This Month

In the Creative Family

Story of the month

Festivals

Personally Experienced

In the News

Other News

News from the Jungle

From Mrs Kohli’s Kitchen

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Dear

Welcome to another edition 'Creatively Yours'.

It’s 2024 and towards the end of the first month. For some reason, it really feels like the last year just whizzed by a lot faster. So before we lose track of time again, let’s all take every opportunity we get to make this new year meaningful, enriching and rewarding in whichever way we want. For ourselves, and for our loved ones.

As a destination management team built on legacy and history, we are eternally grateful to our friends and partners across the world for making us what we are. We express gratitude to our industry colleagues, our friendly competitors, and our steadfast business providers. And most importantly, to our team members and their families for standing by us in the year gone by.

2024 heralds our 47th year of being amongst South Asia’s most respected and globally awarded travel companies. We have held strong, true to our vision of showcasing the best our region has to offer.

We are thankful that our family of brands endured the year gone by and stands strong & prepared to start 2024 afresh. We have plans in place, team members primed up. We are truly blessed with a team that has worked tirelessly in this testing time.

We had a positive past year. We did exceed what we did in 2022 and are on track to meet our set goals. We implemented many new ideas and programs across our region. As owners, we fundamentally changed the way we run our business at the core. We moved away from the traditional focus on top-line to have a sharper focus on profitability, budget control, and better business management practices. This all has paid off. There are still destination-related challenges around us, but we have an incredible team behind us that is driven to succeed. Our people strive every day to deliver an amazing destination experience to our guests. We are not only proud of them, but are also grateful for their support to Ram Kohli’s vision of creating this one-of-a-kind organization.

We are also thankful for the recognitions received, to have been awarded yet again by the highly prestigious World Travel Awards as “India's Leading Luxury Travel Agency 2023" at a glittering award ceremony in September in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This takes our tally to 27. The World Travel Awards are described by the Wall Street Journal as "the Oscars of the Travel Industry". Last February, we were honoured with our 8th SITE Crystal Award for Exceptional Motivational Travel Programs during the SITE Global Conference in New York. This probably makes us the most globally awarded incentive company in South Asia. The credit for the 88 global and national recognitions we have won so far goes to the men and women in our team who strive every day to deliver an amazing destination experience to our guests. We are not only proud of them but also grateful for their support of Ram Kohli’s vision of creating this one-of-a-kind organization. And a special thank you to our partners across the world whose trust in us makes this possible.

Everyone in the Creative Family of brands is excited & happy, and ready to take on 2024 with gusto. The Creative Group is just not any business. This is a family. A family of the Kohli’s, a family of our team members, a family of our partners across the world. We as a company feel privileged to be in a business where we bring to life the dreams and fantasies of travellers from across the world. We are determined as a family that to work on making the coming year one full of promises of better moments for one and all.

The First Century Roman Emperor and Philosopher Marcus Aurelius said, “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”

So, let’s start 2024 more inspired, more driven , and kind-hearted, determined to make a positive difference to the people around us.

Wherever you are and whatever your heart desires, on behalf of the Kohli family and the entire team at Creative Travel, Away & Co, Plan it! Meetings & Conferences, & JungleSutra Wildlife Journeys, we wish you and your loved ones a great and joyful 2024.

Have a super year ahead

Rajeev Kohli & Rohit Kohli

Taj Mahotsav 2024 ( 18-27 Feb 2024)

Experience the cultural vibrancy of India at Taj Mahotsav 2024, a much-anticipated festival celebrating the enduring love of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz. Taking place from February 18 to 27 at Shilpgram, Agra, the festival, now in its 32nd edition, showcases the talents of local artists, craftspeople, and performers from Uttar Pradesh.

Khajuraho Dance Festival (20-26 Feb 2024)

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of India at the Khajuraho Dance Festival, scheduled from February 20-26, 2024. Located in the historical temples of Khajuraho, recognized by UNESCO for their architectural and sculptural brilliance, the festival showcases a week-long celebration of Indian classical dance forms.

