Latest news with #Bandhavgarh
Telegraph
12-07-2025
- Telegraph
The world's best hotel groups, according to you
Around 20,000 readers voted in the 2025 Telegraph Travel Awards, nominating their favourite destinations, hotels and holiday companies – and the results are in. Here we reveal your top accommodation providers. Best Hotel Group Oberoi Hotels & Resorts Belmond Taj Hotels Oberoi Hotels & Resorts has made a triumphant return to the top spot in this year's award for the world's best hotel group. After a one-year hiatus in the most recent (2023) awards, when Greek all-inclusive brand Ikos ended the group's three-year reign, Indian-based Oberoi is Telegraph readers' favourite once again. Our 2023 awards were the first since before the pandemic and thus reflected a period when Britons were holidaying much closer to home than usual. Groups such as Oberoi, which operates 13 hotels in India, along with a handful of properties across Egypt, Indonesia, Mauritius, Morocco and Saudi Arabia, saw much less of us. Happily that era is over and winter-sun destinations such as these are firmly back on the map. Oberoi was founded in 1934 and has remained in the family of the same name, with a mantra of 'the guest is everything'. It has recently welcomed a new Indian opening, Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. Our reviewer described a stay here as 'the best, most intimate and most Indian way to see endangered Bengal tigers. This luxury camp-style base for safaris comes with respect for local culture and the grace, elegance and unparalleled service of India's most lauded hotel group'. Another hotel will follow nearby, Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, near to the Khajuraho temples. The palace dates back to the Bundela Dynasty in the late 1800s and original features have been carefully preserved. Its 70 acres are home to lush gardens, an infinity pool and lakeside fine dining. Climbing into second place from third in 2023 is Belmond. While its luxury trains are having an exciting year, its hotel portfolio too continues to develop. The Splendido property in Italy's Portofino has just completed the first phase of a four-year renovation courtesy of Martin Brudnizki, including its pool area. Another Indian brand, Taj Hotels, came in third place, a huge jump from number 21 in the previous awards. Taj is much larger than Oberoi, with several hundred hotels across India and the world, and more openings planned, but dates back even further, to 1903. Rachel Cranshaw Best Villa Operator Vintage Travel Oliver's Travels Simpson Travel Offering a roster of carefully selected villas across Europe – all with pools – Vintage Travel has taken the top spot in this category for a third consecutive time, having also been named Best Villa Operator at our 2019 and 2023 awards. In business for more than 30 years, its customers praise its commitment to seeking out lesser-known spots within well-loved destinations, as well as its recognition that there remains a place for 'old-school' service within the industry (allowing travellers to browse and book via brochure and telephone, for example, rather than only online). After taking third place at our 2023 awards, Oliver's Travels moved up to second this year, following a year of record-breaking revenue during what co-founder Oliver Bell described as 'a landmark period' for the company. Established in 2013 by Bell and Ravi Sabharwal, the brand continues to focus on offering unique properties across the world – reflected in the tag line 'why do ordinary?' – in destinations as varied as the UK, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and East Asia. In third place this year is Simpson Travel, with its hand-picked selection of villas and boutique hotels. The company continues to be recognised for its personal, knowledgeable service – in particular, its provision of direct access to experts with first-hand, on-the-ground experience of the accommodation offerings and local areas. Best Cottage Operator Boutique Retreats Mr and Mrs Smith Sykes Cottages This has been one of the Award's most hotly-contested categories and this year proves no different. Only one of the top three entries from 2023 has held its position on the podium. More frequently recognised for its hotel and villa listings, Mr & Mrs Smith has dropped from first to second place. With grand, characterful properties, its cottage collection continues to grow and the stylish homes on its roster offer impeccable service. Many, as you may expect from such a provider, are attached to some of the country's finest hotels; Cliveden, Thyme and Chewton Glen, for example. These provide the privacy of a self-catered break with the added benefit of access to hotel facilities and restaurants. Most of its stays also come with an added little extra too – a bottle of champagne or a box of chocolates, perhaps. During the last iteration of the Awards, Sykes Cottages had tumbled from second place (in 2019) to eighth. This year, it has fought its way back onto the podium, finishing third. With more than 30 years in the industry, Sykes is one of the biggest UK cottage providers and has a huge directory of over 22,500 holiday homes across the UK and Ireland. It has a solid reputation for affordability, and offers everything from romantic weekend getaways to mansions sleeping more than 20. Scooping up first place this year is Boutique Retreats, which has soared to the top after taking fourth place in 2023. Standing on a platform of carefully curated luxury, the arrival of Boutique Retreats at the top of the charts demonstrates the emphasis that our discerning readers place on quality over quantity (the provider has just 274 UK cottages on its books) and the value of a well-crafted holiday experience.
