forward to welcoming our guests.”

Located in Germany’s financial hub, Frankfurt is known for its blend of business, culture, and history. The city is home to attractions such as Römerberg, St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, Palmengarten, and the museums along the River Main, making it an important destination for both leisure and business travellers.

Loya Bar is bringing together music, flavour, and creativity through its distinctive S.P.I.C.E cocktail philosophy. Designed to create a multi-sensory experience, the concept connects food, beverages, and music, transforming cocktails into stories that guests can explore through taste.

The philosophy is built around five musical elements: Scale, Pitch, Instrumentation, Chords, and Expression. Each cocktail on the menu reflects one of these elements, resulting in a collection of drinks that celebrate craftsmanship, innovation, and flavour in equal measure.

One of the standout creations under this philosophy is the Malwa Highball, inspired by the concept of Scale. In music, an octave is formed by eight notes that work together in harmony. Reflecting this idea, the cocktail is crafted using eight carefully selected ingredients that complement one another.

The Malwa Highball combines aged rum, Campari, kinnow cordial, banana-mint seltzer, and fresh mint to create a refreshing and layered drink. Each sip reveals different notes and flavours, offering an experience similar to listening to a carefully composed musical piece.

Another notable cocktail is Kafuli, which draws inspiration from the musical element of Pitch. Just as pitch defines whether a note sounds high and bright or low and deep, this cocktail explores flavour through contrast and depth.

Kafuli is crafted using ghee-washed rum, spinach cordial, and brine, resulting in a savoury and distinctive drink. The cocktail highlights Loya Bar's ingredient-focused approach while delivering a rich and unexpected flavour profile.

Through creations such as the Malwa Highball and Kafuli, Loya Bar continues to push the boundaries of mixology by translating musical concepts into memorable drinking experiences. The S.P.I.C.E philosophy offers guests a fresh perspective on cocktails, where every drink tells a story through flavour, creativity, and craftsmanship.