Assam CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma Inaugurates Kaziranga Heritage

Assam CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma Inaugurates Kaziranga Heritage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 13, 2026

Kaziranga Heritage, a unique heritage hospitality destination located in Assam’s globally recognised Kaziranga landscape, was officially inaugurated by the Honorable Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma. The ceremony took place in the presence of dignitaries, government officials, and distinguished guests.

The project marks an important step in strengthening Assam’s tourism sector and has been developed as a Public–Private Partnership between the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) and Centre Point Hospitality Group. The collaboration reflects a shared effort to enhance heritage tourism infrastructure while highlighting the region’s cultural, historical, and ecological significance.

Located amidst the floodplains shaped by the Brahmaputra River system and the Kohora River, Kaziranga Heritage has been designed to exist in harmony with its surroundings. Rather than standing apart from nature, the property quietly blends into the landscape, offering guests an experience that stays closely connected to the natural rhythm of Kaziranga.

The location itself carries a rich conservation legacy that goes back more than a century, from its early recognition as a proposed reserve forest in 1905 to its later status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This long history of conservation continues to influence the experience offered to visitors at the property.

At the heart of the estate stands the historic Bonani Bungalow, which forms the central element of Kaziranga Heritage. Guest records preserved at the property date back to 1938, making it one of the earliest documented hospitality establishments connected to Kaziranga’s tourism history.

Built in the traditional colonial Assam-type architectural style, Bonani Bungalow reflects a design shaped by the region’s climate and terrain. The structure features raised plinths that help withstand seasonal floods, wide verandahs that provide shade, and steep sloping roofs designed for heavy monsoon conditions. Archival records and photographs preserved here quietly narrate Kaziranga’s journey from fragile grasslands to one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife landscapes.

The estate includes 28 thoughtfully designed rooms spread across different heritage-inspired living spaces. The historic Bonani Bungalow offers 10 heritage rooms forming the core of the property. Bonoshree features eight rooms designed as a cultural salon, where curated literature, archival imagery, and art reflect Assam’s ecological and Vaishnavite traditions. The Kohora River View Cottages include six cottages overlooking the peaceful floodplains of the Kohora River. The Kunjobon Presidential Suites and Duplex offer four luxury suites with private plunge pools, landscaped courtyards, and views extending towards the Orchid Park.

Throughout the property, the Assam-type architectural style remains consistent, with elevated structures, spacious verandahs, and natural building materials chosen for durability and climate sensitivity.

Kaziranga Heritage also features a 48-seater destination restaurant that highlights the culinary traditions of Assam. The kitchen focuses on wood-fired chullah cooking methods, presenting slow-cooked regional recipes prepared using locally sourced ingredients. The menu also reflects subtle Southeast Asian influences that have historically shaped the region’s culinary identity.

The restaurant’s design takes inspiration from the traditional Assamese Jaapi, a well-known symbol of hospitality and welcome. Its roof structure reinterprets the Jaapi form through contemporary architecture and features ceramic detailing along the ridge created by Assamese ceramic artist Jaya Boro, who also serves as Head of the Department at Shantiniketan’s ceramic studio. A copper pinnacle crowns the roof, adding to the cultural symbolism of the space.

Art and history are also woven into the guest experience at the estate. The property houses a curated collection of artworks by Assamese artist Mridu Moshum Bora, whose paintings portray Vaishnavite traditions, regional dance forms, and the wildlife landscapes of Kaziranga.

Kaziranga Heritage also pays tribute to legendary Assamese cultural icons Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg, recognising their influence in shaping the region’s cultural identity through music and storytelling.

Historic wildlife photographs are preserved within the estate as well, including archival works attributed to noted conservationist Edward Pritchard Gee. These images capture a time when the survival of Kaziranga’s wildlife was uncertain and serve as a reminder of the conservation efforts that later helped transform the region into one of the world’s most important wildlife habitats.

Kaziranga Heritage has been developed as a collaborative effort involving architects, artists, historians, naturalists, and craftsmen from Assam. Every aspect of the project, from the architecture to the art installations and culinary experiences, reflects contributions from individuals closely connected to the region’s culture and landscape.

The inauguration of Kaziranga Heritage marks another step forward in strengthening Assam’s heritage and eco-tourism landscape. Through its Public–Private Partnership model, the project highlights how thoughtfully designed hospitality spaces can help preserve history, celebrate culture, and support sustainable tourism.

With its combination of history, architecture, art, and natural surroundings, Kaziranga Heritage aims to offer visitors more than just a stay. The experience reflects the spirit of Assam and tells the evolving story of Kaziranga’s landscape and cultural heritage.


Mogu Mogu Launches Global ‘Wanna Skip? You Gotta Chew’ Campaign in India

Mogu Mogu Launches Global ‘Wanna Skip? You Gotta Chew’ Campaign in India

By Hariharan U

Published on June 2, 2026

Mogu Mogu, the pioneer of the snackable drink category, has launched its latest global campaign in India, aiming to connect with Gen Z consumers through relatable everyday experiences and the brand’s signature sip-and-chew concept.

Titled “Wanna Skip? You Gotta Chew,” the campaign officially debuted in India on June 1 and explores the contrast between the frictionless digital experiences enjoyed by today’s generation and the unavoidable awkward moments encountered in real life. Through a series of humorous scenarios, the campaign positions Mogu Mogu as a playful companion for navigating uncomfortable social situations.

Developed by Thailand-based Sappe Public Company Limited (SAPPE), the campaign is built around consumer insights gathered across multiple international markets. Research conducted among Gen Z audiences identified three common awkward situations: maintaining uncomfortable eye contact with a stranger on public transport, being the only single person on a couples’ trip, and experiencing an underwhelming first online dating encounter.

