The Newsletter from the Creative Travel Family of Brands
Dear Industry Colleagues,
Welcome to another edition of 'Creatively Yours'.
July is when the rhythm of travel across the Indian subcontinent begins to change. This year's monsoon arrived later than usual, but with the rains now reaching northern India, the season is bringing cooler days, dramatic landscapes, and a fresh perspective on destinations that look entirely different under monsoon skies.
Among this month's important travel updates is India's introduction of the Air Suvidha Health Self-Declaration for all inbound international travellers. You can read more about this in the news section.
In this edition, we look ahead to two of India's most celebrated festivals. Onam showcases Kerala's vibrant culture through grand feasts and age old traditions, while Raksha Bandhan celebrates the enduring bond between siblings, offering visitors a glimpse into the country's rich cultural fabric.
We also take you to TungTao Resort in Arunachal Pradesh, introduce the newly opened Villa Raag by Kairali Ayurveda, and revisit India's remarkable journey to Independence ahead of August's celebrations. Our culinary feature highlights the much loved Bedmi Puri, while Indians Around the World celebrates Amar Bose, whose spirit of innovation gave the world one of its most iconic audio brands.
We're also excited to share the 2026 edition of our Be Our Guest portfolio - your passport to immersive experiences across India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Many may imitate, but there is only one Be Our Guest. For personalized training or strategic sessions, feel free to contact us at knowledge@creative.travel, and do subscribe to The South Asia Travel Journal for weekly insights.
Looking ahead, we are preparing for major global events such as Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas and PURE Life Experiences in Marrakech - essential opportunities to reconnect with our industry community and shape the future of experiential travel.
Lastly, we are honored to be nominated once again in three categories at the prestigious 33rd World Travel Awards. Your vote means the world to us. You can find the links in our Creative in the News section and across our social platforms.
Creative Travel and JungleSutra Make the Nominations at the 33rd World Travel Awards
Trust is not claimed. It is earned, quietly, over time. For 49 years, Creative Travel has been built on one simple promise, which is to never let a partner down. Not once. Not ever. It is a promise we intend to keep.
They say, “seeing is believing.”
Can words describe 3.2 million sq. kms. of the Indian subcontinent? Can pictures capture a terrain as diverse as lush green forests, golden deserts and the majestic Himalayan range?
Can stories tell you all you want to know about the complex cultures of the Indian people, their languages and dialects, their rituals and traditions? To feel their magic, be touched by her spirituality, experience her intensity or join in her celebrations, you have to be in India.
India Introduces Pre-Arrival Health Declaration For Ebola Screening
India has reactivated the Air Suvidha 2.0 portal, requiring all travellers arriving in the country to complete a Health Self-Declaration form before heading to immigration.
Leh’s Grand Dragon Hotel Opens A Pan-Asian Restaurant At Altitude
Opening a Pan-Asian restaurant at 11,562 feet is not a straightforward proposition. Water boils at a lower temperature, sushi rice behaves differently, and the air itself changes what cooking means. Ryu Oka, meaning Dragon Hill, at The Grand Dragon Ladakh in Leh, is the result of years of travel, months of construction, and three generations of a family that knows this place well enough to know what it wants.
Summit Hotels & Resorts Expands into Arunachal Pradesh
Summit Hotels & Resorts has announced its entry into Arunachal Pradesh with the launch of Rungkhung Village Resort in Dirang, further strengthening its presence across the Eastern Himalayan region.
Sarovar Hotels Opens Its First Odisha Property In Bhubaneswar
Sarovar Hotels has made its Odisha debut with the inauguration of Prachi Sarovar Premiere Bhubaneswar, developed in partnership with Prachi Resorts. The opening marks a significant addition to the city’s premium hospitality landscape as Bhubaneswar continues to grow as a cultural, business, and tourism destination.The property spans 2.5 acres in the heart of the city, offering 78 rooms and suites alongside a 15,200 square foot landscaped lawn.
Niraamaya Life Adds A Wellness Retreat In Bengaluru’s Hesaraghatta
Niraamaya Life is expanding its wellness portfolio with a new property in Hesaraghatta, around 35 kilometres from Bengaluru, developed in partnership with Himalia Prime Assets. The retreat is designed for travellers seeking restoration, combining indigenous healing practices, longevity-focused programming, and hospitality shaped by the cultural character of the region.
Star Air Relaunches Hyderabad To Bhubaneswar Flights Via Jharsuguda
Star Air has resumed direct services connecting Hyderabad, Jharsuguda, and Bhubaneswar, operating six days a week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The route offers both direct and one-stop connectivity options between Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar.The relaunch strengthens air links between two economically significant regions.Hyderabad remains one of India’s leading technology and commercial hubs, while Jharsuguda has grown into a key industrial centre in Odisha. Bhubaneswar, meanwhile, continues to see rising demand driven by infrastructure.
Akasa Air Expands India’s Regional Aviation Network with Direct Delhi–Gwalior Flights
The new route strengthens central India’s accessibility, supporting heritage tourism, business mobility, and the growing demand for seamless regional connectivity across emerging Indian destinations.
