The Newsletter from the Creative Travel Family of Brands
Dear Industry Colleagues,
Welcome to another edition of 'Creatively Yours'.
September and October mark a transition in India, as the monsoon begins to retreat and the country looks ahead to its festive season. By October, celebrations begin taking centre stage, with festivals bringing communities together through age-old traditions, music, food and festivities.
We're also happy to share that Creative Travel and JungleSutra won three titles at the World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony in the Maldives on 27 September, bringing our tally to 36 awards as we approach our 50th anniversary in April.
This month, our news brings a mix of useful developments from across the region, from new flight connections to Khajuraho and a new luxury opening in Tadoba, to snow leopard tracking in Ladakh being recognised among the world's top wildlife experiences.
As the festive season unfolds, we look at Dussehra, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil through Ramlila performances and the burning of Ravana's effigies, and Diwali, the festival of lights, when homes and streets glow with diyas, decorations and celebrations.
Our Story of the Month explores India's festive season, which begins in October and continues into mid-November, bringing together a remarkable range of regional celebrations, rituals and traditions.
For this month's Experience, we head to Jaipur for Crafted in Jaipur, a collection of hands-on workshops that introduces travellers to the city's traditional crafts, from block printing and lac bangle making to blue pottery.
Our Cool Location takes us to Kailasha – The Himalayan Village in Kasol, a boutique retreat in the Parvati Valley where mountain surroundings and traditional Himachali influences create an intimate escape.
For our Iconic Thing to Eat, we turn to the east for rosogulla, the soft, syrup-soaked sweet that has become one of the region's most recognisable culinary treats.
Our Indians Around the World feature looks at Sundar Pichai, the Chennai-born engineer who rose to lead Google and Alphabet, becoming one of India's most recognised names in global technology.
There is plenty more to discover, including our latest travel updates and Mrs Kohli's take on a comforting Punjabi classic, Kadhi Pakora, with crisp onion fritters simmered in a tangy, spiced yoghurt-based curry.
Looking ahead, we look forward to reconnecting with our industry friends at WTM at Excel, London, IBTM World Barcelona and ILTM Cannes - essential opportunities to reconnect with our industry community and shape the future of experiential travel.
As always, we continue to offer custom training and one-on-one strategy sessions for travel advisors and tour operators worldwide. To book a session, please write to us at knowledge@creative.travel with your details.
And finally, beyond this monthly newsletter, stay even more informed with our weekly updates through The South Asia Travel Journal.
Another Winning Chapter for Creative Travel & JungleSutra at the World Travel Awards 2026
September 27: Crossroads Island, Maldives
At the 33rd Annual World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony in the Maldives, Creative Travel and JungleSutra brought home three prestigious titles:
Air India Adds New Flights to Khajuraho, Varanasi, Jaisalmer and Gaya
Air India has announced an expansion of its domestic network, effective from 25 October 2026, with new routes connecting some of India’s most significant heritage.
Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has opened Taj Tadoba Resort & Spa, Nagpur, a new luxury wildlife retreat located near Maharashtra’s renowned Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.Set across 17 acres of natural landscape, the resort features 35 private villas designed to blend with the surrounding wilderness, offering guests a comfortable base from which to explore one of Central India’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.
IndiGo Raises Fees for Baggage and Priority Services
IndiGo has revised charges for several optional and special services, increasing the cost of some add-ons for passengers. The changes cover excess baggage, infant fares, unaccompanied minor services and the airline’s.
ELIVAAS Expands Munnar Portfolio With Two New Stays
ELIVAAS has entered Munnar with two new properties, Jai Hill and Kavyath Valley, under its Alaya Stays brand. The expansion marks the hospitality company’s entry into one of Kerala’s most popular leisure destinations and is set to be followed by five more properties under ELIVAAS Signature and Alaya Stays.The new properties are designed for families, groups, leisure travellers and corporate guests seeking private, spacious accommodation with professional hospitality services.
The MICHELIN Guide has recognised 47 Indian hotels in its 2026 Key Selection, highlighting the country’s growing presence on the global luxury hospitality map.
