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Economic Times
3 hours ago
- Economic Times
The airport lounge war has begun — and DreamFolks is losing
Around three years ago, as India's airlines and airports were trying hard to leave the nightmares of the Covid-19 pandemic behind, one travel-technology entrepreneur, Liberatha Peter Kallat of DreamFolks, was out selling another kind of a dream. The firm, an aggregator that acts as a go-between for airport lounge operators, payment networks like American Express, Visa, and MasterCard, and the passengers who swipe their cards for a quick bite or
Deccan Herald
6 hours ago
- Deccan Herald
Where stone chariot races the sun
If you ever travel to Odisha on India's eastern coast, you might hear whispers about a mysterious temple that looks like a giant stone chariot, frozen in time as if it was about to roll towards the sea. That's the Sun Temple of Konark, one of the most fascinating buildings in India, and a place that has amazed travellers, artists, and scientists for hundreds of years. The Konark Sun Temple stands just a few kilometres from the Bay of Bengal. As you get closer, you might spot giant wheels, each one taller than you, carved with incredible patterns and shapes. The whole temple is built to look like the chariot of Surya, the Sun God, being pulled by seven magnificent stone horses. It's made entirely out of black granite and khondalite rock, and was built more than 750 years ago, during the rule of King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the thirteenth century. Legend has it that the king wanted to build the most spectacular temple dedicated to Surya, the god who brings warmth, light and life. According to old tales, thousands of artists, sculptors, and workers worked for years to shape and carve every detail. Some stories say it took twelve years to finish. Imagine what it must have been like—a busy construction site full of hammers, chisels, laughter, and music, with the salty sea breeze blowing in. What really makes Konark different from any other temple is its design. It's not just a place to pray; it's a gigantic sundial and a riddle in stone. The temple's wheels aren't just for show—they actually work like clocks. If you look closely, you'll notice the spokes of each wheel are carefully shaped so that, if you know the trick, you can tell the time just by watching where the sun casts its shadow. There are 24 wheels, which some people say stand for the hours in a day, and each wheel has eight spokes, like the eight 'praharas' or divisions of time in an Indian day. For hundreds of years, travellers and pilgrims have been amazed by this combination of science and art, where the temple itself helps people measure time. The Sun Temple is decorated with thousands of carvings, big and small. Look closely and you'll find elephants, lions, horses, dancers, musicians, birds, and flowers—all carved in lifelike detail. Many of the figures tell stories from everyday life or from ancient legends, while others show how people celebrated the sun with music, dance, and festivals. Some carvings are so tiny that you need to kneel down and squint to see all the hidden details, while others are so grand you'll want to take a dozen photos. For centuries, Konark was a place where artists and thinkers gathered, especially during the early morning, when the first sunlight would hit the temple's main entrance. The main shrine, which once held a massive statue of Surya, is now in ruins, but you can still sense the awe that people must have felt when sunlight filled the temple. Sadly, parts of the temple have collapsed over time, mainly because of the salty sea air, heavy monsoon rains, and even attacks by invaders. Still, what remains is enough to fill visitors with wonder. One of the most fascinating mysteries about Konark is how such a huge and heavy temple was built with no cranes or modern machines. Some experts think the builders used clever ramps, pulleys, and lots of teamwork. According to legend, a huge iron rod was used to hold the top stone together, and the temple was decorated with a magical lodestone, a natural magnet that was supposed to make ships' compasses go haywire. While there's no proof of the lodestone today, these stories add to Konark's magical reputation. People from all over the world come to Konark, not just to see the temple but to be part of its festivals. Every December, the Konark Dance Festival brings together India's best classical dancers, who perform on a stage with the temple as their backdrop, just as dancers did centuries ago. As night falls and the music begins, you can almost imagine the temple coming back to life, with shadows dancing across its ancient stones. Konark isn't just a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it's a symbol of Indian creativity, scientific thinking, and the power of imagination. It's been called the 'Black Pagoda' by sailors who saw its dark stones from their ships. It's also a puzzle waiting to