Award | Vakkaru Maldives Voted World’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort at World Travel Awards 2021

Vakkaru Maldives Voted World’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort at World Travel Awards 2021

Vakkaru Maldives retained its title as the World’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort at the 28th World Travel Awards 2021. It first won the accolade in 2020. The latest award is the fifth one it has won this year.  

The 28th annual awards follow a year-long search for the world’s top travel, tourism and hospitality brands. Votes for the awards are cast by travel industry professionals and the public and the coveted World winners represent the absolute best in global travel.   

Since opening its door in December 2017, Vakkaru Maldives has created memorable luxury experiences for travellers seeking the ultimate beach escape. Fringed by powder-soft white sand that gives away to a turquoise lagoon and deep blue holes, the intimate hideaway with luxurious accommodation and a multitude of facilities and experiences makes for a spectacular setting for a destination wedding, a renewal of vows, or a honeymoon hideaway.  

Iain McCormack, General Manager, Vakkaru Maldives, said: “We are delighted with this latest accolade. It is a validation of our dedication to creating exceptional stay experiences combined with our signature hospitality for our guests. Couples, in particular, are always looking for something that sparks the imagination and occasions to reconnect and discover themselves. We look forward to being the catalyst for couples to connect and make precious memories together.”  

With its remote location and stunning backdrop of 50 Shades of Blue seascapes, Vakkaru is perfect for taking a break for romance. Hold hands while strolling along pristine white sands. Sip Champagne and watch the sun rays paint the turquoise lagoon. Enjoy an intimate gourmet dinner or a castaway picnic on a private sandbank. Team up to take on the resort tennis pro on the iconic cobalt-blue courts. Sail around Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, on a luxury yacht. Pamper body, mind, and soul at the luxurious overwater Merana Spa. And these are just a few experiences for couples to indulge in.

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre ushers in the Festive Season with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre ushers in the Festive Season with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Hyderabad:  December 2021: Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre hosted a Christmas tree lighting ceremony to usher in the festive season. The event was attended by Mr. Manish Dayya, General Manager, NHCC along with in-house guests, patrons, and employees who all came forward to share the spirit of Christmas and ring in the festivities.

The hotel was beautifully decorated with a brightly lit Christmas tree and the lobby area was adorned with a giant gingerbread house with miniature houses made with biscuits, candies, etc. It was a perfect evening to ring in the holiday season with tree-lighting and a 30 foot tall Giant Santa clause at the entrance of the hotel. Brightly decorated boxes were placed under the Christmas tree, adding to the joy and happiness. The atmosphere was warm and filled with gaiety.

As a part of Christmas Festivities, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre will be organizing an array of events between 24th -26th December 2021. A Special Christmas Eve Dinner with an amazing spread of delicacies will be organized on 24th December 2021. It will be followed by It’s a Very Merry Brunch on 25th Dec (Saturday) from 12 Noon onwards.  The brunch will be an extravagant affair with Christmas-themed foods and other fun-filled activities.  A Boxing Day Brunch will also be organized on 26th December 2021 (Sunday) to let people soak in the festive spirit and enjoy time with their loved ones. Local & International dishes will be available at a range of live cooking stations, with carved meats, fresh food and much more will be on offer along with live entertainment and much more.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Manish Dayya, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre said “. We are extremely excited to light up the season with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at our Hotel.  We are happy to welcome everyone who has come down to celebrate the event with us. It’s so nice to have our employees, guests, and friends join us to light the spectacular tree and help spread Christmas cheer.”

THE LODHI, NEW DELHI PRESENTS AN AWARD-WINNING EUROPEAN EPICUREAN EXPERIENCE FROM THE GRASSHOPPER, BENGALURU

THE LODHI, NEW DELHI PRESENTS AN AWARD-WINNING EUROPEAN EPICUREAN EXPERIENCE FROM THE GRASSHOPPER, BENGALURU

New Delhi, December 02, 2021: An urban oasis of comfort and luxury, The Lodhi is proud to bring distinguished European fare from Grasshopper, Bengaluru to New Delhi for the very first time. Gourmands will get a chance to experience the restaurant’s acclaimed flavours in the heart of the capital at Elan.

