Latest news with #ChipiAirport
News18
2 days ago
- News18
No More Goa Detours For Konkan Trip: Sindhudurg's Chipi Airport To Resume Services Soon
Last Updated: The Chipi airport, located in Parule-Chipi village of Sindhudurg district, was inaugurated with the promise of connecting the picturesque Konkan region with major cities In major relief for Sindhudurg residents and boost to Konkan's tourism sector, the state cabinet on Wednesday approved resumption of operations at the Chipi airport, which had remained non-operational in recent weeks due to technical challenges. The Chipi airport, located in Parule-Chipi village of Sindhudurg district, was inaugurated with the promise of connecting the picturesque Konkan region with major cities. However, the suspension of flights had forced both locals and tourists to fall back on road travel or rely on airports in neighbouring Goa, causing inconvenience and hampering regional tourism. With the cabinet's approval, the services will now restart under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) model, ensuring sustained operations and solutions for night-landing facilities. 'The resumption of services at Chipi Airport will benefit not just Sindhudurg but the entire Konkan region. Tourists from Maharashtra and outside will find it easier to access our beautiful coastline. We are making every effort to resume flights before Ganeshotsav," said Minister Nitesh Rane who represents Konkan region in the state assembly. He also thanked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the cabinet for prioritising this decision. For years, Konkan's connectivity has been a challenge. While the region is a magnet for tourists, with its pristine beaches, temples, forts, and world-famous Malvani cuisine, the lack of direct air access limited its growth. Tourists from Mumbai, Pune, and even other states had to either embark on long, exhausting road trips or fly into Goa's Dabolim and Mopa airports before making the onward journey into Maharashtra's Konkan. With Chipi airport set to resume operations, that extra travel burden will finally be lifted. This decision is also timely, with the upcoming Ganeshotsav festival, when thousands of Mumbaikars and Maharashtrians travel to their native towns and villages in Konkan. Until now, overcrowded trains, long traffic jams, and limited alternatives made the journey a stressful experience. The reopening of Chipi airport is expected to transform this scenario, offering faster and more convenient travel for devotees heading home for the festival. Economically, the airport's revival is expected to be a game-changer. Local businesses – from hotels and homestays to transport operators, handicraft sellers, and small eateries – stand to gain from the surge in tourist arrivals. Direct air connectivity will not only attract domestic travellers, but also pave the way for international charter flights in the future, giving Konkan's tourism sector a much-needed boost. The airport will also open new opportunities for local youth in terms of employment in aviation-linked services, hospitality, and tourism. With VGF support resolving critical operational gaps, the Chipi airport could finally emerge as a reliable hub for air travel in Maharashtra's coastal belt. For Sindhudurg and the Konkan region, the cabinet nod is not just about reopening an airport, it is about unlocking the region's potential and ensuring that its beauty and culture are accessible to the world. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...
