Bengaluru Airport to Launch Electric Flying Taxis with Sarla

Bengaluru Airport Partners with Sarla Aviation to Launch Electric Flying Taxis

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 20, 2024

Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport is gearing up to become a hub for electric flying taxis, thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between Sarla Aviation and Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). This collaboration aims to bring seven-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to the city's bustling transportation network, promising a faster, eco-friendly, and more efficient alternative to ground-based travel.

The two entities signed a statement of collaboration last month to explore sustainable urban air mobility solutions. The initiative is designed to address Bengaluru’s notorious traffic congestion by offering quicker travel options at affordable rates. Sarla Aviation's electric taxis are expected to operate on key routes, with the journey from Bengaluru Airport to Electronics City projected to take just 19 minutes—a significant improvement from the 152 minutes required by road.

Co-founded by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan, Sarla Aviation is at the forefront of advanced air mobility in India. The Bengaluru-based startup is planning to roll out its services in four major Indian cities—Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune—where urban congestion is at its peak. The aim is to provide affordable electric flying taxis that offer cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective alternatives to traditional air and ground transportation.

Schmidt, Sarla Aviation's CEO, highlighted the company’s vision: "We aim to redefine urban air transport with operational efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and scalable infrastructure. Our electric flying taxis will set new benchmarks in reliability and performance, aligning with global standards for sustainable aviation."

Sustainable Air Travel in Focus

The introduction of eVTOL aircraft marks a crucial step toward advancing sustainable air travel in India. By using electric-powered aircraft, Sarla Aviation seeks to reduce carbon emissions and offer a cleaner mode of transport compared to traditional helicopters. While commercial operations are still two to three years away, the company is optimistic that its taxis will play a vital role in the future of urban air mobility.

The proposed routes will not only alleviate road congestion but also provide cost-effective air travel. For instance, the Bengaluru to Electronics City route is expected to be priced at INR 1,700, making it accessible to a wide range of commuters.

FAA and Global Regulations

As India embarks on this futuristic journey, global regulatory bodies are also shifting their focus. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently announced changes in its regulatory approach to certify pilots for powered-lift aircraft, the category under which eVTOLs fall. These new regulations are designed to address the unique needs of electric flying taxis, which operate differently from traditional airplanes and helicopters.

Pioneering Urban Mobility

Sarla Aviation’s partnership with Kempegowda International Airport is a testament to the company’s ambition to revolutionize urban transportation. The co-founders—Chauhan, Gaonkar, and Schmidt—have extensive experience working with leading Western air traffic startups such as Joby and Lilium, making them well-equipped to bring this innovative solution to Indian skies.

This collaboration is part of a broader movement to advance urban mobility in India, with sustainable aviation technology playing a key role. Sarla Aviation is rapidly emerging as a leader in the advanced air mobility sector, setting the stage for cleaner, faster, and more efficient urban air transport.

With regulatory hurdles still to overcome, the project is in its early stages, but the vision of electric flying taxis in Indian cities is closer than ever. This initiative not only signals a significant step forward in addressing urban congestion but also positions Bengaluru as a pioneer in the global shift toward sustainable urban aviation.

Dook International: Revolutionizing CIS Travel for Over 15 Years

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 22, 2025

For over 15 years, Dook International has been a trusted name in CIS travel, offering seamless travel experiences across Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and more. What started as a modest venture in Uzbekistan has now grown into a leading travel agency, with an extensive network of 10,000+ travel agents and offices across nine countries.

A Legacy of Trusted Travel Solutions

Dook International has proudly served over 500,000 travelers and 500+ corporate clients through its MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segment. The company’s commitment to delivering exceptional service has cemented its reputation as a go-to travel partner for CIS destinations.

"Travel is about more than just visiting new places; it's about creating lifelong memories. For 15 years, we've been dedicated to making CIS travel easy and unforgettable for our clients," said Gopal Kapoor, Director of Dook International.
"As we continue to grow and innovate, our mission remains to provide extraordinary travel experiences that inspire and connect people worldwide."

Strategic Expansion with Ease My Trip

To meet the evolving demands of modern travelers, Dook International has partnered with Ease My Trip, further expanding its market reach and enhancing its service offerings.

Operating from its registered office in Delhi, the company boasts a dedicated team of 250+ employees, working tirelessly to craft unique and personalized travel experiences.

The Road Ahead

As Dook International looks to the future, it remains committed to exploring new destinations, enhancing travel experiences, and strengthening its foothold in the CIS region and beyond. With innovation and customer satisfaction at its core, the company continues to set new benchmarks in the travel industry.

Luxeglamp Unveils Luxe Chateau: India's First Double-Glass Glamp at Kodaikanal

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 18, 2025

Luxeglamp, the pioneers in luxury glamping in India, has introduced a groundbreaking concept with the launch of the Luxe Chateau—India’s first double-glass glamping domes. Nestled at Luxeglamp’s eco-resort in Kodaikanal, these innovative Luxe Chateaus offer guests an immersive 360° view of the surrounding forests and starry skies, providing a truly unique stay.

The glass domes, designed for both luxury and sustainability, offer excellent sun protection, wind resistance, and warmth preservation, ensuring a cozy stay no matter the weather. Whether you're admiring the tranquil landscape or gazing at the stars, the transparent glass structure creates an uninterrupted connection to nature, allowing guests to sleep under the stars and wake up to one of the most breathtaking sunrises in Kodaikanal.

