Araiya Launches Two Luxury Anthology Properties in Uttarakhand in Partnership with Aalia Collection

Araiya Launches Two Luxury Anthology Properties in Uttarakhand in Partnership with Aalia Collection

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 12, 2025

Araiya Hotels & Resorts, a boutique name in Indian luxury hospitality, has announced the launch of two new signature properties in Uttarakhand under its Anthology collection, in partnership with Aalia Collection. The newly unveiled retreats, Kinwani House and Aalia Jungle Retreat & Spa, offer an exclusive blend of serene luxury, heritage charm, and immersive nature experiences.

“We are thrilled to unveil Kinwani House and Aalia Jungle Retreat & Spa—two signature properties under our Anthology portfolio that embody the essence of refined Indian hospitality and immersive luxury. These destinations offer our guests the rare opportunity to reconnect with nature in sophisticated comfort,” shared Amruda Nair, Founder & Director of Araiya Hotels & Resorts.

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Kinwani House, located in the historic town of Narendra Nagar, was once part of the princely state of Tehri Garhwal. Blending regal heritage with modern sophistication, the boutique property features six opulent suites with panoramic Himalayan views, a temperature-controlled pool, and intimate lounges including a conservatory bar. Situated along the sacred 79° East longitude, Kinwani House holds spiritual significance, as it aligns with twelve revered Shiva temples across India.

Menaka Kumari, Princess of Tehri-Garhwal and owner of Kinwani House, shared, “Kinwani House holds an extremely special place in my heart… expertly restored with new improvements by my husband Aditya Paul Lakhanpal. I am confident Araiya, under the leadership of Amruda Nair, she herself no stranger to legacy will enhance Kinwani House further & beyond.”

Just a few hours away lies Aalia Jungle Retreat & Spa, a peaceful wilderness resort near the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, offering a luxury escape surrounded by mustard fields, mango orchards, and pristine Himalayan forest.

“The Aalia Jungle Retreat was conceived as a sanctuary of tranquility and natural beauty,” said Aditya Paul Lakhanpal, Managing Director of JPL Hospitality Services Pvt Ltd. “To preserve the ecological balance, we opted for campaign-style luxury tents and minimal brickwork, allowing guests to reconnect with nature in its purest form.”

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The resort features 11 colonial-style tents that blend vintage aesthetics with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy personalized safaris into Rajaji National Park, indulge in globally inspired dining, or unwind in tranquil forest surroundings, all while staying in close touch with nature.

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With the addition of these two unique destinations, Araiya continues to redefine luxury hospitality by offering personalized, place-rooted experiences. The brand’s partnership with Aalia Collection reflects a shared commitment to heritage preservation, ecological mindfulness, and understated luxury.

About Araiya Hotels & Resorts:

Araiya Hotels & Resorts is a boutique hospitality company transforming guest experiences through a combination of smart design, operational excellence, and tech-enabled solutions. With a growing portfolio across India, Araiya operates four unique brands: Araiya Hotels, Soul by Araiya, Éssence by Araiya, and Araiya Anthology, delivering personalized service and value-driven operations.


Ghazal & Sufi Evening at Eternal Oasis: A Soulful Musical Soirée to Close the Year

Ghazal & Sufi Evening at Eternal Oasis: A Soulful Musical Soirée to Close the Year

By Author

Published on December 27, 2025

End the year on a serene and reflective note with a Ghazal & Sufi Musical Soirée at Eternal Oasis, Gurugram. Curated as an intimate cultural gathering, the evening invites audiences to immerse themselves in evocative melodies, poetic expressions, and the timeless calm of Ghazal and Sufi music—creating a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the essence of the year gone by.

Set within the tranquil surroundings of Eternal Oasis, a centre dedicated to arts, culture, inner well-being, and spiritual growth, the soirée promises a deeply enriching experience. Known for fostering mindful engagement through cultural expression, Eternal Oasis offers the perfect backdrop for an evening of soulful music and introspection.

The performance will be presented by Sound and Music Academy (SAMA), a professional music institution offering training in piano, guitar, drums, vocals, tabla, and more. With an in-house recording studio and a fully equipped performance stage, SAMA provides its students and performers with real-world musical exposure, making each showcase both authentic and immersive.

This Ghazal & Sufi evening is designed for music lovers, seekers, and anyone looking to conclude the year with grace, stillness, and soulful resonance.

