The Newsletter from the Creative Travel Family of Brands
Dear Industry Colleagues,
Welcome to another edition 'Creatively Yours'.
This edition introduces our new newsletter design, which is cleaner, more mobile responsive, and hopefully easier to navigate. We hope you like it. Always open to suggestions and feedback.
We want our newsletter to be information on what's new in the 6 destinations we cover. Equally, we want to also talk about some cool, interesting and unique things our destinations are known for. So we have created a bucket of some topics that we will rotate throughout various editions of ‘Creatively Yours’. These include topics like Iconic things to eat, Cool Locations, Indians Around the World, and several others. We hope you enjoy them.
This month, we talk about a beloved street food across India, Pao Bhaji. Mother Terresa makes the section on Indians Around the World as an extraordinary humanitarian known for her deep compassion and tireless work. In the cool Location, we feature The Lodge at Wah, Himachal Pradesh, a Luxe tea garden designed as a natural, eco-friendly home. It is a luxurious accommodation with gourmet dining. And a delightful and easy-to-prepare dessert, Fruity Coconut Cream features as our recipe for the month.
We are also launching initiatives for the famous Mahakumbh fair in January – February 2025. This is the largest gathering of humans on the planet. We are having conversations with Travel planners for customs trips. Please let us know if you would like a call.
We have been providing custom training and one-on-one strategy sessions to travel advisors and tour operators worldwide. If you would like to plan a session for you and your team, email us at knowledge@creative.travel with your details.
Read these and other stories in this edition of ‘Creatively Yours’. Additional news items are also on our blog site.
We are excited to present our Summer 2024 "India Enchanted" programs, crafted to offer the epitome of luxury experiences through our valued hotel partners, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts and Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts. These exclusive journeys are tailored to showcase the finest aspects of India, with each offering unique and customisable luxury experiences for your clientele. There are two exclusive programs with some engaging experience. To get a copy of the brochure, please email us at enchanted@creative.travel
The Majestic Maha Kumbh Mela
Embark on a Divine Journey: Experience the Majesty of Mahakumbh (January 13 to February 26, 2025)
Welcome to the Mahakumbh, a celestial spectacle that graces India's mystical heartland once every twelve years. This grand symphony of devotion, spirituality, and cultural splendor unfolds at the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, transforming the ancient city of Prayagraj into a breathtaking pilgrimage site. Drawing millions of pilgrims and visitors, this largest human gathering in the world beckons people seeking spiritual purification and blessings through a holy dip in the sacred waters. Clad in vibrant hues, devotees traverse vast distances, immersing themselves in an extraordinary dance of devotion, where the echoes of Vedic chants and the fragrance of incense weave an enigmatic tapestry of faith.
AirAsia’s new route from Port Blair to Kuala Lumpur
AirAsia is expanding its connectivity with a new route from Kuala Lumpur to Port Blair, Andaman Islands, India, starting November 16, 2024. This marks AirAsia as the sole airline offering international
IndiGo to launch direct flights for Maha Kumbh
Starting September 28, IndiGo, India’s largest airline, will introduce direct flights from Prayagraj to Hyderabad three times a week. This new service aims to ease travel for Maha Kumbh visitors. Currently, travelers must transit via Varanasi or Lucknow to reach Hyderabad. The same aircraft will also operate a Prayagraj-Bengaluru route, flying daily except on the Hyderabad service days. The Hyderabad flight will depart Prayagraj at 11:20 am, arriving at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 1:30 pm.
Delhi Airport Terminal 1 to reopen August 17
Terminal 1 of Delhi Airport will resume operations on August 17, enhancing travel experiences with a state-of-the-art facility.
New sunken museum at Humayun's Tomb
Over 700 artefacts and five expansive galleries will unveil the life and legacy of Mughal emperor Humayun at the new sunken museum, opening August 1. Spanning 100,000 square feet within Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, this museum, a result of 25 years of conservation by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), integrates seamlessly with
Lucknow’s 240-year-old Rumi Darwaza restored
The Rumi Darwaza, a historic gem of Lucknow, has reopened after nearly two years of extensive restoration work. Built in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula, this 80-foot-tall gate was meticulously restored using traditional
Hilton’s debut property in Kathmandu
Hilton has expanded its global presence with the debut of its flagship property in Kathmandu. The new Hilton Kathmandu offers a blend of luxury and modern amenities, catering to both business and leisure travellers. Strategically located just four kilometres from Tribhuvan International Airport, the property is close to attractions like Thames and Durbar Marg. Hilton Kathmandu features stylish rooms, multiple dining options, and state-of-the-art meeting facilities.
