GMR Group’s Delhi Airport, managed by Delhi International Airport (P) Limited (DIAL), has become the first airport in Asia-Pacific to achieve Carbon Neutral status.  The announcement has been made by Airports Council International (ACI) during the Airport Carbon Accreditation certificate presentation ceremony in Montreal, Canada.

The same body awarded Delhi Airport the world’s number one position (in 25-40 million passengers per annum category) twice in a row under the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) programme.

The globally reputed Airport Carbon Accreditation has upgraded Delhi Airport to “Level 3+, Neutrality”, which is the highest level of achievement available to airports across the world. Carbon neutrality occurs when the net carbon emissions over an entire year is zero. This means the airport absorbs or offsets the same amount of emission that was generated.

Five Museums from India among top 25 in Asia

Five Indian museums feature among the best 25 in Asia while Lehs “Hall of Fame” has topped the India list as a “must-visit” place by travellers in a survey.

The other top four most rated museums of India are — Bagore Ki Haveli (Udaipur), Victoria Memorial Hall (Kolkata), Salar Jung Museum (Hyderabad) and Jaisalmer War Museum (Jaisalmer).

‘TATKAL FEE’ for last minute jeep safari in Ranthambore

From 01st October, 2016 to tackle the rush period Gypsy will be available in “Tatkal Quota” on payment of a “Tatkal Fee” per Gypsy per Trip. A maximum of 20 gypsies will be available in this quota.

In Tatkal quota, up to 20 gypsy would be booked at the level of Field Director using the power of increasing the number of vehicles to handle extra rush
The Tatkal quota will be booked one day prior & issued on a “first come first serve basis”
The Tatkal quota will be booked only zone 01 to 05 only

FULL & HALF DAY SAFARI
According to this full day safari, tourist could move around in any safari (only 01 to 05) zone for entire day by paying extra safari fees in the park. The half/full day jungle safari fees will be higher than three hours jungle safari fees in the Park. A limited number of five gypsies will be allowed only on the tourist zones (01 to 05) within the carrying capacity of seven passengers including (06 visitors + 01 driver) driver and forest department approved guide will not be permitted with the visitors

For half day/full day visit by a gypsy permits shall be issued on a “first come first serve” basis.
For half day visit by a gypsy permit shall be valid sunrise to 12 noon (but exceeding 6 hours) or from 12 noon to sunset (but not exceeding 6 hours). For full day visit by a Gypsy permit shall be valid from sunrise to sunset.

Note: The twice safaris a day time across Ten Tourism Safari Zones are continues as before, there is no change of two time jungle safari shift in Ranthambore and each has 3 hours for visit. One in the morning for 3 hours starts early and second one also for three hours which starts in late afternoon in the Park.

HOTEL NEWS

AccorHotels’ first ibis Style opens in India

AccorHotels has launched India’s first ibis Styles in North Goa. The 197-room ibis Styles Goa Calangute is conveniently located within walking distance from Tivai Beach, a short drive from Calangute and Candolim beaches and minutes away from popular entertainment and night spots.
The hotel is deeply influenced by Goa’s Portuguese heritage and charm that are infused with a contemporary twist. All guest rooms are pool facing with a private balcony that feature trendy décor and contemporary furnishings. Offering a unique blend of modernity and comfort, each room is equipped with the signature ‘Sweet Bed™’ by ibis to guarantee a quality sleeping experience, modern in-room amenities & high speed WIFI.

86 room RBD Sarovar Portico Bengaluru opens

Sarovar Hotels announces the opening of RBD Sarovar Portico, Bengaluru, strategically located close to the IT hub in Outer Ring Road and Whitefield. It is Sarovar’s fourth hotel in the city. Guests can choose from 86 rooms and suites including Club Rooms, Premium Rooms or Deluxe Rooms, each of which features sleek and modern designs. Other facilities include a multi cuisine restaurant Brunchili with attached bar that offers some unique gastronomic fare.
station and 140km from Jaipur airport. Pushkar and its attractions are 11km from the resort by road.

Ayana Fort Kochi to open in November 2016

Ayana Hospitality, a joint venture between the ICS Group (India) and Mantis Group (South Africa), will open its new hotel in Kochi called Ayana Fort Kochi in November 2016.
Located in the heart of Fort Kochi, Ayana will be a luxury boutique hotel offering local architecture, culture and cuisine. All 16 rooms feature authentic Indian Athangudi tile floors, combined with classic Art Deco interiors, successfully blending history with modern luxurious comfort.

Duck boat tours in Goa from November 2016

In a first, Goa Tourism launched amphibious bus service for tourists. Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar launched the “duck boats” in the presence of other dignitaries. The boats will be available for commercial joy rides starting November.

AIRLINES NEWS

Supreme Airlines to fly Jodhpur & Udaipur

The Supreme Airlines inaugurated operations to Jodhpur and Udaipur from 1st October 2016. The flight will operate 6 days a week Monday to Saturday from Jaipur. The seating capacity of this aircraft is 09 persons only. The schedule is as follows:

JAI—JDH <> 1015/1130 hrs
JDH—JAI <> 1145/1300 hrs

JAI—UDR <> 1700/1815 hrs
UDR—JAI <> 1830/1945 hrs

New Connections for remote Mizoram

SpiceJet has now commenced new services linking Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, with Kolkata and Guwahati. Both routes offer onward connections to and from Delhi.
The two new routes from Aizawl will both operate daily using the airline’s Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft. On the Guwahati route, flights depart Aizawl at 1230 and arrive in the Assamese city at 1330. The return flight leaves at 1350 and arrives in Aizawl at 1455. On the Kolkata route, SpiceJet will take off from Aizawl at 1515 and arrive in the West Bengal capital at 1625. On the return leg, flights depart Kolkata at 1105 and arrive in Aizawl at 1210.

