Wildlife enthusiasts have received more time to explore Uttar Pradesh's Amangarh Tiger Reserve, with the eco-tourism season being extended by 15 days. Visitors can now enjoy jungle safaris and wildlife experiences at the reserve until June 30.

The fourth eco-tourism season at the reserve was originally scheduled to end on June 15. However, the extension was approved by Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Anuradha Vemuri, providing additional opportunities for tourists to experience the reserve's rich biodiversity and observe tigers in their natural surroundings.

Confirming the development, Bijnor Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Jai Singh Kushwaha said the reserve would remain open until the end of June before closing for the monsoon season.

"The tiger reserve will be closed after June 30 for the monsoon season as movement becomes difficult due to waterlogging and other challenges during the rains," Kushwaha said.

He added that the extension would benefit wildlife lovers by offering extra time to visit the reserve and witness its diverse flora and fauna, including tiger sightings.

Located next to the renowned Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, Amangarh Tiger Reserve has steadily gained popularity among nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. Spread across the Terai region of western Uttar Pradesh, the reserve shares a landscape with the Corbett tiger habitat, making it an important wildlife corridor and tourism destination.

Forest department data highlights the growing interest in the reserve. During its first eco-tourism season in 2022-23, the reserve welcomed 3,068 visitors. The second season saw a significant rise, attracting 6,500 tourists. In the third season of 2024-25, 3,104 visitors participated in jungle safari experiences.

Officials said that across the three tourism seasons, the reserve generated more than ₹17 lakh in revenue, reflecting its increasing appeal among domestic travellers seeking nature and wildlife experiences.

With the season now extended until June 30, Amangarh Tiger Reserve is expected to attract more visitors before operations pause for the annual monsoon closure.

Air India has opened bookings for its first Easy Connect flights under the Government of India’s hub-and-spoke model, making international travel simpler for passengers flying from non-metro cities. The new service allows travellers to check in their baggage and complete immigration formalities at their departure airport before seamlessly connecting to international destinations through Delhi.

The first Easy Connect service will begin from Varanasi on 25 June 2026, with Air India leading the implementation of the new connectivity model. The airline plans to expand the service to several other cities in phases over the coming months, bringing smoother international travel options to more Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations across India.

Under the hub-and-spoke model, cities such as Varanasi serve as ‘spokes’ connected to major hub airports like Delhi. This structure enables passengers to access Air India’s extensive international network through a single connection point while benefiting from coordinated schedules and a streamlined travel experience.

A key feature of the Easy Connect service is through check-in to the final destination. Passengers travelling from Varanasi can check in their baggage at their home airport and collect it only upon arrival at their international destination. Immigration formalities will also be completed at the origin airport, eliminating the need for immigration processing during transit at Delhi.

Passengers will transit through Delhi as international travellers, making connections quicker and more efficient. The model also offers the comfort of connecting within India, reducing the challenges often associated with transiting through foreign hub airports.

The designated Easy Connect flight from Varanasi to Delhi will operate daily as AI1111, departing Varanasi at 09:50 hrs and arriving in Delhi at 11:00 hrs. The schedule has been designed to provide convenient onward connections to 18 international destinations within four hours of arrival.

These include London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Milan, Rome, Zurich, Vienna, Copenhagen, Manila, Singapore, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Riyadh, Colombo, Kathmandu, and Dubai, among others.

Future Easy Connect services from additional spoke cities will operate under the AI11XX flight series, creating a dedicated identity for the network.

P. Balaji, Group Head – Governance, Risk, Compliance & Corporate Affairs, Air India, said: “The successful implementation of the hub-and-spoke model requires close coordination across airlines, airports, and multiple government agencies, and we are grateful for the strong collaboration that has enabled this rollout. Air India is committed to continuing to work closely with all stakeholders across the industry and the Government of India as we expand this model to more cities and phases. Together, we are building a more efficient, integrated, and globally competitive aviation ecosystem for India.”

Air India said bookings for Easy Connect flights are now available across all channels, including the airline’s website, mobile app, contact centre, and travel agents.

The iconic Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district has reopened for tourists, marking the beginning of another season at one of India's most celebrated natural attractions. Visitors can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site until the first fortnight of October.

Located near Badrinath, the Valley of Flowers is known for its breathtaking landscapes, colourful alpine meadows, and rich variety of floral species. Spread across 87 square kilometres, the national park has attracted nature lovers, trekkers, and botanists from around the world for decades.

The park was granted national park status in 1982 to protect its unique geography, alpine grasslands, and diverse plant life. Its global recognition grew after botanist and mountaineer Frank Smythe visited the region in the early twentieth century and documented its remarkable floral diversity in his book, The Valley of Flowers.

Tourists planning to visit the park can travel from Govind Ghat on the Badrinath National Highway to Pulna by road. From Pulna, visitors undertake an 11-kilometre trek to Ghangharia, which serves as the gateway to the Valley of Flowers. Entry permits are issued at Ghangharia before visitors can access the park.

Officials formally opened the gates to tourists on Monday morning, signalling the start of the annual tourism season. According to Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Abhimanyu, more than 108 tourists visited the Valley of Flowers on the opening day.

The Valley of Flowers National Park is managed by the Nanda Devi National Park Division, which also oversees the nearby Nanda Devi National Park. Both parks form the core areas of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and hold UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

With its stunning natural beauty and seasonal bloom of rare Himalayan flowers, the Valley of Flowers continues to be one of Uttarakhand's most sought-after destinations for nature enthusiasts and adventure travellers alike.