Suspension of Sri Lanka's eVisa system
Travellers planning to visit Sri Lanka should be aware that the eVisa facility has been suspended. On August 2, the Supreme Court issued an interim order halting the online visa portal managed by IVS-GBS and VFS Global.
Air India Express expands domestic reach
Air India Express has expanded its domestic network by launching six new daily direct flights, enhancing connectivity between major Indian cities. The new routes include Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Bangalore, and Delhi-Hyderabad, among others. This expansion is part of the airline’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the domestic market and meet the increasing demand for air travel in India.
Nature enthusiasts can now explore Bhitarkanika National Park with a skywalk
Nature enthusiasts can now explore Bhitarkanika National Park from a new vantage point with the introduction of the mangrove skywalk, opening on August 1, 2024. This 600-metre wooden walkway, situated 15 feet above ground,
Weekly closure schedule for Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park has updated its schedule, affecting tourist visits. The park will now have a weekly closure: zones 1 to 5 will be closed on Wednesdays, while zones 6 to 10 will close on Tuesdays. This change follows a directive from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and recent adjustments by the Forest Department to manage visitor traffic and wildlife conservation more effectively.During the monsoon season (July to September),
Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu god of prosperity and wisdom, is a prominent figure on the exterior walls of South Indian temples in Kerala. Ganesh Chaturthi, a ten-day festival honouring Ganesha’s birth,
Thimphu Tsechu ( 13-15 September )
One of Bhutan’s largest festivals is the Thimphu Tshechu, celebrated over three days starting on the 10th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. Established by the 4th Temporal Ruler, Tenzing Rabgye, in 1670, this festival honors Guru Rinpoche and is held in the courtyard of Tashichhodzong. Known for its vibrant displays, the Thimphu Tshechu attracts thousands of visitors from surrounding districts. Preceding the festival are days of prayers and rituals to invoke divine blessings.
The Sun has been celebrated as a symbol of divine power across cultures and civilisations. Ancient Egyptians revered the Sun God Ra, Greeks and Romans honoured Helios and Sol Invictus, while Aztecs performed elaborate rituals for Huitzilopochtli.
In ancient India, the Sun was a supreme deity embodying light, energy, and life. Ancient Vedic texts are rich with hymns celebrating Surya's role as a divine force. Worship of the radiant orb was exemplified through some remarkable temples. These exquisitely sculpted monuments served as religious centres and astronomical observatories to track solar events such as equinoxes, solstices, and eclipses.
Experience the Magic of a Traditional Indian Wedding in Delhi
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of India by experiencing a traditional Indian wedding in Delhi. This unforgettable event combines centuries-old rituals with lavish celebrations, offering a rare glimpse into the heart of Indian customs.
The Lodge at Wah, Palampur: Luxe tea garden getaway
Set within a sprawling tea estate in the scenic Kangra Valley, The Lodge at Wah is an exclusive retreat that draws on the region's rich cultural and architectural traditions.
Designed as a natural, eco-friendly home, the lodge’s Himachali architecture is crafted from locally sourced materials like mud, stone and wood to blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Slate roofs are inspired by the ‘gaddi’ tribe homes and adjusted to prevent water leakage and to look symmetrical and complete from all angles. The river stones and slates are hand chiseled and crafted in the local Kangra method.
On a bustling street in Mumbai, a vendor drizzles a generous amount of oil onto a hot griddle. Finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green peas, bell peppers, and boiled potatoes follow, sizzling as they hit the surface. The vegetables soften and meld together as he mashes them to perfect texture. He sprinkles spices like red chilli, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and salt with a practised hand. The mashing and stirring continue until the mixture thickens, filling the air with a fragrant, spicy symphony.
Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in 1910, was an extraordinary humanitarian known for her deep compassion and tireless work. Her incredible generosity and selflessness earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. She was canonised as a saint in 2016.
This light and delightful dessert combines creamy coconut flavors with fresh fruit for a refreshing treat. Fruity Coconut Creams are quick and easy to prepare, making them an ideal option for a simple yet indulgent dessert. The blend of smooth Greek yogurt or quark with coconut cream creates a luscious base, while the topping of kiwi and pineapple adds a burst of natural sweetness and a tropical twist. Perfect for a light after-dinner option or a refreshing afternoon snack.
India’s most awarded DMC since 1977
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