Antony Thomas, the CEO and founder of Luxeglamp, expressed his excitement, saying, "We wanted to elevate our guests’ connection with nature. Our new Glass Glamps offer an all-encompassing experience where guests can sleep under the stars and wake up to one of the most beautiful sunrises in Kodaikanal—all while staying warm and cozy."

For couples seeking a romantic escape, Luxeglamp offers a variety of exclusive experiences, including a floating breakfast in the infinity pool, an afternoon tea experience, a guided scenic horseback ride, and an intimate candlelit dinner under the stars with a specially curated 5-course gourmet meal. Guests can also enjoy a private sauna or unwind by a cozy campfire in the evening, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of their stay.

The interiors of the Luxe Chateaus are minimalist and nature-inspired, reflecting the rustic charm of the Wild West. Private decks provide the perfect spot for outdoor relaxation, while eco-friendly amenities enhance the sustainable luxury experience. This new concept continues Luxeglamp’s mission of combining comfort with sustainability, ensuring an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and travelers seeking something extraordinary.

The Luxe Chateaus are built with double-glazed, insulated glass, which helps maintain the internal temperature, reducing the need for artificial heating or cooling. This energy-efficient design contributes to a lower carbon footprint, allowing guests to enjoy their stay while being mindful of environmental impact. The glass domes blend seamlessly into the landscape, ensuring that the beauty of nature is preserved without visual pollution.

Building on the success of the Luxe Chateau, Luxeglamp plans to expand its glamping offerings with more thematic experiences across locations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, solidifying its position as a leader in eco-friendly luxury glamping.

About Luxeglamp Eco-resorts L.L.P

Luxeglamp Eco-resorts L.L.P is India’s first luxury glamping provider, offering a glamorous yet eco-friendly way to immerse in nature. Located in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Luxeglamp combines stunning panoramic views with exceptional amenities that focus on environmental conservation and minimal ecological footprint. With cozy rooms, hot tubs, private patios, and delicious food, each Luxeglamp site ensures a one-of-a-kind experience. The company is dedicated to harmoniously blending nature with hospitality, allowing guests to indulge in luxury while embracing the natural world. For more information, visit www.luxeglamp.com.

Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Showcases Unmatched Beauty at IITM Kolkata

By Author

Published on February 17, 2025

In a significant effort to boost tourism through a nationwide promotional campaign, the Department of Tourism, Jammu & Kashmir, participated in the India International Travel Mart (IITM) Kolkata.

On the sidelines of IITM Kolkata, a team from J&K Tourism, led by Additional Secretary Owais Mushtaq, engaged extensively with the media fraternity of Kolkata and held meetings with leading travel trade operators from the eastern region. The team showcased the immense tourism potential of Jammu & Kashmir, a region blessed with unparalleled natural beauty—ranging from vast meadows and lush forests to snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and breathtaking valleys.

The delegation included Mr. Owais Mushtaq (Additional Secretary, Tourism), Ms. Savita Chouhan (Deputy Director, Tourism Jammu), Mr. Nasir Mehmood (Deputy Director, Tourism Kashmir), and Dr. Ahsan Ul Haq (Officer-In-Charge, J&K Tourism Office, Kolkata). During IITM, they provided insights into the diverse tourism offerings of the Union Territory, highlighting Pilgrim Tourism for devotees visiting Vaishno Devi and Amarnath, as well as Adventure Tourism, which includes trekking, white-water rafting, skiing, mountaineering, and paragliding. Additionally, they emphasized the rich heritage of Leisure Tourism, which has been a hallmark of J&K for centuries.

During the event, Mr. Owais Mushtaq delivered a detailed presentation outlining the extensive range of tourism products and services available in Jammu & Kashmir. He also highlighted the department’s continuous efforts to enhance visitor experiences and promote responsible tourism.

The delegation extended a warm invitation to media representatives to visit Jammu & Kashmir and experience firsthand its diverse tourism offerings. They assured attendees that J&K is one of the safest destinations for tourists, boasting a zero-crime rate against visitors and being recognized as one of the safest places for women travelers globally.

Furthermore, the team emphasized that Jammu & Kashmir offers distinct scenic beauty across all seasons, with each destination transforming uniquely throughout the year—whether in the vibrant bloom of spring, the golden hues of autumn, or the snow-covered landscapes of winter.

The team also highlighted the remarkable surge in tourist arrivals in recent years, reflecting Jammu & Kashmir’s growing prominence as a premier travel destination. In 2022, the Union Territory welcomed 1.88 crore tourists, followed by 2.11 crore in 2023, and an impressive 2.37 crore in 2024. This consistent increase in footfall underscores the region’s unmatched natural beauty, enhanced tourism infrastructure, and the successful efforts of the J&K Tourism Department in promoting the destination.

With its strong presence and impactful promotional campaigns, Jammu & Kashmir Tourism continues to lead the way in India's tourism sector, emerging as a frontrunner at the IITM Kolkata event.

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Bengaluru Airport Partners with Sarla Aviation to Launch Electric Flying Taxis

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Dook International: Revolutionizing CIS Travel for Over 15 Years

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Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Showcases Unmatched Beauty at IITM Kolkata

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