Oman Air to start operations to Kolkata, Ahmedabad in 2017

Oman Air will reportedly connect Indian cities like Kolkata and Ahmedabad in 2017.
Oman Air currently operates 126 weekly flights from Muscat to 11 destinations in the Indian market, which totals to 21,147 seats. In 2015, the airline started operating flights to Goa, its 11th destination in India.

Air Canada to increase Toronto-Delhi frequency from Nov 6

Air Canada has announced expansions in its flights between India and Canada. The frequency of Toronto-Delhi flights from four times a week to daily beginning November 6, 2016.
The airline is also introducing seasonal non-stop flights from Vancouver to New Delhi. “These flights will operate from October 20, 2016 to April 8, 2017. The airlines will deploy Dreamliner 787-900 series and will be the fastest airline to connect these two cities – in 13 hours total

Air Canada to fly direct Mumbai-Toronto from July 1, 2017

Air Canada has announced another direct connection between Mumbai and Toronto starting July 1,2017. India’ financial hub Mumbai and Toronto will now get a thrice a week direct non-stop service starting July 1, 2017 as part of the airline’s global expansion plan.
Air Canada will be the only carrier to offer a direct non-stop service between Canada and Mumbai. These routes will operate year-round with Air Canada’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The aircraft feature 29 International Business Class lie-flat seat suites, 21 Premium Economy and 247 Economy Class seats, with upgraded in-flight entertainment at every seat throughout the aircraft.

Mahan Air to connect Delhi-Mashhad from Nov 4

Mahan Air is launching weekly flights from Delhi to Mashhad, Iran, from November 4, 2016. The flight will depart from Delhi on Friday at 2345 hours and arrive in Mashhad at 0125+1 hours. The flight from Mashhad will depart at 1700 hours and arrive in Delhi at 2215 hours.

Vistara to fly daily to Port Blair & Kolkata

Vistara inaugurated operations to Port Blair, as its flight UK 747 took off from Delhi for Port Blair via Kolkata, at 0720 hours on Sept 30. With the addition of Port Blair, Vistara now serves 18 destinations across the length and breadth of the country. The new service to Port Blair offers a daily flight from Delhi and Kolkata (same aircraft service via Kolkata), with arrival and departure timings that allow for convenient connections to ferry and catamaran services between Port Blair and Havelock Island.

IndiGo connects Bengaluru to Patna, Varanasi & Imphal from Oct 24

IndiGo is all set to introduce its first daily return flights connecting Bengaluru to Patna, Varanasi and Imphal from Oct 24. The airline is introducing 47 new flights on its existing route network during October 2016. These flights will provide seamless connection to the airline’s entire network within India. With 883 daily flights connecting 41 destinations, these new flights will enable both corporate and leisure travellers to experience IndiGo’s unmatchable on-time performance.

Shirdi airport to open in November

Shirdi airport will be opened in the first week of November and the night landing facility will be installed by January 15, 2017

UPCOMING EVENTS & FESTIVALS

RANN UTSAV (1 Nov 2016—20 Feb 2017) Great Rann of Kutch salt desert, Dhordo, Gujarat
This desert festival highlights the vibrancy of the Kutch region’s culture and heritage, although it’s become increasingly commercial and overcrowded. The days are filled with folk dances and music, adventure sports, handicrafts, food stalls, and excursions to surrounding destinations. Hundreds of luxury tents are set up on the fringe of the white salt desert to accommodate visitors. It’s best on full moon nights to see the moon shining on the salt. (November 14, December 14, January 12, and February 11).

INTERNATIONAL YOGA & MUSIC FESTIVAL (1-7 Nov) Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Organized by Nada Yoga School every year since 2008, the International Yoga and Music Festival features 50 of the best professional yoga teachers, Ayurvedic doctors, nad yogis, yoga lecturers, musicians, and philosophers from Rishikesh and abroad. Free classes and lectures are held with topics including yoga asanas, shatkarma, Ayurveda, philosophy, and Indian classical music. There’s an Indian classical music concert in the evenings as well.

PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR (8-14 Nov) Pushkar, Rajasthan
This traditional Indian style festival sees an astonishing 30,000 camels converge on the tiny desert town of Pushkar. The camels are dressed up, shaved, entered into beauty contests, paraded, raced, and traded. An entertaining sight indeed! Do arrive a couple of days before the official starting date to catch the most camel trading action.

GANGA MAHATSAV (11-14 Nov) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Held along the banks of the holy Ganges River, this festival features cultural programs of classical music and dance. The highlight of the festival is on the last day, when more than a million clay lamps are floated down the river at dusk amidst chanting of Vedic hymns as part of Dev Deepavali

GURU NANAK JAYANTI (14 Nov) Amritsar, Punjab
This event is a commemoration of Guru Nanak’s birthday (he was the founder of the Sikh religion), and is widely celebrated throughout Punjab but especially so at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the main shrine of the Sikhs. The day of the festival sees the holy book carried out of the temple in a huge procession, accompanied by music and drummers. The beautifully illuminated temple is an incredible sight to behold at this time.