Diwali Getaway: 5 Luxurious Resorts Near Bangalore to Unwind

Diwali Getaway: 5 Luxurious Resorts Near Bangalore to Unwind

By Author

Published on November 12, 2023

Diwali, the festival of lights, is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a luxurious getaway? With the demand for staycations and getaways on the rise, we have curated a list of the top five resorts near Bengaluru where you can drive to this weekend for an unforgettable Diwali celebration. From picturesque rainforests to wildlife sanctuaries, these resorts offer the perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and indulgence. So pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and get ready for a Diwali to remember!

1. Hyatt Place Hampi: Unearth the Lap of Luxury

Imagine a sprawling 10-acre paradise in the heart of Hampi. That's what you'll find at Hyatt Place Hampi. With 115 "smart-design" guestrooms, this place offers not just a luxurious holiday but also seven rooms with private plunge pools and three suites that treat you to breathtaking views of the Sandur mountain range. And the best part? It's only 27 km from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi! History buffs, this one's for you.

But that's not all. Get ready for a whirlwind of activities in Hampi, from exploring historical landmarks to adventurous experiences like bouldering, cliff jumping, and scooter rides. When you're not on the go, unwind at the spa, savor a meal with picturesque garden views, or dive into a host of curated experiences. It's time to take a plunge into luxury, both metaphorically and literally!

2. KAAV Safari Lodge, Kabini: Safari Chic

In Kabini, you'll find the hidden gem of KAAV Safari Lodge, a boutique safari lodge nestled in the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve. With just six rooms and two luxurious tents, this place is all about blending with the wild. The tents offer a sit-out deck, a bathtub with forest views, and a comfy bed. You can choose from a range of exciting experiences, from coracle boat rides to night safaris.

3. WelcomHeritage Ayatana Coorg: A Private Waterfall Retreat

Ever dreamed of having your private waterfall in your backyard? At WelcomHeritage Ayatana Coorg, this dream comes true! Surrounded by lush forests, coffee plantations, and the Western Ghats, this 100-acre tropical rainforest resort will leave you spellbound. It's not just about the views; you can also add a dash of adventure with zip-lining, rope climbing, and nature walks.

For a touch of romance, treat your loved one to a candlelight dinner by the creek overlooking the waterfall. It doesn't get more enchanting than this!

4. Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa Coorg: Above the Clouds

If you're a nature lover, Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa Coorg is your paradise above the clouds. This five-star beauty is perched at 1,200 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Get pampered at the 30,000 sq. ft Jiva Spa or explore the luxurious pool villas with retractable roofs for some stargazing.

For a dose of adventure, try nature walks, coffee tasting, or even a thrilling zip line. And don't forget to savor the traditional Kodava cuisine to tickle your taste buds.

5. CGH Earth – SwaSwara, Gokarna: Wellness by the Ocean

If you're in search of a wellness retreat, look no further than CGH Earth – SwaSwara in Gokarna. Nestled by the famous OM beach, this holistic property offers tranquility in the colors of the earth and the ocean. The Konkan Villa boasts a private courtyard garden and an open-air atmosphere, connecting you to nature.

The food here is all about embracing what Mother Earth has to offer, with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and organic farm produce. Indulge in Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, meditation, and more. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you.

So, there you have it, five luxury escapes from Bangalore to make your Diwali extra special. It's time to pack your bags and let the festivities begin!




MONIN India Announces Coffee Creativity Cup 2025 Theme: Alchemy of Flavors

MONIN India Announces Coffee Creativity Cup 2025 Theme: Alchemy of Flavors

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 14, 2025

MONIN India has officially revealed the theme for the much-awaited MONIN Coffee Creativity Cup (MCCC) 2025 — "Alchemy of Flavors: A Fusion of MONIN & Exquisite Coffee." This exciting edition aims to inspire baristas and beverage professionals to explore bold new combinations using MONIN’s world-class syrups with expertly brewed coffee.

This year's competition is set to be a true celebration of craftsmanship, innovation, and community. Participants will showcase their espresso-based mocktails across three regional rounds held in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, with winners advancing to a grand national finale in Jaipur.

The champion from the India finale will go on to represent the country at the MONIN Coffee Creativity Cup Asia Finals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, scheduled for September 2025. There, they'll compete against top baristas from across the APAC region.

The theme "Alchemy of Flavors" calls on participants to mix tradition with creativity, combining MONIN’s versatile flavors with the art of coffee brewing. It highlights the growing desire for unique, elevated coffee experiences in India and strengthens MONIN’s commitment to supporting baristas with platforms that celebrate imagination and skill.

More than just a competition, the MCCC has evolved into a creative journey. It empowers professionals to challenge the norm, tell their stories through beverages, and set new benchmarks in India’s modern coffee scene.

