Heritage River Journeys Orders Two Luxury Cruise Vessels for the Brahmaputra

Heritage River Journeys Orders Two Luxury Cruise Vessels for the Brahmaputra

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 31, 2026

Heritage River Journeys Private Limited has placed a repeat order with Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited (Hooghly-CSL) for the construction of two luxury river cruise vessels, each featuring 40 suites. Valued at approximately ₹250–300 crore, the order marks another step in the company's long-term investment in India's luxury river cruise and inland waterway infrastructure.

The contract was signed at SAGARMANTHAN in New Delhi on October 29, 2026, in the presence of Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Shantanu Thakur and distinguished international dignitaries. Heritage River Journeys was represented by its Founder, Mr. Raj Singh, and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Vineet Arora.

The latest order follows a commitment made by Raj Singh to Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, IAS, in July 2026 to invest ₹500 crore in the Brahmaputra. It also builds on an earlier vessel order placed in June 2025, reflecting the company's continued focus on developing a modern fleet designed specifically for India's rivers. The two new vessels are scheduled for delivery in June 2029 and June 2030, respectively, and will operate on the Brahmaputra River.

As interest in experiential travel, destination-led tourism and river journeys grows, investments in cruise infrastructure can support India's wider tourism ecosystem. These developments have the potential to create local employment, strengthen hospitality services, support destination development and benefit businesses connected with tourism and inland waterways. Through this repeat order, Heritage River Journeys aims to expand luxury river cruising in India while contributing to the infrastructure required to unlock the tourism potential of the country's rivers.

Building a Legacy of River Cruising in India

Heritage River Journeys began its river cruising journey with the launch of Bengal Ganga in 2008 under the aegis of Antara Cruises. Since then, the company has expanded its fleet to include Bengal Ganga, Ganges Voyager I, Ganges Voyager II and Ganga Vilas. The landmark itinerary of Ganga Vilas was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The company has also expanded into private luxury and wildlife experiences with Nauka Vilas on the Hooghly River and four luxury catamaran yachts in Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha. The latest order reinforces Heritage River Journeys' long-term commitment to expanding its fleet and strengthening India's position as a destination for luxury river cruising.


True Palate Hospitality Targets 50 Outlets and ₹1,000 Crore Revenue by 2030

True Palate Hospitality Targets 50 Outlets and ₹1,000 Crore Revenue by 2030

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 31, 2026

True Palate Hospitality, the company behind One8 Commune, Neuma and Pincode, is targeting 50 outlets and revenue of ₹900–1,000 crore by 2030. With around 20–22 outlets currently operating across India and international markets, the company plans to expand its restaurant portfolio over the next five years with a planned investment of ₹30–40 crore.

As part of its expansion plans, One8 Commune has signed projects in Guwahati, Dehradun and Raipur. The Guwahati outlet will mark the brand's entry into Northeast India. Pincode is also preparing to expand its domestic presence, with signed projects in Surat and Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, Neuma is exploring further opportunities, including a potential location in Goa. The company is also evaluating markets where its existing brands have shown promising performance.

True Palate Hospitality recorded revenue growth of more than 40% during its earlier expansion phase between 2022 and 2024. Its current year-on-year growth stands at approximately 15–20%. Going forward, the company plans to focus on carefully selecting markets, strengthening its teams and improving operational capabilities to support long-term growth.

Commenting on the expansion plans, Vartik Tihara, Co-Founder and Director, True Palate Hospitality, said, "Our ambition is to build a portfolio of hospitality brands that can grow across markets while retaining a distinct identity and a strong connection with their audiences. We are targeting 50 outlets over the next five years, with a revenue ambition of ₹900–1,000 crore by 2030. Our focus is on expanding our existing brands in a way that makes commercial sense, identifying the right markets and ensuring that each format has room to grow. We see opportunities across both established and emerging dining destinations, and our priority is to scale thoughtfully while building a sustainable business."

The planned investment of ₹30–40 crore will support new outlet development and strengthen the company's operational and leadership capabilities. Markets such as Goa, Surat and Ahmedabad are among those being considered for further expansion as the company looks to balance growth with commercial viability.

Aditi Tihara, Senior Vice President, True Palate Hospitality, highlighted the importance of operational readiness as the company enters new markets. She said, "Scaling a hospitality business requires much more than opening new locations. Every expansion involves identifying the right talent, training teams, establishing robust operating processes and ensuring that the experience associated with each brand translates consistently on the ground. One8 Commune, Neuma and Pincode each have a distinct identity, audience and operating model, and our approach must reflect those differences while maintaining the standards guests expect. As we enter new markets, our priority is to build the operational capabilities that allow us to grow sustainably, maintain quality across locations and keep the guest experience at the centre of every decision."

The company is also considering a combination of company-owned outlets and franchise-led models for future growth. The approach will depend on individual projects, market conditions and commercial viability, allowing True Palate Hospitality to manage its investments while expanding its brands across different markets.

Beyond restaurants, the company is developing its experiential entertainment offering through Commune Circus, a hospitality-led intellectual property that brings curated entertainment experiences to its outlets. The initiative features personalities from cricket and the entertainment industry, giving guests opportunities to interact with them in an intimate setting. The tour has travelled across One8 Commune locations in Aerocity, Delhi; Juhu, Mumbai; Goa; and Golf Course Road, Gurugram.

With its focus on expanding its restaurant portfolio, strengthening operations and exploring new business models, True Palate Hospitality is working towards its 2030 targets while building on the distinct identities of One8 Commune, Neuma and Pincode.