be solved, with historians and scientists still trying to unlock its secrets. Some say there are hidden passages or treasures, while others are simply amazed by how carefully the entire structure is aligned with the east, so that the first light of the day touches the feet of the Sun God. If you ever get to visit Konark, try to wake up early and see the sunrise over the temple's wheels and horses. It's the perfect way to understand why, even after so many centuries, Konark still inspires awe. Temple is shaped like a giant chariot Konark's Sun Temple was built to look like Surya's chariot from Hindu mythology, complete with 24 massive wheels and seven stone horses. Works like a sundial The wheels aren't just for decoration—they're actually ancient timekeepers! You can tell the time by watching the shadows cast by the spokes. Konark once had a huge magnet Legend says the temple once had a giant lodestone (a natural magnet) at its centre, which was so powerful it could disrupt ships' compasses at sea. Temple faced the rising sun The main entrance was built so that the first rays of the sun would light up the idol of Surya inside the temple each morning. It's called the 'Black Pagoda' Sailors on the Bay of Bengal called Konark the 'Black Pagoda' because of its dark stones, which helped them navigate the coast. Many parts are now in ruins The main sanctum collapsed long ago, but much of the temple's beauty remains, attracting visitors and researchers from around the world. ISTOCK It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site Konark Sun Temple is one of India's most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognised for its amazing architecture and history. ISTOCK Famous dance festival Every year, classical dancers from all over India perform at the Konark Dance Festival, with the temple as a stunning backdrop.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Hospitality boom heats up in twin cities
1 2 Ahmedabad: The twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, positioning as a strategic business and tourism hub, are all set to add about 1,000 new branded room keys with global hotel chains expanding their presence and several properties being rebranded or revamped in this region. Ahmedabad – a potential host city for the 2036 Olympics, if India secures the bid – is seeing its skyline change. Leading the change is Marriott International, which recently unveiled a revamped Le Méridien hotel in Ramdevnagar, offering 164 keys. Formerly operating as Courtyard by Marriott, the property has been redesigned with an upscale aesthetic and renewed focus on guest experience. Another Courtyard property on Sindhu Bhawan Road has been deflagged and is reportedly undergoing a complete transformation under a new brand, sources told TOI. "The Ahmedabad market is maturing fast. We're seeing demand from not only business travellers but also lifestyle-conscious guests. That's pushing owners to rethink brand positioning," said an industry insider. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad Sindhu Bhawan Road, in particular, is emerging as a hospitality hotspot. With office towers, luxury residences, and retail zones rapidly developing, hotel brands are moving in. Hyatt is likely to launch a Hyatt Place on this stretch, adding to its existing pipeline of projects in Sanand and the fast-growing GIFT City, as is learnt from source. "This rise in activity comes as Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar is being reshaped into a major business district. If India wins the 2036 Olympic bid, the region will likely see accelerated infrastructure investments and increased global visibility. There's a long-term view now: developers, brands, and investors are aligning to ensure that the region meets international hospitality standards," said travel industry expert Ankit Bajaj. TOI has also learnt that Marriott is in talks to add another property in the city along SG Highway under its MHRS (Marriott Hotels, Resorts & Suites) portfolio, as part of a broader push into high-growth Indian cities. Similarly, Hilton is exploring a second project in Ahmedabad following the success of its DoubleTree by Hilton at Bopal-Ambli Road. The group has already announced expansion plans across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Bihar under its Hampton brand. Email queries to Marriott and Hilton seeking specific details on their expansion plans went unanswered. In another sign of momentum, luxury hospitality player Atmosphere Core is considering entering Ahmedabad, claim industry insiders. Known for its experiential properties across South Asia, its arrival would further diversify the city's offerings. As Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar emerge as a business and administrative capital with GIFT City rising as a fintech nucleus, the hospitality sector in this market is redefining urban development and the scale of luxury offerings here. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
