Abhay Prabhavana: India’s Museum of Ideas Redefines the Museum Experience

Abhay Prabhavana: India’s Museum of Ideas Redefines the Museum Experience

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 17, 2025

As the world reflects on the role of museums this International Museum Day, one unique destination in India is shifting the narrative from artefacts to ideas. Abhay Prabhavana, envisioned by Dr. Abhay Firodia and developed by the Amar Prerana Trust, stands out as India’s pioneering Museum of Ideas — a space where timeless civilisational values and forward-looking thought converge in harmony.

Located on a vast 50-acre campus near the historic Pale Caves in Maharashtra, Abhay Prabhavana isn't just one of the largest private museums in the world — it’s also one of the most thoughtfully curated. Spanning 3.5 lakh square feet, the museum’s real strength lies in its vision: to honour and celebrate Indian values like non-violence, ethics, education, compassion, and spiritual inquiry through immersive storytelling and intelligent design.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Abhay Firodia, industrialist and founder of the museum, shared,

"India's greatest heritage is the power of its values. Our aim was to build a space where these values are experienced in all their depth, not simply observed. Abhay Prabhavana is a place where knowledge, aesthetics, and spirit come together to offer inspiration for generations to come."

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At the heart of the museum are thirty immersive galleries — each offering a reflective experience through sculptures, dioramas, digital installations, and interactive narratives. Visitors are encouraged to contemplate themes such as inner awakening, plurality, and self-restraint, all presented with sensitivity and subtlety. Here, technology enhances the message rather than overpowering it, ensuring an enriching and balanced experience.

The museum’s architectural marvels are no less evocative. The 100-foot Manastambh symbolises the stages of spiritual evolution, while the serene 43-foot statue of Rishabhdev — the first Tirthankara — pays tribute to the foundational ethos of Indian civilisation. The Plaza of Equanimity, centred around the Sarvatobhadra sculpture, offers a quiet space for introspection, embodying the museum’s meditative spirit.

But Abhay Prabhavana is more than a museum — it’s a living knowledge centre. Facilities such as the Kundanmal Firodia Auditorium and the Taxila Library serve as platforms for learning, dialogue, and cultural engagement. With lectures, exhibitions, and research initiatives, the museum bridges the past and future through active scholarship and community interaction.

As museums globally evolve into more meaningful and experiential spaces, Abhay Prabhavana leads the way with conviction. It redefines the idea of a museum by placing ideals at its core — values that shaped a civilisation and continue to inspire the world.

On this International Museum Day, Abhay Prabhavana stands tall — not just as a keeper of heritage, but as a lighthouse of thought and timeless wisdom.


IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has launched direct flights between Delhi and Manchester, starting 15th November 2025. This follows the airline’s successful first long-haul route connecting Mumbai to Manchester earlier this year.

The new 5x weekly service is operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. The plane offers a two-class cabin with 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 Economy Class seats, ensuring comfort for long-haul travellers.

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), one of India’s top global gateways, now hosts IndiGo’s long-haul operations from the capital. On the UK side, Manchester Airport serves as a key hub, providing easy connections to Northern English cities including Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

By linking Delhi and Manchester, IndiGo aims to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between India and the UK, making international travel faster and more convenient.

Flight Schedule (Effective 15 November 2025)

Delhi to Manchester

  • Flight No.: 6E 0033

  • Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday

  • Departure: 04:05 (local time)

  • Arrival: 09:30 (local time)

Manchester to Delhi

  • Flight No.: 6E 0034

  • Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

  • Departure: 11:15 (local time)

  • Arrival: 02:10 (+1, next day)

Note: All timings are in local time zones; +1 indicates arrival the next day.

About IndiGo
IndiGo is India’s preferred carrier and one of the fastest-growing airlines globally. Focused on affordability, punctuality, and hassle-free travel, the airline operates 2,300+ daily flights across 90+ domestic and 40+ international destinations. With a fleet of over 400 aircraft, IndiGo inducted 58 aircraft in 2024 and served 118 million passengers in FY25. It was also named ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ by Skytrax at the 2025 World Airline Awards.

For more details, visit www.goindigo.in or download the IndiGo mobile app.


Cox & Kings Unveils ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ as Indians Choose Offbeat Winter Destinations

Cox & Kings Unveils ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ as Indians Choose Offbeat Winter Destinations

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

As Europe settles into its most scenic season, Indian travellers are increasingly looking beyond the usual winter hotspots. This year, Central and Eastern Europe have become strong favourites, leading Cox & Kings to introduce its new ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ collection. The series focuses on handpicked journeys through quieter, cultural, and lesser-explored regions, offering an intimate view of Europe away from the typical tourist trails.

Booking patterns show a clear trend: places like Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria are seeing higher demand among Indian travellers. These destinations offer a mix of heritage, calm winter beauty, and good value. From snow-covered old towns to peaceful mountains and festive markets without long queues, the region appeals to travellers seeking a more soulful winter holiday.

The new itineraries, ‘Eastern Wonders: A Winter Tale’, ‘Essence of Europe: Winter Journey’, and ‘Passionate Europe: A Winter Tale’, have been curated to highlight the slower and more immersive side of Europe. While winter does bring affordability with airfares and stays dropping up to 40% across Europe between November and March, Cox & Kings says the real focus is on meaningful experiences rather than seasonal discounts.

"There's a kind of quiet grandeur to Europe in winter especially in the regions that aren't yet overrun by tourism," says Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings. "Our Winter Tales itineraries bring that to life for travellers who want to go beyond the obvious and experience Europe as it truly feels to locals."

The Winter Tales series is open to a wide range of travellers: families looking for festive breaks, honeymooners, solo travellers joining group departures, senior explorers, and all-women groups under Cox & Kings’ Group Inclusive Tours (GIT) format. There is also flexibility for travellers who prefer independent travel, as the itineraries can be customised. Bookings for these journeys remain open until mid-March 2026.

About Cox & Kings
Cox & Kings is the world’s first and one of the most iconic travel houses, with a legacy of over 260 years. Established in 1758, it has been a pioneer in global travel across leisure, business, and specialised segments. Known for its deep expertise and curated experiences, the brand continues to guide generations of travellers with a blend of tradition, innovation, and customer-first hospitality.


Andaman Tourism to Host ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15

Andaman Tourism to Host ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15

By MAnu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 16, 2025

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands government is set to host an ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15, aiming to promote eco-adventure tourism and encourage local youth participation. Organised by the Tourism Department with support from the Environment and Forests Department and MY Bharat, the event highlights the islands’ natural beauty and historical legacy.

A tourism department official stated that the festival seeks to inspire youth to take up eco-guiding and adventure guiding as viable paths for self-employment, aligning with the administration’s vision of sustainable tourism development. Participation will be limited to 50 individuals, including local youth, trekking enthusiasts, tour operators, and tourists. The first 50 registered participants will be selected for the trek, and all will receive participation certificates from the Tourism Department.

Mount Manipur, formerly known as Mount Harriet, is the third-highest peak in the Andaman archipelago and one of its most scenic and historically significant trekking routes. The site carries deep historical importance, following the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, Maharaja Kulachandra Singh and 22 freedom fighters were exiled to the Andaman Islands.

To honour their bravery, Union Home Minister Amit Shah renamed Mount Harriet as Mount Manipur during his 2021 visit to the islands. In recognition of this history, the Tourism Department chose the location as the venue for the Island Trekking Festival, merging adventure with remembrance.

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