Mr. Germain Araud, Managing Director of MONIN India Pvt. Ltd., expressed his excitement, saying, “We're proud to return with the MONIN Coffee Creativity Cup this year. This initiative is designed to offer a meaningful springboard for emerging talent, providing visibility and access to a wider, even global stage. It reflects MONIN's deep-rooted commitment to giving back to the community that inspires us every day. As MONIN continues to grow within the coffee industry, this competition offers us a valuable opportunity to discover the passion and innovation that professionals bring to their craft.”

At every stage, regional and national - winners can look forward to exciting prizes, with the national winner receiving an exclusive global coffee experience that includes an international farm visit.

As a brand that has been pioneering beverage innovation since 1912, MONIN continues to invest in India's growing coffee culture. MCCC 2025 is a vibrant expression of this vision, bringing together flavor, talent, and creative energy in a celebration of coffee like no other.


THSC and VISA Recognise Trained Paragliding Ground Crew in Dehradun

THSC and VISA Recognise Trained Paragliding Ground Crew in Dehradun

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 13, 2025

As part of a dedicated upskilling initiative to boost adventure tourism in India, the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), in collaboration with VISA, felicitated successful candidates who completed the Paragliding Ground Crew Chief training program. This effort is a significant step in formalising the skills of ground staff and offering them well-deserved industry recognition.

The Certificate Distribution Ceremony was conducted by THSC’s training partner, Samarpit Media Society, at Rainbow Hall, ITBP Camp, Dehradun. The event was graced by dignitaries including Mrs. Poonam Chand, Additional Secretary of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), Ms. Parnal Vats, Senior Manager at VISA, and Mr. Abhishek Anand, Vice President – Assessment & Certification at THSC.

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The training initiative was supported by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Border Security Force (BSF), whose contributions were acknowledged by THSC for their vital role throughout the training process and event execution.

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Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO of THSC, highlighted the importance of this initiative:
"This upskilling initiative reflects our commitment to creating structured pathways for workforce development in emerging areas like adventure tourism. Through the RPL program, we are formally recognizing the capabilities of individuals who have long been contributing to the sector. We are grateful to our partners VISA, along with UTDB, Samarpit Media Society, BSF and ITBP for their vital support."

This program supports THSC’s broader mission to build a strong skill ecosystem by empowering individuals in the tourism and hospitality sector with industry-aligned competencies and formal certifications.


FHRAI and CIRC Join Hands to Boost Legal Capacity in Hospitality Sector

FHRAI and CIRC Join Hands to Boost Legal Capacity in Hospitality Sector

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 13, 2025

The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CUTS Institute for Regulation and Competition (CIRC) to strengthen the legal and compliance capacity across India's hospitality sector. The initiative comes at a crucial time, as the industry grapples with evolving laws, increasing compliance demands, and mounting sustainability obligations.

"It is important to bridge the gaps between hospitality law and practice, as regulatory uncertainty and overlaps create hurdles for the industry," said K. Shyama Raju, President of FHRAI, during the MoU signing. The partnership aims to roll out a specialised course—Navigating the Legal Landscape of Hospitality—targeted at professionals across hotels, restaurants, and allied services.

India's tourism and hospitality sector is projected to generate over ₹5.12 lakh crore (US$59 billion) in revenue by 2028. However, startups and smaller businesses often face challenges navigating multiple licenses, labour laws, and compliance mandates. These complications can delay business operations and impact consumer experience.

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Adding to the pressure, new environmental regulations are pushing for green certifications, energy efficiency, and sustainability disclosures. While these align with global standards, they are often difficult to implement without proper awareness or support, especially for small and medium enterprises.

Raju emphasized the importance of legal knowledge in today's landscape. "Understanding the law is not just an advantage—it is a necessity in the hospitality industry. This course is a timely and much-needed initiative that will help professionals gain the legal know-how to run their businesses more responsibly and efficiently," he said.

The eight-week course is designed for a wide audience—hoteliers, restaurateurs, HR managers, legal advisors, entrepreneurs, and hospitality students. It covers licensing, contracts, labour laws, intellectual property, taxation, and dispute resolution, with a strong focus on real-world application. Live weekend sessions, expert instructors, and case-based learning aim to ensure practical value.

Pradeep Mehta, Chairman of CIRC, noted the urgent need for legal training in the sector. "There is a critical gap in legal knowledge within the hospitality industry. This shortfall often leads to unintentional consumer rights violations and regulatory missteps. A comprehensive capacity-building programme will help individuals and the industry navigate these challenges more effectively."

He added, "To unlock the full potential of the sector, we need a more streamlined regulatory environment and wider awareness of compliance obligations. Well-informed businesses are better equipped to avoid penalties, attract investment, and meet global benchmarks."

Raju concluded, "What sets this course apart is its focus on practical learning. It empowers professionals to spot risks early, make smarter decisions, and protect their businesses. We believe this initiative marks an important step toward raising legal awareness and strengthening the foundation of hospitality in India."

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