News

Delhi soon to get a new green park near the iconic Red Fort, thanks to NDMC

Delhi, a city steeped in historical richness and dynamic cultural heritage, stands at the threshold of embracing a new era of urban progress while cherishing its historical roots. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is actively engaged in crafting a Heritage Park adjacent to the iconic Red Fort, a visionary endeavor that seeks to seamlessly blend bygone eras with contemporary urban development. Led by the NDMC, the Heritage Park project unfolds in phases, with the inaugural phase already accomplished. This initial stage witnessed the meticulous planting of trees and foliage, installation of lighting fixtures, and the creation of pedestrian pathways, laying the groundwork for a tranquil and inviting ambiance. Transitioning into its second phase, the project envisages a notable addition: the erection of a boundary wall. This wall, envisaged to soar approximately 10 feet high, mirrors the architectural aesthetics of Old Delhi, lending an authentic charm to the park's periphery.Moreover, the introduction of recreational amenities like swings and slides aims to transform the park into a delightful haven for children, blending historical appreciation with family-friendly leisure pursuits. An NDMC official underscored the overarching objective of the project to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the Red Fort vicinity, fashioning a space that not only captivates tourists but also serves as a recreational retreat for local residents. This endeavor signifies a stride toward enriching urban living standards by preserving and exalting cultural heritage. Expanding its horizons in creating recreational havens, the NDMC is concurrently developing a Theme Park in Karol Bagh, slated for inauguration in April 2024. Envisioned as a multifaceted entertainment complex, this park will boast an array of amenities including swings, slides, and a water park tailored for children's delight. Furthermore, the park will feature an amphitheater, offering a platform for cultural events and performances, fostering community engagement and cultural appreciation. Anticipated to emerge as a favored leisure spot, not only for Karol Bagh denizens but also for neighboring residents, the forthcoming park underscores NDMC's unwavering commitment to enhancing public spaces across Delhi.

Read more

Shared taxi fares from Mumbai to Nashik, Shirdi, and Pune routes increased; check the revised price here

The fares for shared taxis traveling from Mumbai to Nashik, Shirdi, and Pune are set to increase by an amount ranging from ₹50 to ₹200, depending on the specific route. Although the exact date for the implementation of these adjusted fares has yet to be determined, sources from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) indicate that it's likely to take effect from the upcoming month. Revised fare charts will promptly be exhibited at various intercity taxi stands across locations like Dadar, Borivali, and Sion. The decision to revise fares was sanctioned based on the methodology recommended by the B C Khatua panel, which specializes in determining fare structures for taxis and auto rickshaws. Earlier this month, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) greenlit the fare adjustments for both shared black-and-yellow non-AC taxis and blue-and-silver AC taxis operating on these designated routes. Under the revised fare structure, passengers boarding AC taxis from Mumbai will face an increase of ₹100 for Nashik and ₹200 for Shirdi, while an additional ₹50 will be levied for both AC and non-AC taxi rides to Pune. Consequently, the new fare for AC taxis traveling from Mumbai to Nashik and Mumbai to Shirdi will be ₹575 and ₹825 respectively, as opposed to the existing fares of INR 475 and INR 625. Similarly, the fare for non-AC taxis on the Mumbai-Pune route will rise to ₹500 from the previous INR 450, and for AC taxis, it will be INR 575 instead of INR. The Mumbai-Pune route spans 155 km, while the Mumbai-Nashik and Mumbai-Shirdi routes cover distances of 175 km and 265 km respectively. Although the MMRTA adjusted taxi fares on the Mumbai-Pune route less than three years ago, fares for the Mumbai-Nashik and Mumbai-Shirdi routes have remained unchanged since September 2013.

Read more

IndiGo announces direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Kerala's Kannur

IndiGo has announced new direct flights between Abu Dhabi and north Kerala district Kannur from May 9. Extending its international presence, the airline will operate daily non-stop flights from the coastal city of the southern state to the capital of the United Arab Emirates, the airline said in a release on Friday. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo said with the addition of these flights, the airline will operate 56 weekly flights to Abu Dhabi from 8 cities in India, promoting travel, trade, and tourism between the two countries. With these new flights to the UAE from Kannur, passengers have more travel options during the upcoming summer vacations, it said. Furthermore, this direct connectivity also offers customers from Abu Dhabi the opportunity to explore the panoramic small city of Kannur, famous for its vibrant beaches, rich historical monuments, exquisite handloom works and the colourful Theyyam art form, the release added.

Read more

Abu Dhabi’s Nurai Island is closing temporarily for renovations

The luxurious Nurai Island, a short boat ride from Saadiyat Island, closed its doors temporarily on March 29.The resort is due to undergo renovations, however the timeline for reopening has not yet been revealed. Its spokesperson said: “In our pursuit of providing an unparalleled luxury experience, Nurai Island Hotel will temporarily close from Friday, March 29, 2024.” “This scheduled closure forms part of an exciting transformation project for the hotel, in line with development plans to both elevate Nurai Island Hotel’s global appeal and enrich your holiday experience.” Often described as a slice of paradise, Nurai Island has been a hotspot for high-end, ultra-luxe hospitality. The private island features a development with beachfront estates, water villas and a boutique hotel. Here you’ll find an on-property spa, fitness centre, sporting spaces, an array of restaurants and loads of land and water activities. The magic formula to a dreamy staycation. Nurai Island was bought in 2022 by Aldar, one of the UAE’s largest investment and real estate corporations. You’ll recognise more of their projects on Yas Island, including the W Yas Island hotel. According to Nurai Island’s website, while the resort is elevating the Nurai Island Hotel experience, “our booking system will be unavailable. Please check back soon for more information or follow our social accounts for updates.”

Read more

One of the UK's 'best hidden beaches' has incredible views and features in multiple films

Tucked away in East Sussex is a quiet pebble beach which has been described as one of the "best hidden beaches" in the UK despite having starred in multiple films due to its incredible views. The beach was included in the top 10 best hidden beaches in the UK compiled by Sykes Holiday Cottages, who describe it as "one of those secret beaches where you can simply immerse yourself in the area’s rich history". The beach is dominated by the white chalk cliffs of Seven Sisters which loom overhead to the east and sits at the mouth of the Cuckmere river. One of the most iconic spots for views is looking out over the coastguard cottages towards the cliffs. Thanks to this backdrop, the beach has been used as a location in numerous films including Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. The beach offers a fantastic place for walkers, dog walkers and simply those who want to sit down beneath the sun and soak up the views. Cuckmere Haven is also a popular spot for anglers.

Read more

Akasa Air begins international flights: Mumbai-Doha route inaugurated, more destinations planned

Akasa Air will be rapidly expanding its global footprint in the coming months as it commences international operations with Mumbai-Doha route flights. Domestic carrier Akasa Air has commenced its international operations with its inaugural overseas flight departing from Mumbai to Doha, Qatar. In a statement on Thursday, the airline said it has been granted traffic rights for three other international destinations -- Kuwait, Jeddah and Riyadh. Akasa will be rapidly expanding its global footprint in the coming months, the statement said. Further, the airline said with its conveniently timed flight schedule, travellers from other domestic cities such as Ahmedabad, Goa, Varanasi, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Delhi will also have multiple connecting options for travel to and from Doha via Mumbai. Domestically, Akasa operates from a host of cities including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, among others.

Read more