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Time of India
02-07-2025
- Time of India
Monsoon getaways: Discover India's quiet escapes this rainy season
From peaceful forest getaways to luxurious retreats and charming hillside escapes, these are some of the best places to enjoy the magic of monsoon. From peaceful forest getaways to luxurious retreats and charming hillside escapes, these are some of the best places to enjoy the magic of monsoon. 1. Jaipur, reimagined Forget the usual postcard Jaipur. At Mementos, nestled away from the tourist trails, monsoon adds a soft drama to the city's grandeur. Here, the experience begins with a Shahi Aagman — a ceremonial welcome with folk music and royal fanfare, setting the tone for a stay soaked in Rajasthani charm. Morning teas are shared with peacocks in the distance; evenings arrive with folk performances under a starlit sky. It's not just the architecture that wows — it's the intimacy. Whether you're sipping chai at sunset or dining by candlelight with only the monsoon breeze for company, Mementos is about reclaiming quiet joys. For families, the Ollie's Club offers kite flying, cycling trails and nature walks — proof that slow travel isn't just for adults. 2. Monsoon grandeur, minutes from Delhi Only 45 km from Delhi, ITC Grand Bharat isn't a hotel — it's a retreat. And the monsoon makes it a poetic one. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo As clouds roll over the Aravallis, the sandstone domes glisten and rain-fed gardens breathe new life into the property's regal calm. The monsoon finds its culinary soulmate at The Royal Afghan, where smoky kebabs meet raindrops and lantern-lit tables overlook still water. But the real magic lies at Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa, where ancient Ayurvedic rituals unfold to the rhythm of falling rain. 3. Into the wild For those craving something raw and real, the monsoon reveals the forests of central India in their most cinematic form. "Kanha, Pench, Rukhad, and Tadoba Jungle Camps turn into emerald sanctuaries, alive with birdsong, misty trails, and a sense of quiet thrill. Safari purists, take note: buffer zone safaris run even during rains, and Rukhad stays open year-round, making it a go-to for serious wildlife watchers. Whether you're tucked into a luxury tent in Pench, sipping chai on your private deck in Tadoba, or setting out on a nature walk in Kanha, the rhythm of the forest guides your day. From night safaris and tribal performances to stargazing sessions and bush dinners, these camps are a masterclass in doing everything — or nothing — with purpose. Bonus: patchy mobile networks mean you're actually forced to be present," says says Gajendra Singh Rathore, MD, Jungle Camps India. 4. Karjat calling An easy getaway from Mumbai, Radisson Blu Karjat knows how to charm its way into monsoon hearts. The rains breathe new life into its gardens and hills, turning the resort into a painter's palette of greens and silvers. But it's the little things that make the biggest impact: cycling tours, birdwatching, and the sound of rain while sipping kulhad chai from the resort's Cutting Chai live station. For those who lean toward indulgence, Le Bistro offers 'Beers and Burgers' and 'Smokey Sizzlers' right by the pool as raindrops ripple the water. Sometimes, luxury is simply about watching it pour with a plate of pakoras in hand. So, why travel in the monsoon? Because the crowds are thinner, the landscapes are richer, and the moments — whether wild or regal — feel more your own. Whether you're dancing with the clouds in Jaipur, soaking in spa rituals near Delhi, chasing tiger tracks in the jungle, or sipping chai in Karjat, one thing is certain: the monsoon isn't about staying in. It's about rediscovering stillness — and the occasional splash of wonder.
