The Serai Resorts has welcomed the Karnataka Government's decision to resume safari and eco-tourism activities at Bandipur National Park and Nagarhole National Park (Kabini) under enhanced safety protocols, marking the return of responsible wildlife tourism across two of the state's most celebrated protected forests.

The resumption follows a temporary suspension of safari operations and comes after a review by the Karnataka State Board for Wildlife. The move aims to restore visitor access while maintaining a strong focus on wildlife conservation, ecological protection and visitor safety.

Guests staying at The Serai Bandipur and The Serai Kabini can once again experience guided wildlife safaris conducted under the Karnataka Forest Department's prescribed safety guidelines. The resort group has also introduced its "Escape into the Wild" package, which guarantees safari seats for guests during their stay.

At The Serai Kabini, the package includes accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis, one guaranteed jungle safari (boat safari or canter safari), a complimentary coracle ride, a guided nature walk and a 10 percent saving on spa therapies. 

Guests at The Serai Bandipur can enjoy accommodation with breakfast, one guaranteed jungle safari, a complimentary guided nature walk and a 10 percent saving on spa treatments.

Bandipur and Nagarhole continue to attract wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, families and nature travellers with opportunities to spot tigers, elephants, leopards, gaurs, wild dogs, sloth bears, crocodiles, spotted deer, sambar deer and a wide variety of resident and migratory birds.

Recent wildlife sightings further highlight the biodiversity of both parks. Bandipur has recorded sightings of tigers, elephants, Indian gaur, striped-necked mongoose, black-footed grey langurs and several bird species including crested hawk eagles, Malabar parakeets and grey junglefowl. Nagarhole (Kabini) has witnessed elephants, crocodiles, wild dogs, otters, Malabar giant squirrels and raptors such as crested serpent eagles and crested hawk eagles.

One of Kabini's most remarkable wildlife attractions remains the seasonal congregation of Asian elephants along the Kabini River, where between 100 and 600 elephants may gather during peak periods, creating one of India's largest recorded elephant gatherings.

Commenting on the resumption, a spokesperson for The Serai Resorts said the reopening of safari operations is an important step towards reconnecting travellers with Karnataka's extraordinary wildlife while ensuring tourism continues to support conservation efforts and local communities. The spokesperson added that the group remains committed to promoting responsible wildlife experiences in partnership with the Forest Department and local stakeholders.

With nature-based travel continuing to gain momentum, The Serai Resorts aims to provide immersive safari experiences that balance guest engagement with long-term environmental sustainability and wildlife conservation.

As Bengaluru continues to strengthen its position as one of India’s leading corporate travel hubs, demand for centrally located hotels catering to long-stay and hybrid work patterns is on the rise. Responding to this shift, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse is focusing on its business-ready rooms and suites designed for extended stays and flexible travel needs.

The hotel offers 272 contemporary rooms and suites, including Premium Rooms with private balconies and spacious Suites tailored for guests combining work, travel, and leisure. The property is positioning itself to serve corporate travellers, project-based stays, and bleisure guests who require comfort and connectivity in a city-centre location.

According to Shiv Bose, General Manager, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, business travel has evolved into a more fluid experience where guests often blend meetings, remote work, and personal time within the same trip. He noted that the hotel’s rooms are designed to support this new travel behaviour through ergonomic workspaces, modern interiors, and reliable connectivity.

Located opposite the Bengaluru Racecourse, the hotel offers easy access to key corporate districts, government offices, transport hubs, and commercial landmarks, making it a practical choice for short and extended stays.

The room categories are designed to meet varied traveller needs. Standard Rooms provide comfortable accommodation with racecourse views, while Premium Rooms enhance the experience with private balconies. Suites offer additional living space, dining areas, and greater flexibility for long-stay guests or those on extended assignments.

Beyond accommodation, the hotel features a rooftop swimming pool overlooking the racecourse, a fully equipped fitness centre, and multiple dining venues, allowing guests to maintain routines and unwind between work commitments.

With business travel patterns increasingly shifting toward longer and more flexible stays, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse is positioning itself as a city-centre address that combines functionality, comfort, and the trusted service of the Holiday Inn brand.

Akasa Air has announced its entry into Rajasthan with the launch of daily direct flights connecting Udaipur with Mumbai and Bengaluru from October 15, 2026. The new services strengthen the airline's domestic network while enhancing connectivity to one of India's most popular leisure and hospitality destinations.

Bookings for the new routes are now open through Akasa Air's website, mobile application and authorised travel partners. The airline said the expansion reflects growing demand for leisure travel, destination weddings and premium tourism from key metropolitan markets.

Commenting on the launch, Anand Srinivasan, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said, "We are delighted to launch services to Udaipur, a city that represents India's rich cultural heritage and continues to see strong demand across leisure and hospitality travel. With direct connectivity from Mumbai and Bengaluru, customers will now have more convenient access to one of the country's most iconic destinations."

"As we continue to strengthen our domestic footprint, our focus remains on building a network that is relevant, customer-centric, and aligned with evolving travel demand. Udaipur is an important addition to our portfolio, and we look forward to offering travellers Akasa Air's warm, dependable, and efficient flying experience."

The airline said Udaipur's growing popularity as a destination for leisure holidays, weddings and experiential travel made it a strategic addition to its expanding network. The new routes are expected to improve access for both domestic tourists and business travellers while supporting the city's tourism and hospitality sectors.

Akasa Air added that the launch aligns with its strategy of building a demand-driven domestic network and improving connectivity to emerging tourism markets across India. The airline continues to expand its footprint by adding destinations with strong leisure and business travel potential.

Passengers travelling on Akasa Air can also benefit from the airline's customer-focused offerings, including its young fleet, onboard dining through Café Akasa, digital services and a range of ancillary products designed to enhance the overall travel experience.