NDTV
19-05-2025
- NDTV
6 Sustainable Hotels In Remote Indian Locations To Book In 2025
When it comes to choosing hotels in 2025, going off-grid is officially in. From a rainforest retreat near Kaziranga to a restored heritage home in Ladakh, these six off-grid, sustainable hotels in India offer conscious luxury without compromising on comfort. Think oceanfront villas in Sindhudurg, jungle lodges in Kabini, and eco-chic tents in Jaisalmer-all built to tread lightly. Whether you're snorkelling in the Andamans or sipping butter tea in the Himalayas, each property blends local charm with planet-friendly practices. If you're looking to go far while doing good, these stays deliver luxe escapes with a light footprint-no Wi-Fi required (but totally worth it). 1. Coco Shambhala Sindhudurg, Maharashtra Tucked away on Maharashtra's lesser-known Konkan coast, Coco Shambhala Sindhudurg is all about barefoot luxury with a light touch. The four open-air villas are perched above a secluded beach, designed with reclaimed teak and laterite stone to blend with the landscape. Solar power covers most of the energy needs, and rainwater harvesting is standard practice. Local sourcing is at the heart of the culinary experience — think prawn balchao, homegrown kokum, and craft spirits from small-batch Goan distilleries. It's not just sustainable; it's a proper coastal indulgence without the usual tourist traps. The best part? The in-villa spa treatments and infinity pools are as guilt-free as they are gorgeous. Where: Bhogwe, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra Getting There: Fly to Goa (about 2 hours by road), or the closer Chipi Airport (20 mins) 2. Diphlu River Lodge, Assam Located right on the edge of Kaziranga National Park-home to the world's largest population of one-horned rhinos — Diphlu River Lodge is your go-to for low-impact wildlife tourism. The stilted cottages are made using bamboo and thatch, inspired by traditional Mishing tribal homes. Run by Assam Bengal Navigation, the lodge uses solar power, avoids single-use plastics, and works directly with local communities for staffing and sourcing. Safaris are small-group and led by expert naturalists trained in ethical wildlife viewing. You might not have phone signal, but you'll have views of elephants wading in the Diphlu River from your private deck. Where: Near Kaziranga National Park, Assam Getting There: Fly to Jorhat or Guwahati, followed by a 3-5 hour drive 3. SUJAN The Serai, Rajasthan A member of Relais & Chateaux, The Serai is what happens when luxury and sustainability share the same GPS coordinates. Located on a 100-acre private estate in the Thar Desert, this tented camp is solar-powered, waste-conscious, and supports multiple conservation initiatives through the SUJAN Life Foundation. The hotel partners with local artisans for textiles and furnishings and has banned plastic bottles on-site. The tents themselves are more "safari-chic penthouse" than "glamping": Think plunge pools, copper bathtubs and curated Rajasthani antiques. It's low-impact living-done extremely well. Where: Bherwa, near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan Getting There: Fly to Jaisalmer (or Jodhpur, then 5-hour drive) 4. Barefoot at Havelock, Andaman & Nicobar Islands This eco-resort on Havelock Island (now known as Swaraj Dweep) has been walking the talk since long before sustainability was cool. Nestled within a patch of preserved rainforest and just a short stroll from Radhanagar Beach, Barefoot at Havelock is built using indigenous materials like cane, wood, and palm leaves. There's no air conditioning in most cottages-cross-ventilation and fan cooling keep things fresh. Activities include snorkelling, kayaking, and diving, all run by PADI-certified instructors trained in reef conservation. This isn't a party island stay. It's about disconnecting with purpose, where Wi-Fi is dodgy but the stars more than make up for it. Where: Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Getting There: Fly to Port Blair, then ferry (2-3 hours) 5. Evolve Back Kabini, Karnataka Previously known as Orange County, Evolve Back Kabini sits on the banks of the Kabini River, close to Nagarhole National Park. Its design borrows heavily from local tribal Hadis (villages), while modern luxuries include plunge pools and lakeside decks. The brand is big on green operations — organic waste is composted, water is reused via a sewage treatment plant, and over 90% of the staff are locals. There's also an in-house naturalist team that leads guided walks and boat safaris, focusing on low-impact wildlife encounters. Bonus points for being plastic-free and committed to local employment. Where: Kabini, Karnataka Getting There: Fly to Mysuru (2 hours by road) or Bengaluru (5 hours) 6. Nimmu House, Ladakh Set in the quiet village of Nimmu, 45 minutes from Leh, Nimmu House is a 100-year-old traditional Ladakhi home turned boutique eco-retreat. Surrounded by apricot orchards and snow-capped peaks, it's about as off-the-beaten-path as it gets. The restoration has stayed true to Ladakhi architectural techniques — using sun-dried mud bricks, poplar wood and stone. Solar panels provide hot water, and all waste is sorted and composted. With just seven guest rooms and glamping tents in summer, the vibe is slow, quiet and beautifully disconnected. The kitchen serves mostly organic, vegetarian meals sourced from the garden or nearby farms. Morning yoga, hiking trails and heritage walks with local guides round off the experience. Where: Nimmu, near Leh, Ladakh Getting There: Fly to Leh, then 45 minutes by road