News18
05-06-2025
- Business
- News18
World Environment Day: From Plastic Panic to Planet-First Practice
Last Updated: World Environment Day is no longer just about raising awareness. It's about building models of change that can be scaled, shared, and sustained This World Environment Day, the theme 'Beat Plastic Pollution" may sound familiar—but behind the buzzwords, something different is taking shape. Across India, a quiet revolution is underway. Not through headline-grabbing events or symbolic gestures, but through integrated, community-rooted, and purpose-driven action. From forest lodges that tread lightly to lab-grown diamonds redefining luxury, a new generation of brands, thinkers, and changemakers are transforming sustainability from a compliance checklist into a living philosophy. Here's how leaders across sectors: from travel and tech to packaging and rural development are shaping a regenerative future that's not only greener, but more just, inclusive, and imaginative. Eco-Travel, Ground Up For brands deeply intertwined with nature, sustainability isn't an initiative, it's a way of being. 'At Jungle Camps India, every decision- how we build, power, hire, and serve is anchored in respect for the wild and responsibility toward the future," says Gajendra Singh Rathore, Managing Director. 'We operate in India's most sensitive ecosystems, and our presence must heal more than it harms. Through conscious hospitality, we aim to inspire guests, uplift communities, and conserve landscapes—creating living sanctuaries, not just scenic backdrops." For Intrepid Travel, a global leader in responsible tourism, the fight against plastic began nearly two decades ago. 'We've said no to plastic in India for over 18 years—offering every guest a reusable tote and working with hotels to replace plastic bottles with glass ones," says Rama Mahendru, Country General Manager. 'We believe small, consistent actions lead to big change." BLS International's Shikhar Aggarwal echoes the shift, pointing to a generational change: 'Sustainability is no longer an afterthought. Today's travellers—especially millennials and Gen Z—seek authentic, untouched destinations. Tourism, when done responsibly, becomes a tool for preservation, not disruption." Packaging a Planet-First Future Plastic, once hailed as innovation's miracle, has become one of our greatest environmental burdens. But companies are now reengineering not just their products, but the systems behind them. 'At DS Group, we embraced recycled PET in packaging back in 2021, long before it was mandated," shares Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman. 'Our #SaveTheFuture campaign aims to go beyond awareness—to provoke action and shift consumer mindsets. This year, we're planting 10,000 trees and continuing to build LEED-certified green buildings. Our ambition is to be a force for ecological and cultural regeneration." Tetra Pak, too, is betting big on breakthrough innovation. 'Sustainability for us means rethinking every stage of the lifecycle," says Cassio Simões, Managing Director, South Asia. 'From plant-based polymers to fiber-based barriers, our goal is to lead a system-wide shift—delivering recyclable, renewable, and low-impact packaging while working with partners on ground-level collection and recycling." Circular Thinking in Rural and Urban India Plastic pollution isn't just an urban story. Rural India, once grounded in low-waste traditions, is now grappling with plastic's silent invasion. 'From blocked drains to plastic-fed livestock, the problem is urgent," says Omkar Hande, Junior Researcher, Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR). 'But clean, plastic-free villages are possible. Community ownership is key—through awareness, waste segregation, and incentivised local systems like 'Give Plastic, Take Gold' in Jammu or upcycled plastic livelihoods in Kerala." That philosophy is echoed by Pearl Tiwari, CEO of Ambuja Foundation: 'Our rural programs empower communities to lead their own transformation—waste segregation hubs, door-to-door collection, and composting run by local women. Plastic isn't just a pollutant—it's a social challenge. Solutions must be local, inclusive, and lasting." Carbon, Consciousness, and the Circular Economy Climate action today needs to move beyond offsetting and into active regeneration. 'At MMCM, we view waste as a resource," says Yashodhan Ramteke, Head, Carbon Business Unit. 'From recycling to carbon reduction, the road to net-zero is about transparency, scale, and inclusive innovation." 1M1B's youth-led model is leading this charge. 'India's young changemakers are not just spreading awareness—they're building solutions," says Manav Subodh, Founder and Chief Mentor. 'Our Changemakers World Cup gives these initiatives a global platform—from village actions to the United Nations. Real change begins locally." Luxury With a Lighter Footprint In the jewellery world, Solitario Diamonds is rewriting the narrative of what luxury means. 