Gurugram-based hospitality brand Saltstayz has entered South India with the opening of Saltstayz Premier, Bengaluru, marking its first property in the region and the 17th hotel under its Premier portfolio.Located on Bellary Road near Hebbal Flyover, the 30-room property is designed for both business and leisure travellers. Its location also places it close to key healthcare and commercial areas in northern Bengaluru.
Vojara to Bring Refined Safari Luxury to Ranthambore
Vojara is set to open in Ranthambore in October 2026, introducing a private forested retreat that blends the character of the wilderness with a refined global design sensibility.
Ladakh Snow Leopard Trekking Ranks Fourth On Global Wildlife Index
Ladakh’s snow leopard treks have been ranked fourth on the Wildlife Experience Index released by travel company Bailey Robinson, scoring 85.5 out of 100. The pursuit of the rarely glimpsed big cat in the high-altitude wilderness of Hemis National Park places just behind mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, emperor penguin expeditions in Antarctica, and saiga antelope journeys in Kazakhstan.
Bookmark Resorts Opens 20-Key Leopard Country Retreat In Jawai
Bookmark Resorts is adding Jawai to its portfolio of experience-led properties with the October 1 opening of Cheetagarh, a 20-key retreat set among the granite hills and lakes of Rajasthan’s most celebrated leopard landscape.
Diwali: A Festival of Lights, Culture, and Joy (8 November, 2026)
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.
Dussehra: The Triumph of Light Over Shadow (20th October 2026)
As the monsoon retreats and autumn casts its warm glow across India, Dussehra—also known as Vijayadashami—ushers in a powerful celebration of courage, virtue and renewal. At the heart of the festival is the enduring story of Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, a tale passed down through generations as a reminder that righteousness, however challenged, ultimately prevails.
October ushers in India’s most radiant festive season. Sharad Navratri began on 11 October, devoting nine nights to the nine forms of Goddess Durga, and it culminates in Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, on 20 October.
Crafted In Jaipur – Jaipur’s artistry shaped by your hands
In Jaipur, heritage is not confined to palaces. It lives in the hands of artisans who have shaped the city’s identity for generations. Crafted in Jaipur opens the door to their studio, where guests learn three celebrated crafts from those who live them.
The Himalayan Village: Pahari Heritage in the Heart of Parvati Valley
Tucked amid pine-clad mountains and the flowing waters of the Parvati River, Kailasha – The Himalayan Village offers a distinctive window into the culture and architectural heritage of Himachal Pradesh. Set in the Parvati Valley near Kasol, the retreat draws inspiration from traditional mountain living, creating a stay that feels rooted in its surroundings rather than removed from them.
Rosogolla: A Taste of Tradition, History and Bengal
Soft, snowy white and soaked in a delicate sugar syrup, Rosogolla is one of eastern India’s most recognisable sweets. Simple in appearance yet surprisingly distinctive in texture, it has become closely associated with Bengal and its rich tradition of mishti—the Bengali word for sweets.
Sundar Pichai: From Chennai to the Heart of Global Technology
Born in Madurai and raised in Chennai, Sundar Pichai grew up in a middle-class household where education, hard work and curiosity were deeply valued. His father was an electrical engineer, and conversations about technology often found their way home. Pichai has spoken of how the arrival of everyday technologies such as a telephone or refrigerator could make a meaningful difference to family life—an early fascination that would eventually take him far beyond the neighbourhoods of Chennai.
Experience the delectable flavors of a cherished family heirloom – a remarkable Kadhi recipe passed down through generations. This delightful Kadhi Pakora, a culinary gem from my mother-in-law, showcases the authentic preparation of Punjabi Kadhi complemented by onion pakoras. Immerse yourself in the goodness of crisp onion fritters immersed in a flavorful, tangy yogurt sauce. This time-honored recipe has been a household favorite, crafted with love and enjoyed by everyone for years.
Global Sales Offices: Creative Travel has network of sales teams around the world to assist you in your region. Specialists are available to assist you with information on leisure travel, special interest trips, corporate, meetings & incentive travel and wildlife products. For details please visit www.creative.travel/contacts
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