Oman’s southernmost gem, with a tropical climate and a monsoon season, known as the Khareef, Dhofar is unlike any other region of Oman. The region’s lush green landscape from June to September when the mists and rains of the Khareef descend, offers indelible sight to the visitors. Steeped in history and full of fascinating places to visit year-round, Dhofar is one of the hidden secrets of the Gulf. Perched on ancient ruins, Mirbat Castle offers a captivating interactive exhibition, showcasing its storied past, Dhofar’s rich environment, and the unique culture of Mirbat’s people. Nearby, Jebel Samham—the region’s highest peak—hosts the rare Dracaena cinnabari, known as the Dragon’s Blood tree for its striking red sap. For thrill-seekers, Ras Hanani, Dhofar’s prime snorkelling and diving spot near Salalah, teems with marine wonders. Glide alongside majestic manta rays and spot eerie moray eels lurking in coral crevices. Dhofar is one of the world’s few places where you can marvel at brain and table corals amid vibrant schools of fish.

Gokulam Grand Hotel & Spa, Bengaluru secured the ‘Best Wedding and MICE Hotel Karnataka’ award at the India Travel Awards. Shafee Ahmed, GM and KS Sachin, Director, Sales & Marketing accepted the award. The property’s MICE facilities can host events catering from 10 to 1,000 guests.

VisitBritain’s ‘Destination Britain Middle East & Asia’ trade mission has kicked off in Bengaluru. The three-day event saw prescheduled successful B2B meetings between 37 suppliers from the UK and over 70 buyers from India, GCC, Korea and Japan. The event also provided an opportunity to learn the trends driving outbound travel.

India’s aviation infrastructure has expanded exponentially with the number of airports doubling in last 10 years. Underscoring the government’s dedication in integrating women in this sector, Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Civil Aviation, said, “There are immense opportunities for women to become a part of this growth story in aviation.”

Join an exciting webinar by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Oman on 27 November at 3pm. Discover the breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous experiences that make Oman a top destination for travellers. For more information, please contact Jaspreet Kaur at jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call +91 9650196532.

International music sensation Akon, renowned for hits like ‘Chammak Challo’ and ‘Lonely,’ has stayed at the Mayfair Spring Valley resort during his visit to India, ahead of the Cherry Blossom Music Festival in Shillong. The iconic artist has stayed at the property for four days before he heads to the highly anticipated music festival. The eagerly awaited annual event will see Akon take the stage as one of its main attractions this year. Known for drawing diverse audiences from across the country and beyond, the festival features a stellar lineup of artists, offering a vibrant mix of performances that celebrate harmony, creativity, and the spirit of the season. Akon’s presence is set to elevate the festival’s charm and create unforgettable memories for attendees. Pardeep Siwach, DGM, Accommodation, Mayfair Spring Valley, shared his enthusiasm – “We are happy to host Akon at Mayfair Spring Valley. His incredible talent and global appeal resonate with audiences worldwide, and it is an honour to provide him with a serene and luxurious retreat. With our lush surroundings and world-class amenities, we are confident that his stay will be both memorable and rejuvenating.” Akon is an internationally renowned American singer, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur, known for his unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and world music. With hit singles like “Lonely” and “Chammak Challo,” he has achieved global fame, selling millions of albums and earning multiple awards. Beyond music, Akon is a philanthropist, focused on various social initiatives, including his efforts to bring electricity to rural Africa through his Akon Lighting Africa project. His versatility and influence have made him a prominent figure in both the music industry and the global community. The singing sensation, Akon, voiced …

Mamaka by Ovolo welcomes its newest culinary rockstar, Chef Anuj Kumar Ray. Hailing from the heart of India, Jabalpur, where the Narmada River flows and riverside cooking was his teenage playground, Chef Anuj has arrived and making waves with a bold mission; to take Indian cuisine to the next level without forgetting the true essence and heritage of Indian food. Chef Anuj is bringing his fiery passion, innovative flair, and mouthwatering flavours to the vibrant culinary scene at Mamaka by Ovolo. Chef Anuj’s culinary journey began as a teen with chulha-style (brick stove) riverside feasts, whipping up smoky curries and kebabs against stunning scenic backdrops. What started as fun weekends with friends soon turned into a full-blown obsession with the art of cooking. Mamaka and Chef Anuj’s specialty will be crafting all of our spice blends in-house, from garam masala and chaat masala to chai masala. “After a decade of honing my craft, I am ready to elevate Indian cuisine in Bali and redefine what it means to experience authentic Indian flavours. Get ready to be amazed as I bring the heat to Kuta’s vibrant culinary scene,” said Chef Anuj Kumar Ray. The resort’s signature makhani masala, which is featured in dishes like butter chicken and dal makhani, is inspired by the rich flavours of North India, and the dal makhani is traditionally slow cooked for 24 hours, ensuring deep, authentic taste. Snacks, like street-style aloo chaat, draw inspiration from the bustling streets of Jaipur, while our samosas reflect flavours from central India. Poha, one of the most popular Indian breakfast items, originates from Indore city in central India, and it is a personal favourite of mine, along with the …