'Lab-grown diamonds offer all the brilliance without the environmental cost," says Anurag Lunia, COO. 'To us, sustainability isn't a trend—it's our north star. Every piece we create reflects elegance with empathy. That is the true sparkle of conscious luxury." Where Do We Go From Here? top videos View all The message from India's environmental vanguards is clear: The age of performative sustainability is over. Whether in the wild, in the city, or in the boardroom, action must be systemic, consistent, and rooted in long-term impact—not optics. World Environment Day is no longer just about raising awareness. It's about building models of change that can be scaled, shared, and sustained. And as these voices show, it's already happening—quietly, powerfully, and purposefully. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : cnn-news18 environment Environment (Protection) Act environment conservation Environment Day environment friendly environment news environmental damage latest news lifestyle Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 05, 2025, 06:32 IST News lifestyle World Environment Day: From Plastic Panic to Planet-First Practice
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Time of India
Meet the 'Tiger Men' of Pench and Tadoba
Gajendra Singh Rathore, MD, Jungle Camps India The forest has a rhythm. But you have to be still. You have to be willing to listen. At the entrance to Pench, the massive gate opens into the Pench Jungle Camp - the very landscape that once inspired Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. But the fiction ends there. At Pench, the stories are real. They walk on four legs. They glide through the trees. And as the Jungle Camp India resort's staff at Pench and Tadoba - from founder to naturalist to chef might tell you, these stories linger long after tourists leave. They speak of the bravery of the unseen, the unheard, the undervalued - those who protect the wild not with fanfare, but with fierce commitment. Lives Rewritten by the Wild The passion for the wild runs deep among the founder and staff. There's Gajendra Singh Rathore, who took an improbable journey from chartered accountancy to conservation. Over two decades, he has built infrastructure, introduced safaris, and mentored a new generation of naturalists across central India. He speaks with quiet reverence about his mission: turning tourists into conservationists. 'Every day, our staff educates guests not just about tigers, but about the rangers who defend nature, about how you can contribute to sustainable coexistence, and about the urgency of habitat loss,' he says. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo 'This is not just hospitality - it's a movement.' Gajendra Singh Rathore, MD, JCI Jungle Camp India's model isn't just about creature comforts or curated experiences. It's rooted in community. From hiring locals to teaching tourists about scientific research, the camps strive to embed sustainability into every aspect of their operations. Gajendra Singh Rathore says,"Every day through our resort, our safaris, and our passion for eco-tourism, we try to make guests understand that we all share the responsibility of protecting the natural efforts are rooted in respect, listening, and patience like the forest itself." Eco-tourism as conservation Jungle Camps India is a constellation of luxurious eco-lodges scattered across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, two tiger-rich states in central India. From the raw, rugged forests of Tadoba in Maharashtra to the calmer canopies of Pench on the Madhya Pradesh border, these stays do more than just accommodate - they interpret, educate, and protect. Yash Rajput, who now oversees operations at Tadoba, left a career at McKinsey & Company to work in the forest. 'Finance couldn't compete with the call of the wild,' he says. 'Nobody goes disappointed from Tadoba. The tiger sightings here have made it a magnet for true wildlife enthusiasts.' Naturalists here are more than guides, says Raghuveer Singh, GM at Pench branch of JCI. 'We are the glue,' Nayan, who calls himself 'Tiger Man' says. 'Between tourists and the wild.' Indeed, increasing tourist footfall has paradoxically helped tiger conservation by deterring poaching through visibility and awareness. Samrat, a seasoned naturalist, puts it plainly, 'It was never the tourists who undermined the tiger protection campaign. When tigers vanished in certain areas, it was tourists and local nature lovers who blew the whistle. Suagto, a naturalist at Pench, is a trained tracker who has participated in multiple wildlife censuses. But he's just as likely to halt a safari for the humble beauty of a butterfly. 'The forest speaks in many languages,' he says. 'It's not just the big cats. It's everything. You have to be willing to listen.' One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Astro-tourism on the rise: Top places to visit and things to do to catch starry nights
