The Newsletter from the Creative Travel Family of Brands
Dear Industry Colleagues,
Welcome to another edition of 'Creatively Yours'.
It’s been a special month for all of us in the Creative family, one that brought new honours and reaffirmed why we do what we do. While we’re proud of our achievements, our priority remains clear: showcasing our destinations with uniqueness and passion. Our mission is to support our partners across the world in maximising their potential in offering India and the region to their travellers.
Earlier this month, our journey of excellence reached two new milestones.
On 11th October in Tróia, Portugal, Creative Travel was named Best Luxury Destination Management and Travel Company in India at the 13th Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards 2025, an honour accepted by our COO, Dimple Singh, celebrating our enduring passion for authentic and exceptional journeys.
Just days later, on 13th October in Hong Kong, our Joint Managing Director, Rohit Kohli, proudly accepted three World Travel Awards, bringing our total to 33 World Travel Awards to date. These recognitions reaffirm our position as one of the region’s most awarded and trusted DMCs, a testament to the dedication and spirit of our entire Creative family. Read more below.
This month, we spotlight a few fascinating stories from India and beyond. In Iconic Things to Eat, we explore Kaju Katli, India’s diamond-shaped delight that remains a timeless festive favourite. In Indians Around the World, we turn the lens to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the visionary architect of India’s Constitution, whose life stands as a powerful reminder of education’s transformative potential. Our Cool Location feature takes you to Shel Ladakh, a sanctuary by the Indus, where along the tranquil riverbanks near Leh, travellers are invited to slow down and reconnect with the serenity of the Himalayas. And finally, in our Recipe of the Month, we share South Indian Lemon Rice (Chitranna), a vibrant comfort dish that brings together tangy citrus, earthy spices, and the warmth of home-cooked simplicity.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be reconnecting with our global community at inVoyage Sri Lanka, WTM London, IBTM Barcelona, and ILTM Cannes. If you’d like to set up a meeting at any of these shows, we’d love to hear from you.
As always, we continue to offer custom training and one-on-one strategy sessions for travel advisors and tour operators worldwide. If you’d like to schedule 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 is also available on our news portal – The South Asia Travel Journal.
A Week of Pride & Prestige for the Creative Family
It’s been a remarkable week at Creative Travel, with two new milestones honouring our team’s pursuit of excellence on both global and luxury stages.
11th October, Tróia, Portugal – At the 13th Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards 2025, Creative Travel was named Best Luxury DMC in India. Our COO, Dimple Singh, proudly accepted this honour, a tribute to our enduring legacy of authenticity, excellence, and passion for crafting unforgettable journeys.
Robata KUURAKU Brings Authentic Japanese Robatayaki Experience to Mumbai
Robata KUURAKU, a distinguished concept from the globally acclaimed Japanese restaurant group KUURAKU, has opened its doors at Gourmet Village in Phoenix Palladium, Mumbai. The restaurant introduces the traditional Japanese grilling art of Robatayaki, transforming simple ingredients into smoky, richly flavored dishes.
Air India Express Expands Domestic Network with New Flights to Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Dehradun
Air India Express is expanding its domestic network by adding three new destinations: Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Dehradun. Services to Ahmedabad and Chandigarh will begin on September 1, 2025.
Air India to Begin Twice-Daily Flights Between Delhi and Jaisalmer This Winter
Air India is launching non-stop flights between Delhi and Jaisalmer, starting October 26, 2025, operating until March 28, 2026. The seasonal expansion responds to increasing demand from tourists drawn to the “Golden City.”The new schedule will feature two flights per day in both directions, using A320 aircraft, making it the only full-service airline offering this route. The timing of these flights is designed to provide convenient connections with major domestic hubs.
Akasa Air has announced Kozhikode (Calicut) as its 30th destination and 24th domestic city, marking a significant expansion of its growing network. The airline will launch daily non-stop flights between Mumbai and Kozhikode, strengthening air connectivity between India’s financial capital and Kerala’s Malabar coast.
