New IRA By Orchid Hotel Opens, Bringing Modern Elegance to Sambhaji Nagar

New IRA By Orchid Hotel Opens, Bringing Modern Elegance to Sambhaji Nagar

By Author

Published on December 23, 2023

Kamat Hotels India Ltd has expanded its Orchid Hotel portfolio with the opening of its fourth IRA outlet in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, formerly known as Aurangabad. This new addition follows the successful launch of IRA in Mumbai, Bhubaneshwar, and Nashik.

As guests enter IRA By Orchid, they are greeted with a traditional ‘Namaskar’ welcome, setting the tone for a stay that combines warm hospitality with modern luxury. The hotel features the city's freshest rooms and a stunning rooftop restaurant, ‘Upper Deck’, providing panoramic views and exquisite dining. It also houses elegant banquets, making it an ideal venue for both corporate and social events.

Strategically located near the city's top attractions and corporate hubs, and just a short 15-minute drive from the airport, IRA By Orchid serves as a perfect base for exploring landmarks like the Ajanta Ellora Caves and Daulatabad Fort.

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The hotel offers a range of meticulously designed rooms, including Deluxe, Premier, and Suite categories. These accommodations blend contemporary design with comfort, catering to all travel needs. Guests can enjoy amenities like centralized air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, in-room safes, and non-smoking rooms.

Dr. Vithal Kamat, Chairman of Kamat Hotels India Ltd, shared his enthusiasm for welcoming guests to the new IRA outlet. He highlighted the Kamat brand's dedication to exceptional food and banquet services and expressed his vision for IRA as a model for future expansion in the Marathwada region.

Vishal Vithal Kamat, Executive Director of KHIL, further added that in line with IRA's philosophy, the hotel will contribute 1% of its sales to community welfare, focusing on the education of the Girl Child and collaborating with grassroots organizations to positively impact the Sambhaji Nagar community.

This new venture promises to elevate the hospitality experience in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, offering guests a unique blend of modern luxury and traditional charm.


DGCA Directs Airlines to Avoid 9 West Asia Airspaces Amid Conflict

DGCA Directs Airlines to Avoid 9 West Asia Airspaces Amid Conflict

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 22, 2026

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued an advisory asking airlines to avoid several airspaces in West Asia due to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. The move is aimed at ensuring passenger safety and strengthening contingency planning for flight operations.

As per the directive, airlines have been asked to refrain from operating in the airspace of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, operations over Oman and Saudi Arabia may be allowed under certain conditions.

The DGCA noted that recent military strikes by the United States and Israel on targets in Iran, along with Iran’s retaliatory actions, have created a high-risk environment for civil aviation. These developments have raised serious concerns around the safety of flight operations in the region.

In addition to avoiding specific airspaces, airlines have also been advised not to operate below FL320 (32,000 feet) in designated parts of Saudi Arabia and Oman. The regulator has stressed the importance of detailed safety assessments and strong contingency plans, including rerouting and diversions where required.

The advisory has come into effect immediately and will remain valid until March 28, unless reviewed earlier depending on the situation. Airlines have also been instructed to avoid flying in the affected airspaces at all altitudes.

"Operations to airports in the region, where international carriers continue to fly, must be backed by comprehensive contingency planning to address all possible scenarios," the DGCA said.

Further, carriers have been asked to keep flight crew updated with the latest NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen), which provide real-time updates on airspace conditions and restrictions.

Separately, airlines have issued travel advisories for passengers flying to and from Delhi and other cities due to weather conditions. IndiGo has indicated that flights in Delhi and Bengaluru may be slightly affected due to thundershowers, while Air India has highlighted possible disruptions caused by rain and gusty winds in the national capital and parts of north India.

With this advisory, the DGCA aims to ensure that airlines remain prepared and cautious while operating in sensitive regions, keeping safety as the top priority.


Essentia Group Launches New Luxury Retreat in Sirsi, Karnataka

Essentia Group Launches New Luxury Retreat in Sirsi, Karnataka

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 22, 2026

Essentia Group of Hotels & Resorts has announced its entry into Sirsi, Karnataka, with the launch of Essentia Resort & Spa Sirsi. Known for its curated hospitality experiences across India, the brand brings its signature style of comfort and refined living to this peaceful destination.