IHCL's Tree of Life Amoravida Opens Its Doors in North Goa

IHCL's Tree of Life Amoravida Opens Its Doors in North Goa

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 30, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India's largest hospitality company, has announced the opening of Tree of Life Amoravida in North Goa. The 66-key boutique resort offers guests a quieter setting to explore Goa, bringing together nature, local culture and leisure.

Located amidst green surroundings and the region's natural landscape, Tree of Life Amoravida follows the brand's focus on intimate stays rooted in their destinations. The resort caters to travellers looking to explore Goa at their own pace while enjoying a relaxed stay away from the busier parts of the region.

Commenting on the opening,  Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – Select Service Business, IHCL, said, "Travellers today want stays that let them absorb a destination at their own rhythm. This shift towards slow travel shapes everything we do at Tree of Life, where each resort is intimate by design and rooted in its locale. Tree of Life Amoravida brings this philosophy to a quieter, lesser-seen side of Goa."

The resort offers a range of dining and leisure options for guests. Appetite, its all-day dining restaurant, serves a selection of cuisines, while Aura Bar provides an open-to-sky rooftop terrace where guests can unwind. The property also features a swimming pool for relaxed afternoons and a well-equipped fitness centre for those who want to maintain their workout routines during their stay. For celebrations and special occasions, Tree of Life Amoravida offers indoor and outdoor venues suited to social gatherings and private events.

Beyond the resort, guests can explore trails through the Goan hinterland, spend time by the water and discover local traditions. These experiences bring together the region's natural surroundings and cultural character, offering visitors a more personal way to experience Goa. With its boutique setting, dining options and focus on destination-led experiences, Tree of Life Amoravida adds another stay option to North Goa for travellers seeking a slower and more relaxed holiday.


Sterling Opens Bandhavgarh Resort, Blending Wildlife, Heritage and Culture

Sterling Opens Bandhavgarh Resort, Blending Wildlife, Heritage and Culture

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 28, 2026

Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited (SHRL) has opened Sterling Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh, strengthening its presence across Central India's wildlife destinations. The new resort brings together tiger safaris, natural landscapes, regional cuisine and historical attractions, adding another property to Sterling's growing wilderness portfolio.

With resorts across 15 wildlife landscapes in India, Sterling is building its presence in wilderness tourism by offering experiences that extend beyond wildlife sightings. Bandhavgarh adds to this approach, combining its well-known tiger habitat with dense sal forests, open meadows, rich biodiversity and a history reflected in ancient sculptures, caves and historical sites.

The destination's attractions include Bandhavgarh Fort and Shesh Shaiya, known for its reclining Vishnu sculpture. These experiences offer visitors opportunities to explore the region's heritage alongside its natural surroundings.

Commenting on the opening, Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director and CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, said, “India's wilderness destinations are far more diverse than the wildlife they are famous for. Every forest has its own landscape, history, culture and cuisine and therefore a different story to discover. Bandhavgarh is particularly compelling because it brings together one of India's celebrated tiger habitats with centuries of heritage and the distinctive culture of Baghelkhand. As Destination Architects, our ambition is to bring these dimensions together so that a safari becomes part of a richer, more memorable holiday for families.”

A Forest Retreat Near Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Located in Tala village, approximately 2.5 km from the Tala Gate of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Sterling Bandhavgarh features 26 rooms across four categories. The accommodation options include Machan Suites with private machans and outdoor showers, Courtyard Rooms with Balconies overlooking the gardens, Safari Tents with Private Sit-outs and Forest Rooms.

The resort also features a swimming pool, gardens and outdoor relaxation spaces, giving guests places to unwind between excursions.

Its location provides access to the Tala safari zone, while visits to other zones, including Magadhi and Khitauli, are subject to Forest Department permits and regulations. Beyond safaris, guests can explore activities such as birdwatching, village walks, nature trails and cycling, offering different ways to experience the surrounding landscape.

The resort is designed to appeal to families and leisure travellers looking to combine wildlife experiences with relaxation, local culture and outdoor activities.

Building on Sterling's Partnership in Central India

The opening also expands Sterling's existing association with Mahalaxmi Commercial Service Pvt Ltd, which is connected to the company's resort in Kanha. The partnership has now extended to Bandhavgarh, creating an opportunity to develop connected wildlife holidays across two prominent destinations in Madhya Pradesh.

Speaking on the launch, Pranav Sharma, owner of Mahalaxmi Commercial Service Pvt Ltd, said, “Our association with Sterling at Kanha has given us the confidence to extend this partnership to Bandhavgarh. Sterling brings strong operating expertise, brand reach and an understanding of how to create distinctive destination experiences. We are delighted to build on this successful relationship and bring another compelling wilderness retreat to travellers.”

With Sterling's presence in both destinations, travellers can plan a Bandhavgarh–Kanha journey, exploring different forest landscapes, habitats and wildlife experiences within a single holiday.

Baghelkhand Cuisine Adds to the Experience

Regional food is another part of the experience at Sterling Bandhavgarh. The resort's restaurant, The Sal, features local preparations such as Birra ki Roti, Saal Patta Murgh, Baans Mein Pakaya Chawal and Kumhde ki Kheer, drawing inspiration from the culinary traditions of Baghelkhand.

Alongside Indian and international favourites, the resort offers experiences such as the Jungle Thali, showcasing regional flavours, and Gaon ki Rasoi, inspired by the cooking traditions of local communities. Outdoor dining and bonfire evenings further connect the stay with the surrounding natural environment.

The opening of Sterling Bandhavgarh adds to the company's growing network of wildlife and nature destinations across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand. By combining accommodation with safari experiences, regional food and local heritage, Sterling aims to encourage travellers to explore India's forests beyond a single destination or wildlife sighting.

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