Skift
03-07-2025
- Skift
Bollywood, Experiences and Homestays: Inside Madhya Pradesh's Tourism Overhaul
Madhya Pradesh's tourism strategy shows how Indian states are combining experiential elements to attract more travelers. While recent growth is promising, addressing infrastructure and accessibility challenges will be key to sustaining momentum. Madhya Pradesh recorded an over 50% surge in tourism last year, compared to pre-pandemic levels. The state welcomed 134 million tourists in 2024, up from 89 million in 2019, according to the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, managing director at Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, in a conversation with Skift attributed this growth to the state's shift away from traditional, site-centric tourism toward a more diversified, experience-driven strategy. Diversifying Beyond Landmark Destinations: Shukla said visitor interest is expanding beyond marquee destinations like Khajuraho and Orchha to emerging hotspots such as Kanha, Pench, and Bandhavgarh, where hotel chain The Leela is developing a new luxury property near Bandhavgarh National Park. Over the past few years, Madhya Pradesh has introduced initiatives including luxury tent cities, eco-safaris, river cruises, adventure tourism, film tourism, and rural homestays to broaden its appeal. Film Tourism, Diverse Initiatives Drive Footfall: The state's Film Tourism Policy, which offers subsidies of up to INR 100 million ($1.2 million) for international productions, has positioned Madhya Pradesh as a filming hotspot, he said. Recent Indian productions like Panchayat, Gullak, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Laapataa Ladies, and Homebound were filmed across the state. According to Shukla, locations featured in major productions saw a 30–35% rise in tourist footfall during peak seasons after their release. This strategy mirrors global examples where film-driven tourism boosted arrivals - such as Ladakh after 3 Idiots and Spain after Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Similarly, Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad draws 1.5 million visitors annually, blending production and tourism. To tap into demand for authentic experiences, Madhya Pradesh has ramped up its rural tourism push. Last month, the state launched 241 homestays across 37 districts, with a target of establishing 1,000 homestays statewide to attract travelers beyond urban centers. Connectivity Still a Challenge: Despite its growth, the state faces hurdles around infrastructure and accessibility. To address this, Madhya Pradesh has launched PM Shri Vayu Paryatan Sewa, India's first intra-state air service, connecting cities including Bhopal, Khajuraho, Rewa, Singrauli, and Ujjain. The state is also investing in cruise tourism, with plans for a 120-km Narmada river cruise and terminals at Omkareshwar, Gwalior, and Vidisha, developed under public-private partnerships. Goibibo Launches AI-Powered Video Campaign Online travel platform Goibibo has launched an AI-powered video campaign in partnership with video platform TrueFan AI. Under the partnership, the company is delivering hyper-personalized video messages featuring the company's brand ambassador Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant. Goibibo hopes to increase customer engagement through this initiative by targeting users who search for trips but leave without booking. 'These travelers receive a prompt featuring Rishabh Pant in a personalized, AI-generated video that addresses them by name and references their searched destination or mode of transport,' the company said in a statement. 'Our goal is to build a more genuine and personal relationship between the brand and each user through direct and individualized interactions. We've seen that video campaigns tend to drive higher click-through rates than text-based ones,' said Raj Rishi Singh, chief marketing officer at Goibibo. This is a growing trend among Indian online travel agencies. Last month, Agoda launched an AI vacation planner featuring Bollywood actor and Agoda brand ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana. In the videos, Khurrana addresses travelers by their first name using AI and then proceeds to share travel attractions suited to them based on their personal needs in a bid to build emotional connect. Indian Railways Rolls Out Superapp for All Passenger Services Indian Railways Tuesday launched its superapp RailOne to offer all passenger services on one platform. The app has been designed to do away with the need for multiple apps used by passengers for different services. RailOne will allow travelers to book tickets, get PNR status updates, track train coach positions, submit grievances, and order food. The app will also allow access to R-Wallet - the digital wallet for Indian Railways - and passengers will be able to add funds to the wallet for any transactions. IHG Signs Holiday Inn Hotel in Bengaluru IHG Hotels and Resorts has signed an agreement for development of a Holiday Inn-branded hotel in Bengaluru Electronic City. The 200-key property is expected to open in the first quarter of 2029. 