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Mahakumbh

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Dear Industry Colleagues,

Welcome to another edition 'Creatively Yours'.

Global warming is very real. India is experiencing the hottest summer ever in recorded history. This is not normal. And from what we see, weather anomalies are happening across the world. There is so much we in the tourism industry need to do as our part.

We have released a new, super-exclusive product called ‘India Enchanted’, available only on request. Some details are below.

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.

Also in this newsletter is our new segment called ‘Cool Locations’ which will cover a unique hotel or resort. Also here is a story on 'Iconic Things to Eat' and their origin.

We are also delighted to have been nominated in three categories for the prestigious World Travel Awards. These are the last few weeks for anyone to vote. All support by your vote is appreciated

Visit the page of our 2024 ‘Be our Guest‘ portfolio for our partners. This gives you the opportunity to experience not only India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, but also the legendary services that have made us what we are today. Many will copy us, but there is only one ‘Be our Guest’

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, just 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.

Have a Creative Day!

Rajeev Kohli & Rohit Kohli

Who: Manoj Kumar, Akhilesh Dubey, Narayan Singh, Vivek Shekhawat, Tarun Dhoundiyal Rajendra Kumar, Rajat Sundriyal

Where: Uttar Pradesh, India

When: May 2024

This summer in the month of May, the Creative Travel Team members embarked on an enchanting familiarisation journey through the rich cultural tapestry of North India's destinations like Lucknow, Kannauj, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ayodhya.
Our adventure began in Kannauj, the "Perfume Capital of India," where we immersed ourselves in the age-old art of attar production. Witnessing the meticulous process of crafting these exquisite perfumes from natural ingredients like flowers, herbs, and spices, and engaging with skilled local artisans, we gained a profound appreciation for this ancient craft.

Sanglaphu Lake in Sikkim opens to visitors for the first time

Sanglaphu Lake in Mangan district is now open to visitors for the first time. This high-altitude lake, previously inaccessible, offers a chance to explore the stunning region at an altitude of 5080m (16,670ft).

Uttarakhand Tourism Unveils India's First Astro Tourism Initiative: 'Nakshatra Sabha'

In partnership with Starscapes, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has introduced 'Nakshatra Sabha,' India's inaugural astro tourism initiative. This campaign offers stargazing, solar observations, astrophotography contests, and camping under the stars,

Sri Lanka maintains a $50 visa fee for foreigners, free for Indians

The Sri Lankan government has announced that the $50 visa fee for a 30-day visit will remain unchanged, reversing a previous decision to double the fee to $100. Visitors from India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia will continue receiving free tourist visas.

Air India boosts European connectivity

Under the Tata Group's ownership, Air India is set to expand its European operations with new flights to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Milan. The airline plans to start daily nonstop services between Delhi and Amsterdam Schiphol, as well as between Delhi and Milan Malpensa, beginning June 22, 2024.

New Delhi to Agra in 1.5 hours by Vande Bharat Metro

The Indian Railways is gearing up to introduce the Vande Bharat Metro, offering a faster route between New Delhi and Agra. Scheduled for a trial run in July, this new train is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities to 1.5 hours. The Vande Bharat Metro will connect New Delhi to Agra at 160 kmph.

2024 List Of World's Best Restaurants ranked 51-100 includes two Indian restaurants

Masque in Mumbai secured the 78th spot, marking its debut on the international list. Meanwhile, Indian Accent in New Delhi re-entered the list at 89th place. Masque, led by Aditi Dugar and head chef Varun Totlani, was hailed as India's best restaurant for 2023 and 2024 by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants.

Delhi-Dehradun Expressway set to open in July

The six-lane access-controlled Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is set to open in July, with the fourth phase, linking Dehradun to Rajaji National Park, nearly complete. It will travel through Baghpat, Baraut, Shamli, and Saharanpur in addition to Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Sunrise Yoga by the Taj

Take a break from the bustling excitement of an Indian tour with our session of Sunrise Yoga by the Taj. Soak up an hour and a half of peace and serenity with the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal as your backdrop. Reconnect with your inner self and embrace a harmonious balance of body and mind in one of the world's most enchanting locations.

Evolve Back, Coorg: Creature comforts in coffee country

One of India's top off-the-beaten-track plantation retreats, Evolve Back, Coorg is an eco-minded luxury retreat set within a working 300-acre coffee and spice plantation in the Western Ghats. It is a true hideaway in the lap of nature where traditional Kodava architecture blends seamlessly with modern comforts.

Samosa: The story of India's favourite snack

One snack unites the diverse tapestry of India…the ubiquitous samosa. This palm-sized, triangular pastry, fried to a perfect golden crisp, can be found piled in heaps at street stalls across the length and breadth of the country. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea, paired with sweet jalebi, gobbled down as a mid-day mini meal, or served as cocktail canapés at parties, the samosa is a timeless choice loved by one and all.

Freddie Mercury: Showstopper, star, sonic sorcerer

Freddie Mercury, originally named Farrokh Bulsara, was born on September 5, 1946, in Stone Town, Zanzibar. He was raised in a Parsi family of Indian descent. His journey to becoming a music legend began during his college years in London, where he immersed himself in the vibrant music scene. It was in this city that he formed the band Queen in 1970, taking on the roles of lead vocalist and pianist.

Rath Yatra in Puri (July 7 2024 )

Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, is the region's most majestic festival. Celebrated in June or July, it commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balbhadra, and sister Goddess Subhadra from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple for a seven-day vacation.

New Bear Conservation Project at Phulwari Ki Nal Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaipur

Located 90 kilometres from Udaipur, Phulwari Ki Nal Wildlife Sanctuary has launched the Bear Conservation-Eco Tourism Project to establish a new conservation reserve within the sanctuary. A wildlife census in 2022 found approximately 40 bears in the sanctuary.

Goan Prawn and Coconut Curry

Goan Prawn Curry with Coconut, also known as Ambot Tik, is a traditional dish from the coastal region of Goa in India. This dish beautifully marries the local flavors of fresh seafood with the richness of coconut and the tang of tamarind. "Ambot" means sour, and "Tik" means spicy in Konkani, the local language, perfectly describing the primary flavors of this dish.