Diwali Getaways: Top Cities to Visit for a Sparkling Celebration

Diwali Getaways: Top Cities to Visit for a Sparkling Celebration

By Author

Published on November 8, 2023

The festival of lights is upon us, and this year's Diwali is set to sparkle with more than just firecrackers. With a calendar that blesses us with a long weekend, why not swap the usual festivities at home for a burst of new experiences? Let's jet set to some of India's most iconic cities, where Diwali isn't just a festival, it's a lifetime memory waiting to happen.

 Varanasi: A Divine Spectacle on the Ganges

First up, Varanasi – the spiritual heart of India, where the Ganges isn’t just a river but the canvas for the grandest aarti you'll ever witness. Diwali here is a celestial event, an endless cascade of lights and colors that makes the city feel like a galaxy on earth. As the ghats light up with thousands of diyas, the echoes of chants and bells create a soundtrack that's more soul-stirring than any orchestra.

 Jaipur: Royal Splendor Amidst Pink Walls

Next, let's take our Diwali celebration royal at Jaipur, the Pink City that turns into a golden mirage during the festivities. Here, palaces aren’t just historic landmarks; they’re timeless sentinels watching over a city draped in vibrant hues and twinkling lights. The markets bustle with activity, as locals and visitors alike seek treasures in the form of traditional wear and artisanal crafts.

 Ayodhya: An Epic Homecoming Celebration

In Ayodhya, the essence of Diwali goes back to its mythological roots – a homecoming and a victory of good over evil. The city isn’t just lit; it reenacts history, inviting everyone to be a part of a celebration that has been ongoing for millennia. Here, the warmth of the people matches the warmth of the lights that adorn the city.

Goa: A Beachside Festivity with a Twist

Then there's Goa, which offers a Diwali with a twist. It's not just about the sandy shores; it's about cultural fusion where traditional lamps meet the serenity of the sea. Goa's version of the festival includes vibrant fairs, effigies of Narakasura being paraded through the streets, and, as night falls, a panorama of fireworks that reflect over the ocean.

 Kolkata: The City of Joy and the Goddess of the Night

Our festive trail ends in Kolkata, the cultural capital that turns into a panorama of devotion and celebration during Diwali. Known for its grand Kali Puja, the city takes on an ethereal aura, offering a stark contrast to the usual Lakshmi Puja observed elsewhere. The city is alive with thematic pandals, sweets that are culinary masterpieces, and a collective spirit that could light up the darkest of nights.

Each city on this list offers a slice of Diwali that's unique, immersive, and utterly unforgettable. This isn't just about escaping the routine; it's about enriching it with stories you'll tell for years to come. So, light up your inner traveler and let this Diwali be a journey that celebrates not just the victory of light over darkness, but also the joy of exploration and the spirit of India in all its festive glory.


Bengaluru's Best IPL Screening Spots This Season Are at Sector 144, Tropika Brewing Co and Oasis Brewery

Bengaluru's Best IPL Screening Spots This Season Are at Sector 144, Tropika Brewing Co and Oasis Brewery

By Hariharan U

Published on March 19, 2026

There are cricket matches, and then there are IPL nights. The kind where every ball feels bigger than it should, where a single boundary can bring an entire room to its feet, and where watching with strangers somehow feels like watching with friends. Bengaluru has always been good at this, and this IPL season, three venues are making it even better.

Here's where to be this season if you want the full experience.

Sector 144, JP Nagar has quietly become one of JP Nagar's most dependable spots for a great evening out, and IPL season gives it an even better reason to be packed. Multiple high-definition screens are placed across the bar so there really is no bad seat in the house, and the à la carte menu has been put together for long, relaxed match nights. Bar bites, flavourful dishes, refreshing cocktails, cold beers between overs: the food and drink work with the rhythm of the game rather than pulling you away from it.

What makes Sector 144 work as a match-night venue is how easy and familiar it feels. It's a neighbourhood bar that draws people in for the cricket and keeps them coming back for everything else. Multi-screen coverage extends beyond IPL to sports in general, which means it stays relevant long after the tournament wraps up.

  • Location: 4th Floor, Above Style Union, JP Nagar 7th Phase, Bangalore 560078
  • Time: 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM
  • Throughout: The IPL season

Tropika Brewing Co., Marathahalli

Tropika takes the match-night experience up a notch with its tropical setting, craft brews, and a cricket-themed menu that someone has clearly had a lot of fun putting together. The venue transforms into a proper viewing arena during IPL, with large screens, warm lighting, and a social energy that makes every wicket feel like a shared celebration.

The food menu deserves a mention of its own. Spinny Spring Roll Veg, Power Play Plum Chilly Baby Corn, Super Over Fried Chicken, Googly Ghee Roast Lamb, All Out Appolo Fish, and Hatrick Habanero Prawns keep the savoury side interesting, while Dot Ball Doughnuts and Catchy Carrot Halwa with Ice Cream are the kind of desserts that reward you for sitting through a tight chase.

  • Location: 37/1, Outer Ring Road, Panathur, Marathahalli, Bengaluru 560103
  • Reservations: 8901579999
  • Time: 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM
  • Throughout: The IPL season

Oasis Brewery

Oasis rounds out the Bengaluru IPL screening lineup with its own distinct character. Known for its Mediterranean, Pan-Asian, and Modern Indian offerings alongside quality craft brews, the Whitefield brewery brings a more refined energy to match nights without losing any of the excitement. It's the venue for those who want good food and great drinks alongside their cricket, without compromising on either.