North Sikkim Reopens to Tourists After Four-Month Closure
After nearly four months of silence, the mountains of North Sikkim are ready to echo with the footsteps of travelers once again. From September 8, this pristine corner of the Himalayas has reopened its doors, bringing back access to iconic spots like Lachung, Yumthang Valley, and the snow-covered wonderland of Zero Point.The closure, caused by severe landslides and floods in late May, had left roads broken and bridges swept away. Today, thanks to the Border Roads Organisation, connectivity has been restored with the rebuilding of the Sanklang Bridge.
Delhi IGI Airport’s Terminal 2 to Reopen on October 26 After Major Upgrade
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is gearing up to welcome travellers back to Terminal 2 (T2) on October 26, following a five-month closure for extensive renovations. The reopening coincides with the winter flight schedule and the capital’s fog season, aiming to ease congestion and improve passenger flow during the busy travel period.
IndiGo to Launch Direct Mumbai–Copenhagen Flights from October 8
IndiGo is set to make its debut in Scandinavia with the launch of direct flights between Mumbai and Copenhagen starting October 8. The service will operate three times a week, marking the airline’s first entry into the Nordic region and expanding.
IndiGo to Launch Delhi–Manchester Flights from November 15
IndiGo is set to expand its international network with the launch of direct flights between Delhi and Manchester starting November 15, 2025. Operating four times a week, this new route marks the airline’s entry into long-haul operations from Delhi, using the leased Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.The expansion doesn’t stop there. IndiGo will also begin daily flights to Denpasar (Bali) from October 24, and four weekly flights to Krabi from October 26, both operated by the Airbus A320 family.
Mumbai Unveils World-Class International Cruise Terminal
Mumbai marked a milestone in India’s maritime journey with the inauguration of the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) at Indira Dock. Opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 21 under the Cruise Bharat Mission.
Discover Calm in the Wild: Brij Hotels launches its Newest Property in Bandhavgarh
Brij Hotels has unveiled its newest sanctuary: Brij Sone Bagh, a retreat where the untamed beauty of the jungle meets the quiet grace of mindful living.
Diwali: A Festival of Lights, Culture, and Joy (20th October, 2025)
Diwali, or Deepavali, meaning “a row of lights”, is one of India’s most enchanting festivals, a luminous ode to victory, love, and renewal. At its heart.
Bhai Tika is a quiet, warm celebration of a simple human promise: sisters bless and pray for their brothers’ long, safe lives; brothers return the love with gifts and devotion. It falls at the close of Tihar (the Nepali festival of lights) and is one of those days that feels gently ritual and deeply personal at once.
Explore Colombo on Three Wheels: Tuk Tuk Safari Adventure
Let’s get local and check out the city in some pimped out Tuk Tuk’s. the Sri Lankan Tuk Tuks are different to their Aian counterparts and can be a very enjoyable ride though the busy streets of Colombo.
Along the tranquil banks of the Indus River, just a short drive from Leh, rests Shel Ladakh—a retreat that redefines the idea of luxury in the Himalayas. More than a stay, it is an invitation to slow down, to breathe deeply, and to feel the rhythm of a landscape that is both humbling and timeless.
When it comes to Indian sweets, few treats hold as much prestige as kaju katli. Often called “the diamond of Indian mithai,” this silky, melt-in-your-mouth confection is as beautiful as it is delicious. For foreign travelers exploring India, trying a piece of kaju katli is almost a rite of passage into the country’s vibrant culinary culture.
Few figures in modern history embody the triumph of intellect over indignity as profoundly as Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891–1956). Revered as the principal architect of India’s Constitution, Ambedkar’s life was a saga of resilience against the corrosive injustices of caste and a testament to the emancipatory power of education.
A staple across South India, Lemon Rice (or Chitranna) is a simple yet vibrant dish that balances tangy citrus with earthy spices. Quick to prepare, it transforms plain cooked rice into something refreshing and flavorful, making it a favorite for both everyday meals and festive occasions. With the crunch of peanuts, the aroma of curry leaves, and the zing of fresh lemon juice, it’s comfort food that tastes like sunshine on a plate.
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