Hayleys Travels, Sri Lanka’s foremost Destination Management Company (DMC) recently completed its 40th anniversary of curating unforgettable journeys across the island destination. Founded in 1984, the fully-owned subsidiary of the century-old Hayleys Group, Hayleys Travels has delivered unique, exhilarating travel experiences through Sri Lanka. It is well known among the global travellers’ community for its dedication to sustainable tourism, eco-adventures, and culturally immersive itineraries. The DMC has attracted international travellers to showcase Sri Lanka’s heritage-rich vistas, wildlife, and vibrant regional communities. With its expertise in inbound tourism, Hayleys Travels has played a pivotal role in showcasing the country’s breathtaking natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and vibrant communities to international travellers. On the other hand, the company’s outbound travel solutions cater to Sri Lankans exploring destinations worldwide, offering tailored international tours, leisure travel, MICE events, and luxury experiences. Over the past four decades, Hayleys Travels has grown to become Sri Lanka’s foremost comprehensive travel solutions provider. The company, accredited by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), offers an array of services that include destination weddings, MICE events, wildlife tours, and tailored luxury tours for individual and group travellers. Hayleys Travels showcases the rich diversity and culture of Sri Lanka with a wide range of offerings – rainforest tours, wildlife safaris, local village experiences, and also hands-on cooking trails that allow travellers to connect with local cuisine. The company’s services also extend to cruise excursions, where the patrons can experience dolphin and whale watching. Hayleys Travels also hosts traditional market explorations and visits to local bakeries. Through its diverse network of hospitality partners, Hayleys Travels offers an array of accommodations including eco-lodges, wellness retreats, luxurious resorts, etc., tailored to align with the preferences …

Four kilometres from Khasab along the coastal road to Bukha, turn left at the small village of Qida. A short drive to the village of Tawi at the far end of the wadi brings visitors to easily accessible petroglyphs (rock carvings) dating back to prehistoric times. Likely to be pre-Islamic as they include characters, the unprotected petroglyphs are cut into rocks which have fallen from a cliff face on the left-hand side of the road. Images include horsemen, boats and camels; you may need to ask a villager to point out their location on the boulders.  

Curtain Raiser Event for ATOAI’s 16th Annual Convention Concludes Successfully Co Hosted by the Department of Tourism Govt of Arunachal Pradesh. The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) hosted an inspiring Curtain Raiser for its 16th Annual Convention at The Park Hotel, New Delhi, setting the stage for an extraordinary event scheduled to take place in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, from 3 to 8 December, 2024. This evening’s event highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s vast potential as a global adventure tourism hub while emphasising ATOAI’s commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism practices. The event began with an engaging address by Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, who emphasised the transformative potential of sustainable adventure tourism. “Arunachal Pradesh is India’s Last Shangri-La and our next big adventure destination. This convention will set the stage for responsible adventure tourism and showcase how sustainability is the future of our industry. This convention promises to be a milestone event, further positioning Arunachal Pradesh and North East India at the forefront of adventure tourism in India and the world,” he remarked. This sentiment was echoed by Oken Tayeng, MLA and Convention Chairperson, who called Arunachal “a playground of possibilities” and underlined the need for a sustainable roadmap to unlock its adventure tourism potential. Adding to the evening’s momentum, Arun Srivastava, Joint Director General, Ministry of Tourism, highlighted the importance of collaboration in developing adventure tourism in India. He noted, “India’s natural assets make it a top contender for global adventure tourism and Arunachal is a shining gem of the country.” Ranphoa Ngowa, Secretary of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, further emphasised the state’s readiness to host global adventure seekers, pointing out its unique combination of untouched rivers, dense forests …