This marks Essentia Hotels’ debut in the region, with the property designed as a calm retreat where modern elegance blends with the natural beauty and charm of Sirsi. Surrounded by forests and rolling hills, the location offers a quiet escape for travellers looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Sirsi, often called the gateway to Uttara Kannada, is known for its untouched landscapes and spiritual vibe. The town is close to attractions such as Unchalli Falls, Magod Falls, and scenic forest trails, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers, explorers, and those seeking a slower pace of life.

The Essentia Resort & Spa has been planned as a comfortable yet refined stay, featuring well-designed rooms, modern amenities, and attentive service. The property reflects the character of its surroundings while offering the convenience and comfort expected by today’s travellers. It caters to leisure guests, families, and anyone looking to take a break from city life without giving up on quality experiences.

Mr. Mohammed Parvez, CEO of Essentia Group of Hotels & Resorts, said, "Our expansion into Sirsi marks an important milestone for Essentia. We wanted to create a retreat that harmonizes seamlessly with its surroundings while offering the modern luxuries today’s travelers value. Sirsi offers a rare balance of adventure and serenity, and we look forward to welcoming guests who seek both.”

“Sirsi has a unique charm that instantly puts you at ease. This property embodies our philosophy of thoughtful hospitality, attention to detail, and creating spaces that feel both special and personal. We are proud to introduce Essentia to this beautiful destination.”

With this addition, Essentia Group aims to offer travellers a new way to experience one of Karnataka’s lesser-explored destinations. The resort is set to become a preferred choice for those looking to discover Sirsi while enjoying the brand’s signature hospitality and comfort.


City Centre-II Launches in Dwarka With Cinépolis, McDonald's, Starbucks and a Clear Vision for Neighbourhood Retail

City Centre-II Launches in Dwarka With Cinépolis, McDonald's, Starbucks and a Clear Vision for Neighbourhood Retail

By Hariharan U

Published on March 22, 2026

West Delhi's retail and entertainment landscape just got a meaningful addition. Pratham Group, a joint venture of Unity Group, HL Group, and RP Group, has officially launched City Centre-II in Sector 12, Dwarka, inaugurating the project with a special screening of Dhurandhar: The Revenge. It's a fitting opener for a destination that has entertainment at its core.

Designed as a neighbourhood-centric development, City Centre-II has been built around the everyday needs and lifestyle aspirations of Dwarka's growing residential community. The focus isn't on scale for its own sake but on relevance, proximity, and the kind of consistent daily engagement that makes a retail destination genuinely useful rather than just occasionally visited.

The centrepiece of the launch is Dwarka's first Cinépolis multiplex, featuring five state-of-the-art auditoriums with a combined seating capacity of over 750. For a micro-market that has long lacked organised entertainment infrastructure, this is a significant addition that positions City Centre-II as the primary leisure destination for the catchment.

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The F&B mix reinforces that community-first intent. McDonald's, Starbucks, Café Delhi Heights, The Sanook Kitchen, Brick and Brew, Berco's, Scoop Wonder, and Tealive are all part of the lineup. McDonald's and Third Wave Coffee have already commenced operations, with the remaining outlets set to open in phases over the coming months.

Harsh Vardhan Bansal, Co-Founder of Unity Group and Vegas Mall, explained the thinking behind the project. "Neighbourhood retail today is no longer about scale; it's about relevance, accessibility, and everyday engagement. With City Centre-II, our focus is to create a destination that seamlessly integrates into the lifestyle of Dwarka's residents. The introduction of organised entertainment through Cinépolis India, along with a thoughtfully curated F&B mix, reflects a clear shift towards experience-led consumption within local catchments. We believe the future of retail lies in such hyperlocal ecosystems that combine convenience with quality, creating spaces that people don't just visit occasionally, but engage with consistently."

For Dwarka's residents, City Centre-II fills a gap that has been felt for a while. A proper multiplex, recognisable food brands, and a thoughtfully put-together destination within the neighbourhood is exactly the kind of infrastructure a growing residential micro-market needs.

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