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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on March 4, 2026
The Serai Resorts has officially resumed wildlife safaris for guests at The Serai Bandipur and The Serai Kabini effective 22 February 2026. The reopening follows the Ministry’s circular permitting safari operations under revised operational guidelines.
Safaris are currently operating at 50 percent capacity, while timings remain the same. Online bookings are temporarily unavailable. Reservations are being managed offline in coordination with safari operators and Jungle Lodges & Resorts. All safari drives are being conducted in line with the Supreme Court of India’s November 2025 directive, the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, and directions from the Karnataka Forest Department. Drivers have been instructed to maintain safe distances between vehicles to reduce ecological disturbance within the forest.
The reopening comes after detailed discussions with forest officials, conservation experts and local communities. During the temporary closure, a technical committee formed by the State Board for Wildlife conducted a carrying capacity audit. This led to fixed daily visitor limits aimed at protecting sensitive habitats.
Several additional steps have also been taken on the ground. These include stronger boundary monitoring camps, community-led “Forest Friends” initiatives, removal of invasive Lantana camara to help restore grasslands, servicing of artificial waterholes ahead of summer, and completion of fire line works to lower forest fire risks.
Updated visitor guidelines are now in place as per the Supreme Court of India’s November 2025 directive and the Karnataka Forest Ministry’s February 2026 notification. The continued restriction on mobile phone usage during safaris is intended to reduce ecological impact and encourage a more immersive wildlife experience.
Commenting on the development, Saibal Sen, Chief Operating Officer, The Serai Resorts, said, “We are delighted that safaris have resumed and look forward to welcoming our guests to experience the remarkable wildlife of Bandipur and Nagarhole. We remain committed to responsible tourism that balances guest experience with conservation and community engagement. Every safari is not merely an exploration of the wilderness, but a meaningful step towards sustaining it for generations to come.”
The Serai Resorts will continue working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that wildlife tourism in Karnataka moves forward in a responsible and sustainable manner.
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Published on May 4, 2026
amã Stays & Trails, the premium homestay offering from Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), has announced the signing of a new cluster of bungalows in Port Blair, marking its entry into the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO, IHCL, said, “As travel preferences continue to evolve towards experience-led stays, the homestay segment has emerged as a strong driver of growth. With a portfolio of over 370 bungalows across India, the expansion of amã Stays & Trails to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, marks the brand’s foray into the island destination reflecting our focus on building a diversified presence across leisure destinations. We are delighted to partner with Mr. Abhishek Singh for this project.”
The upcoming amã Stays & Trails, Port Blair will feature ten bungalows set in lush green surroundings, located within walking distance from Manjery beach. The property will include a restaurant along with a range of amenities such as a fully equipped gym, spa, meditation and yoga decks, and a swimming pool. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore activities like snorkelling in clear waters and experiencing the region’s unique colonial and tribal heritage.
Known for offering stays that reflect local culture and heritage, amã Stays & Trails continues to expand its presence across scenic destinations in India. The portfolio already includes over 370 bungalows across locations such as Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Pondicherry, and Sikkim, among others.
Mr. Abhishek Singh, Founder & Chairman, Terra Rex Realty and Terra Rex Energy, said, “Port Blair, a historic town and the gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, offers travelers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL’s amã Stays & Trails on this project to bring these experiences to life for our guests.”
Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is known for its scenic beaches such as Chidiya Tapu and landmarks like the Cellular Jail, offering visitors a mix of natural beauty and historical significance.
With this signing, IHCL continues to strengthen its presence in leisure destinations, while expanding its homestay portfolio to meet the rising demand for experience-driven travel.
Rise Infraventures has successfully closed a 45,000 sq. ft. GCC office space deal within the DLF portfolio for a leading global insurance broking firm. The transaction stands out not just for its size, but for the way it was structured to meet specific client needs within a limited timeframe.
The requirement came with its own set of challenges. The client was looking to expand and relocate quickly, while also wanting to stay within a building they strongly preferred. With limited availability in such scenarios, the situation required a more thoughtful and flexible approach.
Rise Infraventures addressed this by working closely within the existing ecosystem and identifying an opportunity that could benefit all parties involved. The team advised an existing energy company to shift to a space that better suited its budget and changing workplace needs. This move helped free up a larger office space, which was then made available for the incoming firm.
Speaking about the deal, Sonakshi Wadhawan, CBO, Rise Infraventures, said:
“This was a well-aligned mandate where the client was keen to expand within the DLF ecosystem, with clear timelines and space expectations in place. While availability is often a constraint in such scenarios, it also presents an opportunity to think more collaboratively. By working closely with an existing energy occupier and understanding their evolving workspace and cost priorities, we were able to facilitate a relocation that suited them better, while unlocking the required space for the incoming firm. The process came together smoothly through parallel coordination, resulting in a timely and efficient outcome that worked well for both occupiers.”
The deal highlights Rise Infraventures’ approach of going beyond regular transactions by focusing on practical solutions within existing setups. By aligning timelines, occupier needs and available inventory, the team was able to turn a complex requirement into a smooth and balanced outcome for everyone involved.
Published on May 3, 2026
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) reported a strong performance in FY 2025–26, driven by steady growth in passenger traffic, better global connectivity, and consistent cargo movement. The airport handled 44.47 million passengers during the year, marking a 6.2 per cent year-on-year increase, along with 532,000 metric tonnes of cargo, which saw a 6 per cent rise.
International traffic played a major role in this growth, increasing by 23.9 per cent to reach 7.23 million passengers. Domestic traffic also saw an uptick, growing by 3.3 per cent to 37.24 million passengers. This performance reflects Bengaluru’s continued position as a leading business and innovation hub, maintaining steady progress despite global challenges.
Transfer traffic saw notable growth, rising by around 22 per cent year-on-year and contributing 15.7 per cent to the total passenger numbers. While domestic transfers grew by 3.2 per cent, international transfer traffic expanded by over 50 per cent, indicating the airport’s growing importance as a transit hub. The ‘Connections by BLR’ initiative played a key role in improving transfer experiences and strengthening airline partnerships.
The airport also expanded its global reach by adding new international destinations such as Hanoi and Riyadh. Frequencies were increased on several important routes, including London Heathrow, Bangkok, Bahrain, Jeddah, Phuket, Kuwait, Kathmandu, Munich, and Mauritius. Among the busiest international routes were Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, London Heathrow, and Kuala Lumpur. On the domestic side, major routes included Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune, along with new connections to Navi Mumbai, Jaisalmer, Bidar, Silchar, and Dimapur.
Operational activity grew in line with passenger traffic, with 280,800 air traffic movements recorded during the year, up 4.5 per cent. The airport handled an average of 769 daily movements, with a peak of 837 in a single day. Passenger traffic also reached a daily high of 139,111.
Cargo operations remained strong, supported by a network of 15 cargo airlines connecting to 38 destinations. BLR Airport continued to serve as an important link to global logistics hubs such as Chicago, Singapore, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Growth was driven by demand across segments like agri-perishables, pharmaceuticals, auto components, electronics, and e-commerce.
Perishables continued to be a key contributor, with the airport maintaining its position as India’s leading gateway for perishable exports for the fifth year in a row. The handling of around 60 million rose stems, along with increased exports of mango and coriander, highlights this strength. The launch of the AISATS BLR Logistics Park further improved cargo capacity and efficiency.
With consistent growth across both passenger and cargo segments, BLR Airport is steadily strengthening its role as a major aviation and logistics hub in India, supported by better connectivity, infrastructure expansion, and a focus on future-ready operations.
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