Healthy snacking brand Wonderland Foods announced that it has raised ₹140 crore in its first institutional funding round, marking a significant step in its growth journey. The round was led by Asha Ventures and British International Investments (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor.

The funding will support Wonderland Foods in expanding its presence in India’s branded dry fruits and nuts market, establishing a green processing facility, and generating over 1,000 formal jobs, with a focus on women employment.

“We are proud to partner with the Government of Uttar Pradesh to set up a ₹250 crore greenfield nuts and dry fruits processing unit at Greater Noida,” said founders Rakesh Gupta and Anubhav Gupta. “This initiative will create employment opportunities for over 1,000 women and strengthen India’s food processing ecosystem.”

Over the past few years, Wonderland Foods has grown steadily, with its products now widely available across modern retail chains and leading e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, and Zepto.

Commenting on the investment, Pramod Bhasin and Vikram Gandhi, founding partners at Asha Ventures, said, “The healthy snacking category is witnessing strong consumer demand. Wonderland is well-positioned to lead the shift from loose, unbranded products to trusted, hygienic formats in India.”

With this fresh capital infusion, Wonderland Foods aims to scale operations, strengthen its distribution network, and continue driving innovation in India’s healthy snacking segment, while creating meaningful employment opportunities for women.

Abu Dhabi’s charm came alive in Mumbai as Tripadvisor and Experience Abu Dhabi wrapped up their three-day interactive showcase, “Abu Dhabi Is Calling,” at Jio World Plaza. The one-of-a-kind activation drew thousands of curious visitors who stepped into a world where innovation met imagination, exploring the culture and beauty of Abu Dhabi through cutting-edge technology and immersive storytelling.

From the moment guests entered, they were transported into a dynamic space filled with futuristic installations and creative displays. The highlight of the showcase was a pair of interactive domes, where visitors navigated Abu Dhabi’s landmarks in real time while being surrounded by motion visuals, 360° sound, and captivating stories. On the upper floor, an AI-powered itinerary pod curated customised travel plans for each guest, while a green-screen photo booth whisked participants away to Abu Dhabi’s iconic sights, complete with printed souvenirs to take home.

Adding a playful twist, attendees received themed “passports” to collect stamps from all four experience zones. Completing the journey earned them exclusive goodie bags and traditional dates flown in from Abu Dhabi, offering a personal touch to end the adventure on a sweet note.

Throughout the weekend, the activation buzzed with excitement as visitors shared their experiences online, sparking strong social engagement and word-of-mouth. Influencers, families, and high-net-worth visitors alike joined in, reflecting the event’s broad appeal.

Steve Paganelli, Global VP of Media & Partnerships at Tripadvisor, shared, “Continually evolving this particular element of our partnership with Abu Dhabi - now across four different countries and cultures - underscores that travel storytelling can break outside the screen to spark genuine connection. We’re proud of how this activation brought the essence of Abu Dhabi closer to one of the most dynamic markets in the world.”

Georgios Kalliamvakos, Planning, Strategy & Operations Department Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, added, “This project showcased the perfect intersection of culture, creativity, and technology. Bringing Abu Dhabi to Mumbai in such an engaging way not only celebrated our destinations but also deepened the connection with Indian audiences, a market that continues to be key to Abu Dhabi’s growth story.”

The “Abu Dhabi Is Calling” activation has already made its mark in London, Paris, and New York, and its strong reception in India reinforces the growing importance of experiential travel. By blending technology with emotion, Tripadvisor and Experience Abu Dhabi continue to reimagine how travellers connect with destinations, one story, and one experience, at a time.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a new resort in Sawai Madhopur district, Rajasthan, under the iconic Taj brand. This upcoming greenfield project marks another milestone in IHCL’s commitment to expanding its luxury portfolio across India.

Commenting on the development, Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO, IHCL, said,

"Having pioneered tourism in Rajasthan, IHCL has positioned the state on the global tourism map with its portfolio of landmark hotels showcasing the region’s cultural richness. The enhanced connectivity to Sawai Madhopur is opening up new avenues for hospitality, making Ranthambore National Park increasingly accessible to discerning travellers. We are delighted to partner with Vanivinayak Hospitality LLP for this exciting new venture."

Nestled amidst the wilderness, the 75-key eco-sensitive resort will reflect the natural beauty of its surroundings. The property will feature thoughtfully designed accommodations including suites and villas with private courtyards and plunge pools. Guests can look forward to diverse culinary experiences such as an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a bar, and a safari lounge.

The resort will also offer a heated swimming pool, Taj’s signature J Wellness Circle spa, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and Niu & Nau, the salon. Meeting spaces will cater to both business and leisure travellers.

In line with IHCL’s ESG+ framework, Paathya, the resort will incorporate solar-powered amenities, rainwater harvesting systems, and locally sourced sustainable materials, reflecting the brand’s dedication to responsible tourism.

Vibhishek Singh and Abhishek Pal Singh, Partners at Vanivinayak Hospitality LLP, shared,

"We are excited to collaborate with IHCL to bring a luxury wildlife resort to Sawai Madhopur. This partnership marks a milestone in our journey to promote sustainable tourism in the region."

Sawai Madhopur, known as the gateway to Ranthambore National Park, is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The park, one of India’s most celebrated tiger reserves, is home to majestic tigers, leopards, and rich biodiversity, making it a preferred destination for wildlife lovers.

Vanivinayak Hospitality LLP, based in Jaipur, is led by partners Vibhishek Singh and Abhishek Pal Singh. The group has diverse interests in real estate development and affordable housing, with initiatives such as Unique Shree, which has planned over 10,000 homes across key cities including Jaipur, Sikar, Ajmer, Jodhpur, and Neemrana. The group also holds a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest groundbreaking ceremony for its project My Haveli.