Light pollution surging in the cities has obscured the pretty night skies. City lights of the skyline now dominate the night sky instead of constellations, depriving many of natural starry views. Instead, an empty, greyish, washed-out sky looms over the city. City dwellers, tired of this light-flooded, ashy sky, are heading to quieter, darker spots to catch a sky full of bright stars for a change. This marks the rise of astro-tourism, or astronomical tourism, which is rooted in observing the night sky through key activities like stargazing, moongazing, sky photography, and viewing celestial objects and events. Constellations, planets, and meteor showers are best seen in 'darker' regions where city lights don't interfere. High-powered telescopes are also used for closer, much more detailed views of the celestial objects in the sky. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Gajendra Singh Rathore, Founder and Managing Director of Jungle Camps India (JCI), explained how astro-tourism is becoming popular in India. He said, 'Astro tourism is becoming very popular in India. What was once a hobby for a few people is now a common travel choice. According to Skyscanner, it will be one of the top travel trends for Indians in 2025. More and more people are looking for unique experiences like stargazing, night sky photography, and sleeping under the stars. The global astro tourism market, valued at $250 million in 2023, is projected to grow at a 10% CAGR, reaching $400 million by 2030, with India emerging as a prime destination due to its natural dark sky reserves and growing infrastructure.' Several regions across India that have low light pollution are now tapping into the rising interest in astro-tourism by offering celestial experiences in naturally dark and scenic landscapes. Gajendra Singh Rathore elaborated, 'Pench Tiger Reserve, now India's first Dark Sky Park, hosts special tours where visitors enjoy guided stargazing, astrophotography, jungle safaris, and campfire gatherings under clear, dark skies. Locations such as Chopta, Binsar, Leh-Ladakh, Spiti Valley, and Jaisalmer are also launching astro tourism events, making it easier for people to explore the stars while surrounded by nature.' Gajendra further shared this guide for astro-tourism, from the best places to what things one can do in an astro-tourism spot: A post shared by PENCH JUNGLE CAMP (@penchjunglecamp) A post shared by KANHA JUNGLE CAMP (@kanhajunglecamp_) A post shared by TADOBA JUNGLE CAMP (@tadobajunglecamp_) A post shared by Condé Nast Traveller India (@cntravellerindia)
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Time of India
3 of a Guj family among 4killed in fire at Ajmer hotel
Ajmer: A devastating fire broke out at a five-storey hotel in Ajmer's congested Diggi Bazaar area on Thursday morning, claiming four lives and leaving six others, including a firefighter, injured. The deceased include three members of a family from Gujarat, who had come to offer prayers at Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti's dargah in Ajmer. The tragedy happened less than 48 hours after 14 people lost their lives in a Kolkata hotel blaze on Tuesday night. The fire started around 8am due to a suspected short circuit in an air conditioner on the fourth floor of Hotel Naaz, located along the route to the dargah, and quickly engulfed the whole building. The victims were trapped on the fifth floor. In a heroic rescue effort, civil defence personnel instructed a mother to throw her three-year-old son from the fourth floor, successfully catching him mid-air. The mother and child both survived. A youth who jumped from the building was also rescued by the team. Firefighters reached the spot within 20 minutes, but it took nearly three hours to control the blaze. "The narrow streets posed a significant challenge to the rescue operation," said additional district magistrate Gajendra Singh Rathore. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sleek Intel Laptops Perfect for College Life Smart Picks by Lenovo Learn More Undo The district administration evacuated nearby establishments as a precautionary measure. The deceased were identified as Mohammad Jaid (40) from Moti Nagar in Delhi, and Alfez Mohammad (40), his wife Shabnam (32) and their four-year-old son Arman from Amreli in Gujarat. Firefighter Krishna Kumar and the five other injured are undergoing treatment at state govt-run JLN Hospital. JLN Medical College principal Dr Anil Samariya said one of the injured had sustained 90% burns, while the others had 50-60% burns. One of the guests, Manilal from Delhi, said he was checking out when there was a loud blast. He and his wife ran towards the exit to save themselves. District collector Lok Bandhu has ordered an investigation into the incident. The probe will look into all aspects, including whether the hotel, which has 11 rooms and can accommodate 22 guests, was constructed according to norms and was adhering to safety regulations.