Pick your venue, gather your crew, wear your colours, and settle in. The IPL is long, and Bengaluru is ready for all of it.


IRHPL Is Redefining Airport Convenience Retail in Delhi With Its Multi-Store NeoTravel Expansion

IRHPL Is Redefining Airport Convenience Retail in Delhi With Its Multi-Store NeoTravel Expansion

By Hariharan U

Published on March 19, 2026

Anyone who has rushed through an airport looking for a charger, a snack, or a last-minute essential knows exactly how important a well-stocked, easy-to-navigate convenience store can be. IRHPL is building something around that very need, and its multi-store NeoTravel expansion across Delhi airport is the most visible step yet in that direction.

India Retails and Hospitality Private Limited has rolled out multiple NeoTravel stores across key locations at Delhi airport, covering both departure and arrival areas to serve travellers at every stage of their journey. The expansion is part of IRHPL's broader 360-degree approach to travel retail, combining strategic brand partnerships, design-led store formats, and insight-driven product selection to genuinely improve the airport convenience experience.

The name NeoTravel was chosen deliberately. It combines "Neo," representing new-age thinking and modernity, with "Travel," reflecting the evolving needs of today's passengers. Together, the name captures what IRHPL is trying to build: a new way of doing airport retail in India.

The product range at NeoTravel is curated with the time-pressed traveller in mind. Beverages, books, confectionery, power banks, chargers, and international adapters form the core of the offering, covering the practical gaps that most travellers encounter at airports. Alongside familiar trusted brands, the stores also introduce emerging products that reflect modern lifestyle preferences, including sugar-free, gluten-free, and sustainable options that are being brought into airport retail environments for the first time in many cases.

The store design is a deliberate departure from the cluttered layouts that often define airport convenience retail. NeoTravel follows a clean, minimalist visual language with uniform fixtures and a consistent layout that allows passengers to quickly find what they need without having to slow down. In an environment where time is genuinely limited, that clarity matters more than most retailers acknowledge.

Naresh Sharma, CEO of IRHPL Group of Companies, explained the thinking behind the concept. "NeoTravel brings together food, beverages, and travel essentials in a single, convenient airport retail format. Built on our pillars of health and convenience, the concept responds to modern travellers' demand for healthier options within an international-standard store environment. The brand name itself reflects our commitment to creating a new way of travel retail in India."

Beyond the immediate expansion, IRHPL sees NeoTravel as a scalable concept with long-term potential across airports, travel hubs, and eventually beyond airport environments. As India's aviation sector continues to grow in passenger numbers, the opportunity for well-designed, thoughtfully stocked convenience retail is only going to increase. NeoTravel is being built to grow alongside that demand.


Hilton Bengaluru Hotels Host TRISHUL 2.0 Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Empowerment

Hilton Bengaluru Hotels Host TRISHUL 2.0 Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Empowerment

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 19, 2026

Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks, along with the upcoming Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Tech Village, recently hosted TRISHUL 2.0, their signature women’s leadership platform, as part of the Shakti by Hilton initiative.

Organised in celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, the event brought together around 200 hospitality students, industry professionals, and team members for an evening focused on empowerment, leadership, and meaningful conversations.

Centered on the theme “Empowered Women, Empower Women,” TRISHUL 2.0 created a platform for discussions around economic independence, mentorship, leadership, and continuous learning in today’s evolving world. The evening began with a networking session, allowing participants to connect and exchange ideas, followed by an introduction to the vision behind the Shakti by Hilton initiative.

The formal session opened with a welcome address by Sujeet Kumar, Cluster General Manager – Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, who highlighted the importance of inclusive platforms that encourage women to lead with confidence. This was followed by remarks from Manish Garg, Cluster General Manager – Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Tech Village, who spoke about building supportive and diverse workplaces.

A key highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Shraddha Amit, CEO of Kshemavana, who shared her insights on purpose-driven leadership and empowering communities through wellness and social impact initiatives.

The event also featured an engaging panel discussion moderated by Sarita Iyer, bringing together accomplished women leaders including Leela Kirloskar, Usha Rao, Anuradha B. M., Shivani Kulkarni, and Resham Gupta. The discussion explored themes such as leadership evolution, economic independence, and skill development in a technology-driven environment, while also highlighting personal journeys and the importance of mentorship.

As part of the recognition segment, each panelist nominated an inspiring woman from their community, celebrating grassroots leadership and impact. The panelists were also felicitated with certificates of appreciation by the General Managers.

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Speaking about the initiative, Sujeet Kumar said, "TRISHUL 2.0 is more than a celebration, it is a platform that brings together the inspiring voices and stories of women who are shaping communities and industries. At Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, we believe in creating spaces where women can connect, inspire, and uplift one another. Through initiatives like TRISHUL, we remain committed to championing diversity, leadership, and meaningful progress.”

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Abhiram Menon, General Manager of Hilton Embassy GolfLinks, followed by a group photograph and a curated high tea that encouraged continued networking.

Through initiatives like TRISHUL 2.0, Hilton Bengaluru hotels continue to create platforms that support women’s leadership while fostering collaboration, empowerment, and lasting impact across the hospitality industry.

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