Event Details:
Date & Time: Saturday, 27th December | 6:00 PM
Venue: Eternal Oasis, Sector 42, Gurugram
Ticket Price: ₹499
Bookings: BookMyShow


Chumbak Unveils ‘Lost in Paradise’ Hosting Range to Celebrate the Holiday Season

Chumbak Unveils ‘Lost in Paradise’ Hosting Range to Celebrate the Holiday Season

By Author

Published on December 26, 2025

Marking the festive sparkle of Christmas and the holiday season leading into the New Year 2026, India’s leading contemporary lifestyle brand Chumbak has launched its thoughtfully curated ‘Lost in Paradise’ Hosting Range.

Designed in rich hues of deep reds and greens, the Lost in Paradise ceramic collection evokes the charm of a winter wonderland. Featuring blooming hibiscus and fig motifs crafted in premium ceramic, the range is ideal for festive hosting and gifting during the year-end celebrations.

The collection also introduces a mini baking assortment, including a distinctive ceramic Egg Basket shaped like a hen, a Tea Kettle and tumbler set perfect for cozy winter mornings, and a versatile Casserole designed for comfort bakes such as mac and cheese and homemade lasagna. Bakers will appreciate the set of four measuring cups, while snack bowl sets and flat platters are perfect for serving fig salads, chips, and dips at festive gatherings.

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Each piece in the range reflects Chumbak’s signature illustrative style, drawing inspiration from nature and the wilderness. The standout Egg Basket, uniquely designed in the shape of a hen, seamlessly blends functionality with design, making it equally suited for kitchen cabinets or elegant table presentations of boiled eggs.

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Speaking about the launch, Shubhra Chadda, Founder of Chumbak, said, “The Lost in Paradise collection is inspired by nature and the joy of everyday living, which beautifully resonates with the holiday season. With our one-of-a-kind winter hosting range, we aim to add warmth and joy to festive get-togethers this year-end.”

The ‘Lost in Paradise’ Hosting Range, including the signature Egg Basket, is now available across Chumbak stores and online.


Czech Consulate Reopens in Mumbai After 15 Years, Easing Visa Access for Indian Travellers

Czech Consulate Reopens in Mumbai After 15 Years, Easing Visa Access for Indian Travellers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 26, 2025

CzechTourism, the Consulate General of the Czech Republic, and Prague Airport have jointly announced the reopening of the Czech Consulate in Mumbai, marking the return of consular operations to India’s western region after nearly fifteen years. The renewed presence is expected to significantly ease visa access for leisure, business, and MICE travellers from western and southern India while strengthening collaboration across tourism, trade, and education.

The reopening was formally marked with a press conference and networking evening held in Mumbai on 9 December 2025, bringing together key Czech public and tourism institutions, including the Consulate General, CzechTourism, Prague Airport, and Czech Trade. The gathering presented a unified vision of “One Czechia,” positioning the country as a year-round European destination for travellers, students, business delegations, film productions, and international events.

The restored consular presence is set to improve accessibility for Indian travellers applying for Czech (Schengen) visas, particularly from regions that previously had limited local access to consular services. This development is expected to support growing interest in Czechia beyond Prague, encouraging longer stays and multi-city itineraries across regions such as South Moravia, Karlovy Vary, and Český Krumlov.

Speaking at the event, Barbara Andelova, International Marketing ManagerNew Markets, CzechTourism, said that Mumbai has long been an important market for Czechia. She noted that the return of the Consulate brings Czechia closer to travellers and partners who have been actively promoting destinations beyond the capital city. She added that combined efforts by the Consulate, Prague Airport, and Czech Trade will further strengthen awareness of Czechia’s diverse travel experiences.

Katerina Vovkova, Consul General of the Czech Republic in Mumbai, highlighted that reinstating the Mumbai office is a meaningful step toward restoring essential services for students, professionals, tourists, and businesses. She stated that the Consulate aims to implement processes gradually, with quarterly evaluations to ensure efficiency and continuous improvement in service delivery.

The reopening also aligns with rising outbound travel demand from India, particularly from western and southern regions. GB Srithar, Head – Tourism Services, VFS Global, which represents CzechTourism in India, the Middle East, and Israel, noted that improved visa access will enhance Czechia’s visibility across heritage, culture, gastronomy, and immersive travel experiences.

Looking ahead, VisitCzechia is preparing to launch a comprehensive 2026 integrated marketing campaign, focusing on gastronomy, wellness, culture, and heritage. The campaign aims to deepen engagement with Indian travellers and further position Czechia as a versatile and enriching European destination.

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