Sayaji Hotels Enters Wildlife Hospitality With Sasan Gir Retreat
Sayaji Hotels has launched The Forest Chapter, a boutique nature retreat near Gir National Park in Sasan Gir, marking the debut of a new sub-brand focused on experiential, destination-led stays across India’s wildlife and natural landscapes.
AI Tiger Alert System Goes Live In Pench Buffer Zone
An AI-powered tiger alert system developed by MARVEL, a special-purpose vehicle of the police department, is now operational across buffer areas of Pench Tiger Reserve and the Nagpur Territorial Forest Division. The Maharashtra government is reportedly considering patenting the technology.The system was first demonstrated in Chargaon village within the Pench buffer zone, where it relies primarily on the natural alarm calls of prey animals such as sambar and deer.
Himachal Pradesh Doubles Entry Fees For Wildlife Sanctuaries
Himachal Pradesh has doubled entry fees across its wildlife sanctuaries under the Wildlife Protection Himachal Pradesh (Amendment) Rules, 2026, which came into effect this week. Indian citizens will now pay Rs 300 per day.
Sundarbans Remains Closed to Visitors Until August 31
The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, remains closed to all entry from June 1 to August 31, as authorities impose the annual ban to protect wildlife, fish stocks, and biodiversity during peak breeding season.The restriction covers tourists, fishermen, and collectors of wood and honey alike. No passes or permits will be issued during the period, and violations will invite legal action. Forest officials note that vessel movement through.
Discover the Magic of Onam: Kerala’s Grand Harvest Festival 16 August to 26 August 2026
Immerse yourself in the vibrant and captivating celebration of Onam, Kerala’s most significant festival, steeped in tradition, culture, and history. Celebrated in the Malayali month of Chingam (August-September), Onam is a 10-day cultural extravaganza that symbolizes.
A Thread of Love: Celebrating Raksha Bandhan (28 August 2026)
Raksha Bandhan is a beloved Indian festival that honors the special bond between brothers and sisters. The name “Raksha Bandhan” means “the bond of protection,” capturing the essence of the day. On this auspicious occasion, sisters tie vibrant, decorative threads called “rakhi” around their brothers’ wrists, symbolizing their love and care. In return, brothers pledge to protect and support their sisters throughout their lives.This festival holds profound emotional meaning, representing the love, care, and security shared between siblings.
Teej is a vibrant and joyous festival celebrated primarily by women across northern and western India, especially in Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. Marking the onset of the monsoon season
The Hidden Link: How World War II Shaped India’s Path to Independence
World War II is often recalled for its dramatic battles and geopolitical shifts across Europe and the Pacific. Yet its impact reached far beyond these frontlines, profoundly shaping colonial India’s path to freedom.
Goa’s quieter southern coastline has welcomed a new sanctuary for mindful travellers with the launch of Villa Raag, a boutique wellness retreat by the Kairali Ayurvedic Group. Set along the serene shores of Agonda Beach, this intimate beachfront hideaway brings together luxury living, Ayurveda-inspired wellness, yoga, meditation, and slow travel in one deeply restorative experience.
Inside an Assamese Kitchen: A Cultural Cooking Experience
Step into a local home in Guwahati for a warm, personal introduction to Assamese cuisine, culture, and everyday hospitality. Designed for travelers who want to experience more than a restaurant meal, this hands-on culinary experience offers a closer look at the ingredients, flavors, and traditions that shape daily life in Assam.
Tucked away in Mimey, Arunachal Pradesh, TungTao Resort is a peaceful riverside escape that brings travellers closer to the untouched beauty of India’s Northeast. Surrounded by flowing water, lush greenery and open skies, this charming retreat feels like a quiet pause from the noise of everyday life.
Bedmi Puri: North India’s Crispy Breakfast Favourite
In the rich and flavourful world of North Indian cuisine, Bedmi Puri holds a special place as one of the most loved breakfast classics. Crisp, golden and deeply satisfying, this traditional fried bread is especially popular in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and parts of North India, where it is often enjoyed as a hearty morning meal or a relaxed weekend brunch.
Amar Bose: The Indian-Origin Visionary Who Changed the Way the World Listens
Some innovators create products. A few change the way people experience the world. Amar Gopal Bose belonged to the second kind.Born in Philadelphia in 1929 to an Indian father, Noni Gopal Bose, and an American mother, Charlotte Mechlin, Amar Bose grew up in a home shaped by resilience, intellect and curiosity. His father, an Indian freedom activist from Bengal, had moved to the United States after facing political persecution under British rule. That spirit of courage and independent thinking would quietly influence Amar’s own journey.
Few dishes capture the flavour and theatre of Indian cuisine quite like Tandoori Chicken. Known for its vibrant colour, smoky aroma and beautifully spiced marinade, this much-loved grilled dish is a favourite across India, from family celebrations and festive meals to restaurant tables and outdoor gatherings.
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