This Diwali season, Imagicaa is set to light up the festive spirit with a vibrant mix of fun, entertainment, and adventure. From October 31st, visitors can enjoy "Jashn-e-Diwali," a special celebration at India’s happiest destination, where thrilling rides meet dazzling lights, cultural performances, and an exciting night parade. With an impressive 25% discount on tickets, the event promises an unforgettable carnival-style experience for families and friends.

For thrill-seekers and fun lovers, Imagicaa Theme Park offers an array of exhilarating rides with a festive twist. Whether it's flying high on gravity-defying rides or zipping down water slides, every attraction is infused with the excitement of Diwali. The joyful spirit of the festival fills the air, ensuring laughter and excitement for all ages.

This year, Imagicaa will shine even brighter with stunning fairy light decorations that create a magical atmosphere. Guests will be immersed in a visual treat of sparkling lights, along with captivating cultural dance performances that add a festive flavor to the celebration.

The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. As night falls, a variety of live entertainment acts take center stage, including a Drum Circle, Open DJ sessions, magic shows, and live band performances. The evening culminates in the Grand Imagicaa Night Parade, featuring vibrant floats and performers, followed by a breathtaking fireworks display that perfectly captures the joy of Diwali.

Imagicaa has something for everyone, including a Fun Creative Zone with activities like balloon art, caricature sketching, Tic-Tac-Toe, and pot painting, all set up in a lively flea market-style square. The celebration is complemented by delicious street food options at the Khau Galli counters, offering treats like candy floss, Turkish coffee, and potato twisters.

For those looking to extend the celebration, Novotel Imagicaa offers comfortable accommodations to relax after a day of excitement and fun. Guests can enjoy the full experience of Diwali at Imagicaa with a day filled with adventure and a relaxing evening in style.

Helsinki has been named the world’s most sustainable travel destination, securing the top spot in the latest Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index, released on October 16, 2024. This recognition highlights the Finnish capital’s commitment to environmentally friendly tourism and responsible urban development, surpassing over 100 cities worldwide.

The GDS Index evaluates destinations based on four key areas: Destination Management, Supplier Performance, Environmental Performance, and Social Performance. Helsinki excelled in Destination Management and Environmental Performance, placing first in both categories. The city also ranked second in Social Progress, reflecting its efforts to promote inclusive tourism and engage local businesses.

Nina Vesterinen & Jukka Punamaki GDS awards

“Being named the world’s most sustainable travel destination is proof of the long-term work that has been done in Helsinki. We are developing and growing tourism sustainably together with tourism operators and local residents. Achieving this ‘first place’ indicates that we are on the right path,” said Juhana Vartiainen, Mayor of Helsinki.

The city’s Climate Action Plan for Tourism and Events plays a central role in maintaining sustainable growth and aims to position Helsinki as a leader in sustainable tourism. Part of the broader strategy includes reaching carbon neutrality by 2030 through renewable energy adoption, energy-efficient buildings, and low-emission transportation solutions. More than 30% of the city’s bus fleet is already electrified, with over 30 kilometers of new tramlines expected to be operational in the next decade.

Helsinki from above

Helsinki also emphasizes social sustainability by supporting local businesses in their sustainability efforts and encouraging resident participation in tourism planning. The city actively measures the carbon footprint of tourism and collaborates with other international destinations to promote responsible travel practices.

Nina Vesterinen, Tourism Director for the City of Helsinki, noted that travelers are increasingly prioritizing sustainable travel options. “International studies show that travelers are increasingly seeking sustainable services, and there will be growing demand for destinations like Helsinki in the future,” she said.

Hurray Helsinki!

Helsinki’s first-place ranking in the GDS Index demonstrates the city’s ability to integrate environmental and social sustainability into tourism while aligning with global trends toward greener travel experiences.

Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport is gearing up to become a hub for electric flying taxis, thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between Sarla Aviation and Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). This collaboration aims to bring seven-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to the city's bustling transportation network, promising a faster, eco-friendly, and more efficient alternative to ground-based travel.

The two entities signed a statement of collaboration last month to explore sustainable urban air mobility solutions. The initiative is designed to address Bengaluru’s notorious traffic congestion by offering quicker travel options at affordable rates. Sarla Aviation's electric taxis are expected to operate on key routes, with the journey from Bengaluru Airport to Electronics City projected to take just 19 minutes—a significant improvement from the 152 minutes required by road.

Co-founded by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan, Sarla Aviation is at the forefront of advanced air mobility in India. The Bengaluru-based startup is planning to roll out its services in four major Indian cities—Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune—where urban congestion is at its peak. The aim is to provide affordable electric flying taxis that offer cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective alternatives to traditional air and ground transportation.

Schmidt, Sarla Aviation's CEO, highlighted the company’s vision: "We aim to redefine urban air transport with operational efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and scalable infrastructure. Our electric flying taxis will set new benchmarks in reliability and performance, aligning with global standards for sustainable aviation."

Sustainable Air Travel in Focus

The introduction of eVTOL aircraft marks a crucial step toward advancing sustainable air travel in India. By using electric-powered aircraft, Sarla Aviation seeks to reduce carbon emissions and offer a cleaner mode of transport compared to traditional helicopters. While commercial operations are still two to three years away, the company is optimistic that its taxis will play a vital role in the future of urban air mobility.

The proposed routes will not only alleviate road congestion but also provide cost-effective air travel. For instance, the Bengaluru to Electronics City route is expected to be priced at INR 1,700, making it accessible to a wide range of commuters.

FAA and Global Regulations

As India embarks on this futuristic journey, global regulatory bodies are also shifting their focus. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently announced changes in its regulatory approach to certify pilots for powered-lift aircraft, the category under which eVTOLs fall. These new regulations are designed to address the unique needs of electric flying taxis, which operate differently from traditional airplanes and helicopters.

Pioneering Urban Mobility

Sarla Aviation’s partnership with Kempegowda International Airport is a testament to the company’s ambition to revolutionize urban transportation. The co-founders—Chauhan, Gaonkar, and Schmidt—have extensive experience working with leading Western air traffic startups such as Joby and Lilium, making them well-equipped to bring this innovative solution to Indian skies.

This collaboration is part of a broader movement to advance urban mobility in India, with sustainable aviation technology playing a key role. Sarla Aviation is rapidly emerging as a leader in the advanced air mobility sector, setting the stage for cleaner, faster, and more efficient urban air transport.

With regulatory hurdles still to overcome, the project is in its early stages, but the vision of electric flying taxis in Indian cities is closer than ever. This initiative not only signals a significant step forward in addressing urban congestion but also positions Bengaluru as a pioneer in the global shift toward sustainable urban aviation.