The best friendships are not measured by how often people meet, but by the memories they create when they finally come together. This Friendship Day, instead of settling for another dinner plan or virtual catch-up, travellers can celebrate their bonds with a memorable getaway.

From wildlife adventures and lakeside escapes to beach holidays and mountain retreats, ZANA Luxury Escapes and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts offer destinations designed for friends looking to relax, explore, and create unforgettable experiences together.

1. ZANA Forest Resort, Ranthambore

Located close to Ranthambore National Park and spread across 11 acres of lush greenery, ZANA Forest Resort, Ranthambore offers the perfect escape for friends seeking adventure and relaxation.

Guests can begin the day with an exciting jungle safari, spend afternoons unwinding by the pool, and end evenings with leisurely meals, live music, and conversations that continue long after sunset. Surrounded by nature and designed for slow-paced experiences, the resort provides an ideal setting to reconnect away from everyday routines.

2. ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur

With stunning lake views, ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur offers a scenic setting for a memorable friends’ getaway. The resort allows guests to enjoy relaxed days by the infinity pool, outdoor activities across its green lawns, and dining experiences overlooking the water.

The monsoon season further enhances Udaipur’s beauty, making it a perfect destination for friends looking to unwind, catch up, and enjoy quality time together.

3. ZANA In the Wild, Jim Corbett

For groups seeking adventure and entertainment, ZANA In the Wild, Jim Corbett combines nature experiences with recreational activities.

Friends can enjoy thrilling safari experiences, spacious accommodations, swimming pool sessions, and an arcade featuring air hockey, basketball, racing simulators, and video games. Evenings come alive with live music and dining experiences, creating the perfect atmosphere for group celebrations.

4. Country Inn Goa

For friends who love beaches, nightlife, and exploring new places, Country Inn Goa offers an ideal location in North Goa.

With easy access to Calangute Beach, cafés, beach shacks, shopping areas, and nightlife spots, the resort serves as a convenient base for a fun-filled holiday. Guests can spend their days exploring Goa’s beaches, relaxing by the pool, and experiencing the vibrant energy of the destination.

5. Country Inn Premier Pacific Resort, Mussoorie

A timeless favourite for group holidays, Mussoorie continues to attract travellers with its misty hills, charming cafés, and scenic viewpoints.

Country Inn Premier Pacific Resort, Mussoorie complements the hill station experience with comfortable accommodations, peaceful surroundings, and panoramic valley views. After exploring Mall Road, local cafés, and nearby attractions, friends can return to the resort for a relaxing evening surrounded by the mountains.

6. Country Inn Nature Resort, Bhimtal

Spread across 13 acres of greenery, Country Inn Nature Resort, Bhimtal offers a peaceful retreat for friends looking to slow down and reconnect.

Guests can enjoy boating at Bhimtal Lake, visit Kainchi Dham, or take part in activities such as zip lining, rope cycling, badminton, horse riding, and indoor pool experiences. With scenic surroundings and plenty of opportunities for shared moments, the resort creates the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations and lasting memories.

7. Country Inn Smart Stays, Rishikesh

Designed for young travellers, Country Inn Smart Stays, Rishikesh combines adventure, social experiences, and comfort.

Friends can spend their days white-water rafting, café hopping, exploring local attractions, and shopping before returning to enjoy the rooftop pool, restaurant, rooftop café, and recreation spaces featuring pool, karaoke, and games.

With vibrant common areas and unique bunk-bed accommodation options, the property is ideal for groups seeking an energetic and youthful travel experience.

Whether it is chasing wildlife trails, relaxing beside a lake, exploring beaches, or escaping to the mountains, these destinations offer the perfect opportunity to celebrate friendship beyond messages and calls.

This Friendship Day, gather your favourite people, pack your bags, and create stories that will be remembered long after the journey ends

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has temporarily closed 17 Metro stations across the national capital from 7:30 AM until further instructions, following ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar and security advisories issued by the Delhi Police.

According to the DMRC, the stations have been closed as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety and maintain law and order.