Desert Festival Jaisalmer, (22-24 Feb 2024)

The enchanting sands of Jaisalmer will come alive with vibrant festivities from the 22nd to the 24th of February 2024 as the Jaisalmer Desert Festival unfolds its cultural extravaganza. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Jaisalmer Fort, this annual celebration showcases

Goa Carnival, (09-13 Feb 2024)

The much-anticipated Goa Carnival 2024 is tentatively slated to unfold its vibrant festivities from February 9 to 13, 2024. Renowned for its exuberant celebration of music, dance, and culture, the Goa Carnival is a colourful extravaganza that captivates locals and tourists alike.

International Yoga Festival, (08-14 Mar 2024)

From March 8-14, 2024, the renowned International Yoga Festival will grace the banks of the holy Ganges River, nestled in the sacred Himalayas at Parmarth Niketan Ashram – the birthplace of yoga. This global event offers visitors a spiritual retreat, providing the

Who: Varun Narain Mathur (Head of the Jungle, JungleSutra)

Where: Mangyu, Ladakh

When: January 2024

India is truly a land of diversity, renowned for its cultural richness, forts, palaces, temples, vibrant markets, and festivals, as well as being the habitat of tigers. However, the landscape remains unexplored by many, adorned with snow-covered mountains and hosting unique wildlife like the snow leopard, Ibex, Tibetan Wolf, Eurasian Lynx, and the formidable Himalayan brown bear. My recent expedition in January led me to the enchanting realm of the Upper Himalayas – Ladakh.

The Lalit: First global hotel chain with IGLTA Accreditation for all properties

The Lalit has secured a groundbreaking achievement, becoming the world's first hotel chain to attain accreditation from the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) for all its properties.

Bhutan waives Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for MICE events

Bhutan's Department of Tourism introduces a supportive initiative for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector by waiving the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for event organizers. Effective immediately,

Come February, you can fly directly from Hyderabad to Bangkok and Frankfurt

Exciting news for Hyderabad residents! Starting February, direct international flights are making travel more accessible. IndiGo will initiate daily flights from Hyderabad to Bangkok on February 26, establishing itself as the first Indian carrier for this direct route.

Sheraton Hotels and Resorts unveils Sheraton Colombo Hotel in Sri Lanka

Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, under Marriott Bonvoy, introduces the Sheraton Colombo Hotel, its second property in Sri Lanka. Located in the heart of Colombo's business and shopping district, the 320-room hotel embodies the brand's commitment to community, seamlessly

CGH Earth's historic haven unveiled in Pondicherry

This month marks the grand opening of Residence de l'Evėché by CGH Earth. This meticulously restored private villa, dating back to the 1790s, offers a nostalgic journey to the French era of Pondicherry. Nestled on Rue de l'Evėché, the 200+-year-old residence

• Etihad welcomes 2024 with more destinations to India

• The dress code was enforced at Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

• Three Indian restaurants have made it to the list of top 10 legendary    eateries in the world.

Pench Tiger Reserve becomes India's first Dark Sky Park.

The Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has achieved a significant milestone by becoming India's inaugural Dark Sky Park and the fifth in Asia, dedicated to preserving the night sky and combating light pollution. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) underscores the importance of recognizing the intrinsic value of the night sky as a natural,

Sky high thrills in Pench with hot air balloon rides and paramotoring

In a bid to enhance tourism, Kolitmara in west Pench, renowned for its wildlife offerings, has introduced thrilling attractions—paramotoring and hot air balloon rides. The statutory local advisory committee (LAC), under the leadership of Nagpur divisional commissioner

Rare sighting of a North American Laughing Gull in Kasaragod

In an unprecedented occurrence for India, the Chittari estuary in Kasaragod district has become the site of a remarkable discovery – the sighting of a laughing gull, a migratory bird native to North America. The birdwatcher and school teacher, C.

The Amazing Types of Masala Tea (Chai) in India

The fondness of Indians for tea is widely recognized, making it a fundamental and integral part of our daily diet. Various tea types and flavors abound, and the popularity of chai lattes in American cafes is a testament to its global appeal.