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Each scenario forms part of the campaign’s creative narrative, built around the idea that while real-life moments cannot be skipped, they can be “chewed through” with Mogu Mogu’s unique beverage experience. The concept aligns with the brand’s “Tangible Fun” positioning, leveraging the sensory experience of chewing nata de coco pieces found in the drink.

Commenting on the campaign, Vikash Singhal, Director and Founder of Sunbeam Ventures, Mogu Mogu’s distribution partner in India, said the brand has already built a loyal consumer base in the country. He noted that flavours such as Lychee, Strawberry, and Grape continue to perform strongly, while Blackcurrant has seen encouraging consumer response since its launch. According to him, the campaign adds a compelling narrative that resonates with digitally connected consumers navigating real-world interactions.

The campaign will be promoted extensively across YouTube and Instagram, supported by influencer collaborations and e-commerce activations. The media strategy aims to achieve significant reach among India’s Gen Z audience while strengthening the brand’s visibility across digital platforms.

The launch also marks Mogu Mogu’s largest product expansion in India to date with the introduction of Mogu Mogu Candy and Mogu Mogu Ice Tea. The new product additions further expand the brand’s portfolio beyond its well-known fruit juice beverage range.

Piyajit Ruckariyapong, Chief Executive Officer of SAPPE, highlighted the growing influence of Generation Z in shaping global consumer trends. He stated that the campaign succeeds because it is built on authentic consumer insights and reinforced by a product experience that naturally supports the message. He also emphasized India’s strategic importance in the company’s long-term global growth plans.

Recognized as the world’s first fruit juice beverage containing nata de coco, Mogu Mogu pioneered the snackable drink segment and has since expanded its presence to more than 100 countries worldwide. With a growing product portfolio and increasing popularity among younger consumers, the brand continues to strengthen its position within the global beverage industry.


NARS Opens Its First Gurugram Store at Gurugram's Ambience Mall

NARS Opens Its First Gurugram Store at Gurugram's Ambience Mall

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 2, 2026

Global beauty brand NARS has expanded its presence in India with the launch of its first store in Gurugram at Ambience Mall. The opening marks a significant addition to the city’s growing luxury retail landscape and further strengthens the mall’s portfolio of premium international brands.

Known for its trend-setting approach to beauty and its globally popular product range, NARS brings an immersive shopping experience to beauty enthusiasts in the National Capital Region. The new boutique showcases the brand’s renowned complexion, lip, eye, and skincare collections in a thoughtfully designed retail environment.

The store has been created to reflect NARS’ signature aesthetic, featuring sleek interiors, modern design elements, and a carefully curated display of products. The space is designed to offer customers an engaging beauty experience while highlighting the brand’s artistic and contemporary identity.

Commenting on the launch, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “Luxury consumers today are seeking more than just products; they are looking for immersive brand experiences that reflect aspiration, individuality and global trends. The arrival of NARS at Ambience Mall further elevates our luxury retail portfolio and reinforces Gurugram’s emergence as a destination for premium international brands.”

Over the years, Ambience Mall has established itself as one of the leading luxury retail and lifestyle destinations in the NCR region, bringing together a wide range of international fashion, beauty, and gourmet brands under one roof.

With the addition of NARS, the mall continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for shoppers looking for globally recognised luxury brands and curated retail experiences.


District by Zomato Launches Inclusive Dining Toolkit for Restaurants

District by Zomato Launches Inclusive Dining Toolkit for Restaurants

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 1, 2026

District by Zomato has launched the Inclusive Dining Toolkit, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to help restaurants create more accessible and inclusive dining spaces for persons with disabilities (PwDs), senior citizens, pregnant women, and others with accessibility needs.

The toolkit has been developed in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Samarthyam, and The Association of People with Disability. Its development also involved consultations with persons with disabilities, restaurant partners, and accessibility experts to ensure practical and meaningful recommendations.

The initiative aims to help restaurants identify accessibility gaps, make operational improvements, and provide diners with greater visibility into accessibility-related information before they visit. In addition to promoting inclusion, the toolkit highlights how accessible dining spaces can support business growth through increased footfall, repeat visits, and larger group gatherings.

The launch event was attended by Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Additional Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, who participated as the Chief Guest.

In a message shared during the launch, Shri B. L. Verma, Minister of State, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, said that accessible dining environments are essential for enabling persons with disabilities to participate independently and with dignity in everyday public life. He described the toolkit as a practical resource that can help the hospitality industry build more inclusive spaces.

Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda noted that the initiative reflects a broader effort to make public spaces and experiences more accessible. She highlighted that while significant progress has been made through the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and the Accessible India Campaign, accessibility and inclusion should become a standard part of infrastructure planning and service delivery across industries.

According to the company, India is home to more than 2.68 crore persons with disabilities, many of whom continue to face challenges while dining out due to inaccessible infrastructure and limited information about accessibility features at restaurants.

During consultations, restaurant operators expressed a willingness to improve accessibility but also highlighted practical challenges, particularly around infrastructure changes in leased properties. The toolkit has been designed to offer actionable recommendations that restaurants can implement within such operational constraints.

Alongside the launch of the toolkit, District by Zomato has also introduced several accessibility-focused features on its platform. These include improved support for screen-reader users, accessibility filters on dining pages, and AI-powered solutions aimed at helping users make more informed dining decisions based on their accessibility requirements.

Through this initiative, District by Zomato aims to encourage greater inclusivity within the hospitality sector while helping restaurants create welcoming experiences for a wider range of guests.

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