Madhya Pradesh's Rich Heritage: Six Sites Make it to UNESCO's Tentative List

Madhya Pradesh's Rich Heritage: Six Sites Make it to UNESCO's Tentative List

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 23, 2024

Madhya Pradesh, known for its rich tapestry of history and culture, has recently achieved a monumental milestone. Six of its heritage marvels have been spotlighted on the global stage by being included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This prestigious recognition shines a light on the state's diverse and ancient heritage, promising to boost tourism and conservation efforts.

Among the sites recognized are the iconic Gwalior Fort, renowned for its architectural grandeur and historical significance; the Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley, which offer a window into prehistoric human life through their intricate paintings; and the Khooni Bhandara in Burhanpur, an engineering marvel of water management systems dating back centuries. Other sites include the Historical Group of Dhamnar, the serene Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, and the tranquil God Memorial of Ramnagar, Mandla.

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Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took to social media to share the news, expressing his congratulations to the people of the state for this remarkable achievement. "This inclusion is not just a matter of pride for Madhya Pradesh but also a step forward in preserving our rich heritage for future generations," he stated.

Efforts to get these sites recognized by UNESCO have been underway for years, with significant progress made in improving infrastructure and facilities to accommodate the anticipated increase in domestic and foreign tourists. The inclusion of Burhanpur's Khooni Bhandara, for instance, has been hailed as a significant achievement by local MLA Archana Chitnis, who recounted the journey from conception to realisation of this dream.

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The UNESCO tentative listing is an essential step towards the final nomination for World Heritage Site status, which can lead to increased global recognition, preservation efforts, and tourism opportunities. For Madhya Pradesh, a state already celebrated for its cultural and natural beauty, this recognition underscores the importance of its historical sites as treasures of human civilization.

As Madhya Pradesh's heritage sites prepare for their potential future as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the spotlight on these marvels is expected to draw visitors from around the globe, eager to explore the depth and diversity of India's heartland.


Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse Highlights Long-Stay Business Rooms Amid Rising Corporate Travel Demand

Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse Highlights Long-Stay Business Rooms Amid Rising Corporate Travel Demand

By Hariharan U

Published on July 4, 2026

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 Enters Rajasthan with Daily Direct Flights to Udaipur

Akasa Air Enters Rajasthan with Daily Direct Flights to Udaipur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 29, 2026

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.


Beyond the Forecast: Discovering Monsoon Travel at The Serai Resorts

Beyond the Forecast: Discovering Monsoon Travel at The Serai Resorts

By Hariharan U

Published on June 18, 2026

As travel preferences shift towards slower, more meaningful experiences, a new mindset is reshaping the way people explore destinations. Trends such as “quietcations” and “hushpitality” are gaining momentum among Gen Z and millennial travellers, reflecting a growing desire to disconnect from digital overload and reconnect with nature. In this evolving landscape, the monsoon season offers a natural backdrop for mindful travel, and The Serai Resorts brings this philosophy to life across its properties in Chikmagalur, Kabini, and Bandipur.

At The Serai Chikmagalur, nestled within Karnataka’s Malnad region, the monsoon transforms coffee plantations into lush green expanses wrapped in mist and rain. The season enhances the estate’s natural beauty, offering guests slow mornings overlooking plantations, guided coffee estate walks, cycling trails through rain-kissed landscapes, and moments of stillness surrounded by drifting clouds. The experience encourages travellers to embrace a slower rhythm deeply connected to nature.

In Kabini, the monsoon breathes renewed life into the backwaters and surrounding forests, creating one of the most serene seasons in the region. At The Serai Kabini, guests can engage with nature through coracle rides, kayaking, speedboat excursions, and guided walks through thriving ecosystems. Family-friendly experiences such as archery and the Junior Chef programme add interactive elements, while the rains create a calming atmosphere of renewal and immersion.

Meanwhile, The Serai Bandipur offers a tranquil gateway to the wilderness on the edge of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. During the monsoon, the forests turn vibrant and alive, offering an ideal setting for unhurried nature walks, quiet wildlife observation, and reflective moments in the heart of the forest landscape. The experience is designed for travellers seeking a deeper connection with nature, supported by thoughtful hospitality and spacious accommodations.

Across all three destinations, The Serai Resorts positions monsoon not as a season to avoid but as an opportunity to rediscover travel in its most authentic form. In a world increasingly drawn to wellness, mindfulness, and experiential luxury, these retreats offer an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and embrace the beauty of nature at its most expressive.

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