The Metro stations currently closed are:

• Lok Kalyan Marg

• Rajiv Chowk

• Patel Chowk

• Ramakrishna Ashram Marg

• Barakhambha Road

• Supreme Court

• Jhandewalan

• Seva Teerth

• Janpath

• Mandi House

• Central Secretariat

• ITO

• Delhi Gate

• Indraprastha

• Khan Market

• Jor Bagh

• Shivaji Stadium

The DMRC has clarified that interchange facilities will continue to remain operational at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat, allowing passengers to switch between Metro lines even though entry and exit at these stations remain suspended.

According to the authorities, the temporary closure has been implemented based on recommendations from the Delhi Police in view of the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar.

The move is aimed at strengthening security arrangements and managing crowds, particularly after clashes were reported between protesters and police during the 'Sansad Chalo' march on July 20. Officials are seeking to prevent large gatherings and ensure smooth law enforcement operations in the area.

DMRC has advised commuters to stay updated through its official communication channels for the latest information on Metro services and station operations.

Antara Cruises, South Asia’s largest luxury river cruise operator, has announced plans to invest over ₹500 crore over the next five years to position Assam as India’s premier luxury river cruise destination.

The investment will focus on expanding the company’s fleet, strengthening tourism infrastructure, and developing a broader river cruise ecosystem along the Brahmaputra, supporting the growth of high-value tourism in Northeast India.

The announcement follows a meeting between Raj Singh, Founder & Managing Director, Antara Cruises, and Ravi Kota, IAS, Chief Secretary of Assam, where the company presented its long-term roadmap for developing luxury river cruise tourism in the state.

The investment comes as India’s river cruise sector witnesses growing momentum. According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, river cruise voyages on India’s National Waterways increased by 19.4% during FY2024-25. Under the Government’s Cruise Bharat Mission, 51 river cruise circuits are planned across 14 states and three Union Territories by 2027.

With global river cruising already established as a major tourism segment, Antara Cruises believes the Brahmaputra has the potential to emerge as a world-class destination for premium travellers seeking immersive experiences beyond traditional tourism hubs.

As part of its expansion strategy, Antara Cruises will introduce four new purpose-built luxury river cruise vessels on the Brahmaputra. The first vessel is expected to launch next year, followed by the addition of one vessel annually.

Each vessel will be designed to accommodate approximately 80 guests and engineered specifically for the navigational conditions of the Brahmaputra. The ships will feature shallow-draft technology and comply with the latest Inland Vessels Act and Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) standards.

The new vessels will complement MV Ganga Vilas, Antara Cruises’ flagship luxury river cruise vessel currently operating on the Brahmaputra, significantly increasing Assam’s capacity to attract premium domestic and international travellers.

Commenting on the development, Raj Singh, Founder & Managing Director, Antara Cruises, said, "Our discussions with the Chief Secretary were extremely encouraging. Our priority is to build an enabling ecosystem for river cruising through improved jetties, road connectivity, shore power, safety, and seamless guest movement across destinations. With the right infrastructure in place, Assam has the potential to become India's leading river cruise destination."

He added, "Around the world, river cruising has transformed regional economies by bringing high-value travellers to destinations beyond major cities. We believe the Brahmaputra can do the same for Northeast India, creating sustainable employment, supporting local businesses and positioning India on the global luxury river cruise map."

Antara Cruises has been working closely with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to support the development of luxury river cruising in the region. The company’s engagement with the Assam administration aims to align its expansion plans with the state’s tourism and infrastructure priorities.

Sustainability remains a key focus of the upcoming vessels, with planned features including onboard sewage treatment plants, advanced water filtration systems, shore power connectivity to reduce emissions while docked, and WWF-approved dolphin deterrent technology to protect the Brahmaputra ecosystem.

"These are purpose-built ships for the Brahmaputra. Every aspect of their design reflects the river's unique characteristics while adhering to the highest environmental and operational standards," added Singh.

Sharing details of the meeting, Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota highlighted that the proposed investment could help establish Assam as a globally recognised luxury river cruise destination while creating approximately 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

The initiative is also expected to support local businesses, artisans, and communities while creating skill development opportunities for Assamese youth across hospitality, cruise operations, culinary services, and marine engineering.

With its planned investment, fleet expansion, and focus on sustainable tourism infrastructure, Antara Cruises aims to establish the Brahmaputra as one of Asia’s leading inland luxury cruise destinations while contributing to Assam’s tourism-led economic growth.