'Bengaluru remains a key market for IHG,' said Sudeep Jain, managing director for South West Asia at IHG. He said that the city's prominence as a global technology and business hub, and its status as one of India's fastest-growing metropolitan cities makes it a crucial market. IHG currently has 48 operational hotels in the country, and has 63 more in the pipeline that are slated to open in the next 3-5 years. 650 Million Tourists Visited Uttar Pradesh in Fiscal Year 2025 The northern state of Uttar Pradesh was visited by 650 million tourists in the 2025 fiscal year. While domestic tourists from Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh led the charge, the state also received international visitors from Thailand, South Korea, and Myanmar. The state has been witnessing a tourism surge. In the 2024 calendar year, the state had received a record tourist footfall of 649 million, up over 170 million from 2023. Over 2.3 million international tourists visited the state in 2024, an increase of 25% year-on-year. According to the state government, a tourist staying in Uttar Pradesh for one night is currently spending INR 5,400 ($63) on an average, while a long-term traveler is spending around INR 7,500 ($88). Hotel stays accounted for over 40% of tourist accommodations in the state, and inter-district travel within the state contributed to 80% of all tourism activity. State officials are expecting this number to likely double in the current financial year. To support this, the state has added 100,000 new hotel rooms. Radisson Opens Radisson Individuals Hotel in Kevadia, Gujarat Radisson Hotel Group has opened D Square Statue of Unity Kevadia, a member of Radisson Individuals in Gujarat. The 91-key property is located near the famous Statue of Unity in the state. 'With this property, we further strengthen our footprint in Gujarat - one of India's fastest-growing tourism corridors,' said Nikhil Sharma, managing director and COO for South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group. 'The region has seen remarkable development in recent years, including improved connectivity, new airports and government-led initiatives to promote cultural, spiritual and ecological tourism,' he added. Radisson's portfolio in India has expanded to 200 operational and developing properties. In an interview with Skift earlier this year, Sharma said that Indians relate to Radisson as an Indian brand. 'As an international brand, we are very local and nationalistic in our approach. We continue to grow because more than 50% of our portfolio is in smaller cities.' Over the next 5-7 years, he believes that Radisson could easily reach 500 operating hotels. 'If we want India to develop, the growth has to be beyond the top 10 cities. That is where we have been focused,' he said.
Times
27-06-2025
- General
- Times
Tiger tiger… India's most luxurious new safari lodge burns bright
It was one of those #tellmewithouttellingme moments that showed I was in tiger country. I was on my way to Bandhavgarh, a wildlife sanctuary and national park in the Madhya Pradesh region of central India, and the traffic on the two-lane bridge ahead was jammed. Motorbikes, cars and buses blocked the road. Oblivious to the furious honking of those wanting to pass, dozens of locals stood by the wayside recording the adjoining grassland on their mobile phones. Women in saris, many with their faces hidden by the drape, several carrying children, stood excitedly pointing at something. No one was paying heed to the lone forest guard, much less his attempt to restore order — 'don't get off your vehicles', 'keep moving', 'don't stop'. 'Fools,' said my driver, exasperated. 'There's this tigress that frequents the area and she charges at people when irritated.' As if on cue, we heard a low guttural growl that clearly meant: 'Leave me alone.' The rebellious (and reckless) crowd would have none of it. The cacophony only grew louder as the adult tigress, an impressive representative of her kind, stepped out of the tall grass into full view. At about four feet from paw to shoulder, and seven feet from head to tail, she was a muscular ambassador for India's tiger conservation success story, and of Bandhavgarh's role in it. There are approximately 5,574 wild tigers remaining in the world, according to the Global Tiger Forum, and more than 66 per cent of them (3,682) can be found in India. The reserve is home to 135, and density is high — 7.5 tigers per 100 sq km, according to a 2023 Indian government report. It has more individuals than the smaller and more popular Ranthambore reserve in neighbouring Rajasthan, which has 57 (though 9.6 animals per 100 sq km). Also to Bandhavgarh's advantage is its flat, deciduous scrubland, which ensures sightings are plentiful and often easy, such as the one I enjoyed even before arriving at my tiger-spotting safari destination: the new Oberoi Vindhyavilas hotel. Thankfully, the feline decided not to live up to her reputation, choosing instead to disappear behind a veil of sal (a type of hardwood) trees and tall bamboo. • India's best safaris As I drove up to the entrance of the Vindhyavilas, the thick foliage screening the property parted to reveal a squat structure with traditional terracotta-tiled sloping roofs, then large hand-carved wooden doors featuring motifs borrowed from the tattoo artwork of the local Gond community, a native tribe of forest dwellers. The Oberoi Group, which operates 22 hotels and resorts in India, has changed its stripes