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Special Tour of Indian Institute of Advanced Studies (IIAS), Shimla Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, also known as the Vice Regal Lodge, now offers an extensive 2-hour tour of the heritage building, during which tourists will also be allowed to visit the Viceroy bedrooms, ball room, dining room, council chamber and kitchen on the upper story, besides the standard tour, followed by tea/coffee at the Observatory House. The Vice Regal Lodge served as the summer residence of the Indian Viceroy of the Indian Subcontinent from 1888 until 1946 during the British Raj. An elaborate mock-Tudor stately home built with local grey sandstone and blue limestone, it is set amidst immaculately manicured lawns. Located just 2km from Shimla on the top of Observatory Hill (the second highest point in Shimla), it provides breath-taking panoramic views of the region. Commonly known as the Rashtrapati Nilayam (the President’s House), its construction began in 1888 for Lord Dufferin. A vast wine cellar, a room for empty suitcases and an indoor tennis court, along with rainwater harvesting, a complex piping system providing running hot and cold water, with electric lighting and heating provided by a steam generator are notable features of the structure. Lord Curzon later added a tower and the garden were developed under the guidance of Marquis Lansdowne. The Lodge has seen the coming together of great leaders and witnessed numerous meetings of historical significance, of which the 1947 Partition of India discussions stand out as the most significant. After India’s independence in 1947, the Lodge served as the summer residence of successive Indian presidents until the 1960s, after which it was handed over to the Indian Institute of Advance Studies.

Vanya Villas, Tadoba WelcomHeritage has launched Tadoba Vanya Villas Resort & Spa, a premium resort in the outskirts of Tadoba. This 65-acre property offers 36 spacious cottages with sit-outs and tent accommodation with superb views. The accommodation is designed around the concept of luxury immersed in nature. The resort features a private lake, two swimming pools, Amoda Spa and a banquet hall. The resort offers exciting tiger safaris and bird-watching tours. Guests can sample grilled snacks at The Jungle Grill, sip mocktails at Mehfil, and savor Maharashtrian cuisine at Royal Oak-a multi-cuisine restaurant. Round off by a visit to the historic Balaji Temple at Chimur and Baba Amte’s Anandvan. The Messenger, Harlalka Haveli, Mandawa Sukhani Group of Hotels has opened The Messenger at Mandawa, at the Harlalka Haveli, a 275- year old haveli which has been curated and restored for the purpose. Mandawa is often referred to as an ‘open gallery town’ due to its beautiful old-style architecture. At the Messenger, the focus is on reviving the lost royal heritage of a bygone era, brought alive by trademark fresco paintings and Araish work. Converted into an opulent and luxurious 11-room boutique hotel replete with antique furniture and effects, it amply reflects regal grandeur. Count the stars as you savour traditional Rajasthani cuisine at the Haveli Cafe, the outdoor dining area, or luxuriate in the swimming pool to cool down.

Gangasagar Mela Venue: Sundarbans, West Bengal Date: January 13 - 15, 2020 Located on an island in the Sundarbans, Gangasagar is an un-spoilt beach on the estuary of the river Ganges, a charming and peaceful haven away from the noisy and hectic city life. It offers plenty to both pilgrims and adventure lovers. Just 124 km from Kolkata, Gangasagar is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway, as vast areas around it are still pristine, unexplored and unexploited, with acres of silver sand beaches, vast blue seas and clear skies. The Sagar Lighthouse and Port and the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram draws tourists and pilgrims alike. Gangasagar finds mention in ancient mythological tales and epics like the Ramayana, as well as literary texts of Tagore and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Sagardwip in Gangasagar is a prominent pilgrimage centre for Hindus. Every year in January on Makar Sankranti (January 14), pilgrims gather here from all over India in vast numbers, for a holy dip at the confluence of the sacred Ganga River and the Bay of Bengal, after which they offer obeisance and offerings at the Kapil Muni Temple, amidst holy chants. The Gangasagar Mela (fair) held during Makar Sankranti, is undoubtedly one the biggest fairs of India and West Bengal, second only to the Kumbh Mela. Naked Naga Sadhus, with ash smeared all over their bodies, carry out pagan rituals, and are a huge draw for all visitors.

TUI Airways to operate Goa flights UK-based TUI Airways will now fly to Goa from November 2, 2019, using their Boeing 787 Dreamliner, thus providing a huge boost to Goa’s tourism industry. As per Savio Messias, President of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa, around 30,000 British passengers are expected to arrive in Goa this season and will spend at least 10 days during their trip. TUI will also operate an additional flight this season. Chennai is the first south Indian city to get direct Tokyo flights All Nippon Airways, one of the largest airlines of Japan, has launched a direct flight service between Chennai and Tokyo, making Chennai the first city in South India to be connected to Narita International Airport, Tokyo. Seven new international airlines to operate to India during winter schedule From October 27, 2019 to March 28, 2020, seven new international airlines, namely Air Tanzania, Arkia Israeli Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines, LOT Polish, Nok Air, Nok Scoot Air, and VietJet Airlines, will operate from India during the winter schedule, taking the total number of foreign airlines operating in the country to 86 during the period, a senior DGCA official said. Meanwhile, Air India too has planned 616 international departures per week, while IndiGo and SpiceJet have planned 572 and 229 international departures per week, respectively. Two new airlines to start operations from Ahmedabad Air Asia - the domestic airline and Thai Smile - an international airline, will be operating flights to operate flights for Bengaluru, Delhi and Hyderabad as part of the winter schedule with effect from October 27, 2019 up to March 27, 2020. Ahmedabad Airport is now set to have 23 airlines operating their domestic or international flights from here.