Maha Kumbh 2025 to Host 1.5 Million Foreign Tourists

Over 1.5 Million Foreign Tourists Expected at Maha Kumbh: Union Minister Shekhawat

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 15, 2025

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, has announced that the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj is expected to attract over 1.5 million foreign tourists from around 100 countries. The event, which will run from January 13 to February 26, 2025, is being positioned as a global spectacle, reflecting India’s vibrant heritage and cultural diversity.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of Kalagram, a sprawling 10-acre cultural hub in Nagvasuki, Shekhawat described the Maha Kumbh as the world's largest fair, embodying India's unity in diversity. The Kalagram will be one of the main attractions, offering visitors a glimpse of India's rich cultural tapestry through interactive exhibits, stage performances, and immersive experiences.

Key Highlights of Kalagram:

A grand entrance replicating the 12 Jyotirlingas.
A showcase of the Char Dhams and the Eternal Kumbh Exhibition.
Seven regional cultural courtyards, each highlighting the diversity of India's traditions.
The Anubhuti Mandapam, providing a unique sensory experience.
Over 230 master craftsmen demonstrating traditional art forms.
Authentic Indian cuisines at state-specific food stalls.
Performances by more than 14,630 cultural artists.

Shekhawat emphasized the efforts by the Ministry of Culture to give the Maha Kumbh global recognition, with preparations ensuring a seamless experience for the expected 45 crore devotees and tourists. Programs will be held across various venues, including Kalagram, Ganga Pandals, Jhunsi, Nagvasuki, and Arail.

For international visitors, a tent city has been established by the Tourism Ministry, offering amenities like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Panchakarma. Additionally, air travel arrangements have been made for spiritual destinations such as Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura.

Shekhawat remarked:
"The Maha Kumbh is more than a fair; it’s a confluence of faith and culture that attracts people from across the globe, showcasing India’s spiritual and cultural richness."

The Maha Kumbh 2025 promises a 45-day celebration of India’s unity, diversity, and heritage, serving as a platform to present the country’s traditions and values to the world. With extensive preparations underway, the event aims to leave a lasting impression on both devotees and international tourists.

The Serai Resorts Welcomes Resumption of Safari Operations at Bandipur and Nagarhole

By Hariharan U

Published on July 8, 2026

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.

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

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.

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Over 1.5 Million Foreign Tourists Expected at Maha Kumbh: Union Minister Shekhawat

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The Serai Resorts Welcomes Resumption of Safari Operations at Bandipur and Nagarhole

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

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Akasa Air Enters Rajasthan with Daily Direct Flights to Udaipur

Most Read In News