for this light and airy hotel, doing away with its usual gilt and brocade in favour of a rustic chic look. Inside, there is more tribal art: a relief wall showed a ceremonial procession of the Baiga (another of the region's tribes) and lamps of burnished metal hang from a vaulted ceiling. Dark woods, muted shades of textiles and lustrous leather reminded me of safari lodges in Kenya and Tanzania, and cubbyholed partitions held studio pottery, wooden deer heads and potted plants. The tiger, Bandhavgarh's emblem, is pictured via the paintings of a local artist, embossed on brass dinnerware and printed on lampshades. Sweeping views are of tall waving grasses, towering trees and a lake with lotuses and fountains beside the pool (there's a spa and gym too). • More great wildlife holiday ideas I headed straight to the restaurant for a late lunch of khichdi, a sumptuous dish of rice and lentils with yoghurt and pickled vegetables, then curled up for a nap in my luxurious glass-walled tent-like structure (actually a building with canvas over the top) — one of 19, each with its own private garden and sun deck. There are two villas too. I needed a rest ahead of my few days of game drives, which generally start at 5.30am and last for five hours, and run again in the afternoons — another four hours. That evening I ate at the Bush Kitchen, outside by the lake, where the gentle breeze, the rustle of trees, the chirping of crickets and the 'ribbits' of frogs soothed and refreshed me further. If you're a safari newbie, especially in India, entering a tiger reserve can feel like a feat of endurance. Rickety, mini 4×4 SUVs, manufactured by the Indian company Maruti Suzuki, line up at the entrances. The sun has just about risen and birds are out for breakfast. Forest guards in charge of protecting the reserve check tickets. And when the gates open drivers race each other on dirt tracks to get to where forest department trackers have spotted animals. The landscape is rugged, with bumpy tracks leading over hills and through thick jungle. As someone with a chronic back ailment, I found the Oberoi's souped-up Mahindra 4×4 SUVs a game changer, and much more comfortable. • Where to go in India Less comfortable is the summer heat, with temperatures reaching the mid-40s, but so be it: this is the best season for tiger spotting, a time when animals park themselves near watering holes. The alarm calls of birds, deer and monkeys are the best indicators a tiger or leopard is nearby, though the screech of a jungle fowl from behind tall grass turned out to signal a sloth bear digging for termites. On one afternoon drive, as we swept past a rancid pool, our guide did a sharp turn and braked to a halt. As the dust settled, what he was pointing to, about 500m away, came into focus. A tiger, half hidden under a tree. Suddenly the head lifted to examine us; the ears twitched. Then the tail rose like an antenna. It was an 18-month-old, only recently separated from his mother. He decided we were no threat and rolled over with his belly to the sky to snooze in the shade. He looked an adorable furball, but then I remembered seeing tigers bring down sambhar swamp deer with a swoop of their paws, and the occasion I witnessed a tigress clashing with her former mate, leaving his jaw hanging by a sinew. Bandhavgarh is part of a network of tiger reserves, including Panna (with 79 animals) in the north, Kanha (360) to the south and Satpura (149) to the west, so if you're coming to the area — which is six hours' drive south of Delhi, or just over four from the closer regional airport at Jabalpur — you could plan to tour a couple, as well as the nearby Unesco world heritage site of Khajuraho, with its 11th-century Hindu and Jain temples. On my second morning I joined Soulin Chakraborty, Vindhyavilas's lead naturalist, on a birding walk around the 21-acre property, home to up to 65 species, depending on the season. We saw green bee-eaters, jungle babblers, plum-headed parakeets, black-hooded orioles, an Indian grey hornbill and the rare Jerdon's leafbird, and about a dozen types of butterfly. • Discover our full guide to safari holidays The abundance is thanks to the carpets of fountain grass, sal, arjun, mango and mohua trees, endemic species planted here. In summer locals ferment the mohua's flowers and brew into a heady liquor that has the herbaceousness of gin and the sharpness of tequila, versions of which are fast becoming a favourite of India's top mixologists. Surprisingly, the Oberoi's own cocktails don't use this ingredient, though others play on local lore. For instance Kaa, the python from Jungle Book (which was inspired by the jungles of central India), is transformed into a tequila-based drink called the Rock Python, using a homemade elderflower syrup. Charger, a dark rum cocktail, pays homage to one of Bandhavagarh's most famous tigers, and the refreshing non-alcoholic, thyme-flavoured Brahmi is named after an ancient script carved into caves within the forest. This region of Madhya Pradesh is called Bagelkhand and has its own distinct language and cuisine. The hotel's executive chef Sachin Kumar spent time with a local royal family's cooks, and several of their recipes have been incorporated into the hotel's repertoire: a fiery red amaranth stir-fry with a lentil and yoghurt curry, and