If you've been looking for a reason to plan a Maldives trip this April, Chef Hari Nayak just gave you one.

The celebrated chef is returning to Baraabaru, the award-winning Indian restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa for another residency that promises to be every bit as special as his previous visits. Baraabaru, named among CNN Travel's Top 10 Maldives' Finest Tables, is already one of the most respected Indian dining destinations in the region. With Chef Nayak back in the kitchen alongside Head Chef Kishan Singh, the combination of coastal Indian tradition and global culinary technique is going to be firing on all cylinders.

This season's menu is a confident journey through India's regional flavours but done with personality and a contemporary edge that makes each dish feel fresh. Gujarat's Anda Ghotala makes an appearance alongside Kolkata's Beguni, while black garlic naan and barbecue butter chicken chops bring bold, satisfying flavours to the table. And then there's the gulab jamun crème brûlée, a playful, East-meets-West dessert that sounds like exactly the kind of thing you'd remember long after the meal ends.

The dish that's likely to turn the most heads, though, is Chef Nayak's signature whole baked lobster with coconut turmeric sauce and lemon rice. Bold, fragrant, and unmistakably his, it's the kind of dish that captures everything great about modern Indian cooking in a single plate.

Chef Nayak will be in residence at Baraabaru from 30th March to 4th April 2026. It's a short window, so if this is on your radar, now is the time to make it happen.

Sangli has long been one of Western Maharashtra's most economically active cities, the Turmeric Capital of India, a grape cultivation hub, a busy commercial belt sitting close to Kolhapur. And yet, for all that activity, quality branded accommodation has remained surprisingly hard to come by here. Sayaji Hotels is changing that with the launch of Effotel by Sayaji, Sangli.

Strategically located within Shiv R City Mall on Sangli-Miraj Road, the property is the third Effotel in Maharashtra, joining sister properties in Sarola, Pune district, and Navi Mumbai. It's also a clear statement of intent from the Sayaji Group about where they see opportunity, in Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets that are economically ready for quality hospitality but haven't had it yet.

What the Property Offers

The hotel has 59 rooms spread across five categories Grande Rooms at 284 sq. ft., Premium Grande Rooms at 309 sq. ft., Executive Grande Rooms at 373 sq. ft., Grande Suites at 506 sq. ft., and Premium Suites at 766 sq. ft. There's something for the business traveller passing through, the leisure guest exploring the region, and the long-stay visitor who needs reliable comfort over an extended period.

On the dining front, the property has two distinct outlets. The Cube is an all-day dining restaurant with 120 covers, a proper sit-down space for hotel guests and locals alike. Good Old Days is a bar with 30 seats, designed for those who want to wind down after a long day in a relaxed setting.

For events and MICE, Effotel by Sayaji Sangli is particularly well-equipped. Two banquet spaces, Jardin 1 at 4,295 sq. ft. accommodating up to 350 guests, and Jardin 2 at 2,355 sq. ft. with capacity for 150  make it one of the most capable event venues in the city. In a market that has historically lacked premium banqueting facilities, this is a significant addition.

Location That Works

The property sits just 7 km from Sangli Railway Station and 50 km from Kolhapur Airport, making it easy to get to for both domestic and regional visitors. Its proximity to Kolhapur, with the revered Mahalakshmi Temple and a growing business district, adds another layer of appeal. Regional attractions like Chandoli National Park, Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Sangli Fort, and the Dandoba Hills Forest Reserve are also within reach for guests looking to explore the area.

Mr. Rajendra Joshi, Associate General Manager at Sayaji Hotels, spoke about what this launch means  "Sangli has always been an economically active and culturally significant city, yet it has not had the branded hospitality infrastructure its stature deserves. Effotel by Sayaji, Sangli changes that narrative. This is not just another hotel opening; it is a commitment to elevating the travel and events experience for an entire region. With our Effotel brand, we bring the promise of quality, warmth, and value to markets ready to embrace it. The Kolhapur-Sangli belt represents tremendous potential for business and leisure travel, and we are proud to be the first from our portfolio to plant our flag here."

Mr. Avinash Gangwani, Director at LKG Lifestyle LLP, added , "When we envisioned this project, we saw a clear gap. Sangli is a city that punches well above its weight economically, but visitors and business delegations have had very few quality accommodation options. Being part of the Effotel by Sayaji family brings not just a trusted brand name but a proven model of hospitality excellence. We are confident this property will redefine Sangli's position on Maharashtra's hospitality map and will serve as a catalyst for the city's growing tourism and corporate event ecosystem, especially given our proximity to the pilgrimage and tourism circuit around Kolhapur."

For families, pilgrims, corporate delegates, agri-trade professionals, and tourists using Sangli as a base to explore the Kolhapur-Sangli belt , this property is set to become a natural first choice. And for Sayaji Hotels, it's another well-placed step in bringing their brand's warmth and quality to the markets that have been waiting for exactly this.

Good news for wildlife lovers,safaris are back at the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, and Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge is once again welcoming guests to experience one of India's most celebrated wildlife corridors.

Following the Karnataka Forest Department's announcement on the resumption of safari operations across the Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves, safaris in the Kabini region officially restarted on 22nd February 2026. Operations are currently running with restricted seating capacity and a limited number of vehicles as part of a phased reopening under revised guidelines issued by forest and wildlife authorities,a measured approach that keeps responsible access to the forest ecosystem at the centre of the restart.

The suspension had lasted several weeks, during which wildlife tourism activity came to a halt across the Bandipur-Nagarahole-Kabini landscape impacting not just travellers but also the local communities and livelihoods that depend on responsible wildlife travel. The resumption is being seen as a significant step towards reviving the region's tourism economy while keeping conservation values intact.

Jose Ramapuram, Director – Marketing at Evolve Back, shared his thoughts on the development,"Safaris are an integral part of the Kabini experience, allowing guests to witness one of India's richest wildlife habitats. The resumption of safari operations is encouraging for the local ecosystem of communities and stakeholders that depend on responsible wildlife travel to build their livelihoods. We look forward to welcoming guests back to experience the forests of Kabini."

Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge sits on the banks of the Kabini River, right on the edge of Nagarahole National Park,a location that puts guests in the heart of one of India's most biodiverse regions. The lodge draws deep inspiration from the traditions of the indigenous Kadu Kuruba community, weaving their cultural heritage into the guest experience in a way that feels genuine and grounded. This Spirit of the Land philosophy,celebrating the natural and cultural identity of the region,runs through everything Evolve Back does across its properties.

For anyone who has been waiting to make the trip to Kabini, this is the signal to start planning. The forests are open, the wildlife is waiting, and one of India's most thoughtfully designed safari lodges is ready to make it count.