jungli maas, a traditional preparation of red meat slow cooked with ghee, red chillies, onions and garlic. There are other cuisines too: chicken schnitzel, braised pork belly and Neapolitan-style pizzas straight from the oven that had the kids on a neighbouring table stuffing their faces. The dish I savoured most was butternut squash with a cashew cream; roasted just enough to be cooked through without losing its juiciness. On my last afternoon safari drive, as we sat watching a tigress dozing in a pool, it occurred to me that it wasn't just the tiger sightings that had made my three days here memorable. It was the thoughtful touches that usually make or break a stay. Earplugs by the bedside. The mini menu in the airport transfer vehicle so you can order your lunch or dinner even before you've checked in. It's that kind of service that makes a stay like this Ramamurthy was a guest of Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort, which has all-inclusive doubles from £590 ( Fly to Delhi This eight-night private tour visits three of central India's national parks to spot the tiger and some of the country's other animals and birds including the sloth bear, wild boar, rhesus monkey, black kite and the almost-extinct swamp deer. After a night in Delhi, you'll spend two nights in Bandhavgarh National Park, three in a lodge in Kanha National Park, home to about 125 tigers and 100 leopards, and two in Pench National Park. Up to 11 game drives are included along the way, and you will be joined by a naturalist for extra insight. Details Eight nights' B&B from £3,645pp, including internal flights, transfers, excursions and most extra meals ( Fly to Delhi It's no easy feat to set eyes on one of the world's rarest big cats. This escorted group trip to Ladakh in India's far northwest includes four nights in the region's capital Leh, plus six nights staying in a remote mountain guesthouse in the Ulley Valley. This new guesthouse has comfortable rooms but basic facilities including shared bathrooms. The region is home to ten snow leopards and expert local guides will maximise your chances of spotting one. The tour concludes with two nights in Delhi, including a trip to Sultanpur National Park and Bird Sanctuary. Details Twelve nights' B&B from £4,795pp, including flights, transfers, excursions and most extra meals ( The endangered red panda lives mainly in the trees of the temperate Eastern Himalayan forests. This private tailored tour includes four full days searching for this hard-to-spot mammal, staying in a cosy homestay in the Singalila National Park and eating local dishes with the host family. Expert guides will lead daily excursions in the surrounding forests and mountains looking for red pandas while spotting other animals like the Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard and exotic bird life. A night in a Delhi hotel is included before and after the tour, and an optional extension to explore Darjeeling can be Seven nights' B&B from £2,200pp, including flights and transfers ( Fly to Delhi
Vogue
23-05-2025
- Vogue
At This New Safari Destination in Central India, You Can Track Royal Bengal Tigers in Style
There is a tree in the central jungles of India referred to as the Flame of the Forest. It's named as such for its fiery orange petals that set the region ablaze in the early weeks of spring. I arrive at Bandhavgarh National Park right as these glowing blooms are performing their final act, appearing instead as dimly lit torches flickering across the landscape. My disappointment at just missing the zenith of this color riot is quickly replaced by a strongly sweet aroma that floods my nose while passing through Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort's imposing entrance. 'It's the Mahua tree's flower,' Vikas Sawhney, the general manager, says with a grin while presenting a delicate glass filled with homemade lemonade. As I'll learn over the coming days, nature is always putting on a show in India, no matter the time of year. Photo: Courtesy of the Oberoi Group This is the second wildlife resort for Oberoi, the luxury hospitality brand with outposts scattered across some of the most covetable and far-flung destinations on the planet. Their doors swung open in March, just a month before my arrival, and already reservations are booking out for the 19 luxury tents and two pool villas that stretch across 21 acres of fountain grass and kachnar trees. The reason for such a swift response? Well, that would be Bandhavgarh's star resident: the Royal Bengal Tiger. Reaching this exquisite part of the country entails a visa application, series of flights, and long drives; logistical details that I enlist the masterminds at Abercrombie & Kent to oversee. Tapping into their roster of on-the-ground experts, A&K threads together an itinerary that seamlessly transports me from jet bridge to Oberoi's waterfront property in Mumbai, where I acclimate to the new continent for a couple of nights. A morning of touring local spice markets and architectural landmarks is followed by a sunset cocktail back at the hotel overlooking the Arabian Sea. A leisurely dinner at the property's Ziya restaurant at the helm of Michelin-starred Chef Vineet Bhatia, then I'm back in my room by 9 p.m. in anticipation for the next day's early morning departure.