Grasshopper, which opened in 2002, is for those who prefer subtle tastes and a quiet ambience. Here food is celebrated and eating is an unhurried, multi-sensory experience. Set in a sprawling farmhouse owned by Sonali Sattar and Himanshu Dimri, the outdoor restaurant is surrounded by verdant greenery, and is minimal and uncluttered in design and idea.

The cuisine, much like the space, is fresh, innovative and pleasing to the senses. The food is finely flavoured using hand-picked ingredients to make the most of the season’s freshest. The flavours and textures in each dish are innovatively combined to harmonise as well as to surprise. Grasshopper is one of the few restaurants in Bangalore that prides itself on introducing the modern-day 'farm-to-table-concept'. There is heavy emphasis on simple, organically sourced and homegrown ingredients. Herbs and some vegetables used in the cooking are grown in the garden adjoining the kitchen.

Chef Touseef Shamsudeen uses his imagination to create food that is delicate and refined, while at the same time soulful and satisfying. He comes from a Southern-Indian heritage, yet disciplines with European cuisines and techniques. He has a natural flair for concepts of fermentation and preservation of ingredients. Understanding the pivotal role a chef has for the future of world nutrition, he is very compassionate about the quality of products he works with, and has a high regard for sustainability and eco-preservation.

Pre-set seven-course and five-course meals are custom designed for each table at Grasshopper, with courses specially curated to complement each other. Menus change from day to day, based on the seasons and the availability of fresh produce. The restaurant has only five tables, so booking well in advance is recommended to dine here.

For this pop-up at The Lodhi, Chef Touseef has put together an exclusive five-course menu with which diners can explore the signature flavours of Grasshopper. The selection of Appetisers features Marinated bocconcini with roasted globe grapes, basil oil and olive tapenade; Charred asparagus with cave aged parmesan, crisp sage and lemon zest; and Ceviche of wild mullet with grapefruit segments, pickled serrano peppers and chives. Main Course options include Crisp potato gnocchi with coconut and onion espuma, garlic chips and smoked butter; and Braised lamb shanks with a sauce of mixed peppercorns, buckwheat risotto and glazed carrots. For Dessert, there is a choice of Espresso panna cotta with coffee caramel sauce and roasted almonds, or 70% dark chocolate ganache with mustard ice cream.

Talking about this association, Sonali Sattar said, “This is the first time we will be bringing the Grasshopper experience outside of Bengaluru and we are thrilled to be partnering with The Lodhi for this. The hotel is one of the finest properties in the region and we are looking forward to showcasing our unique culinary experience here in the capital city.”

Elaborating further on the collaboration, Rajesh Namby, General Manager - The Lodhi, New Delhi said, "We are very excited for this association with Grasshopper, all the way from Bengaluru. We, at The Lodhi, have always strived to curate the most innovative and ingenious experiences for our patrons from across the globe. This collaboration is an endeavor to bring one of the best farm-to-table experiences to the heart of the capital for all to relish”.

Pop-up Venue: Elan - The Lodhi, New Delhi

Pop-up Dates: 4th December - 14th December 2021 (Lunch/ Dinner)

Burj Al Arab creates dedicated spaces for tour guide visitors

The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah looks to distinguish its new tour guide offerings from its existing hospitality offerings. In its latest move, the hotel has announced new dedicated areas for tour guide visitors to use during these visits.

Burj Al Arab’s new Exit Lobby opens this month and the space will be soon welcome the public for the first time. This installation will add to the list of Sans Souci’s projects in the Middle East which includes the W Hotel The Palm and KCA achievements including Dubai Metro and Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai.

Designed by KCA International for Jumeirah Group, the newly renovated Exit Lobby features a striking spiral chandelier as the bespoke centerpiece for the interior.

London-based interior designer Khuan Chew of KCA International created the original designs for the Burj Al Arab lobby – an environment of ornate grandeur with an explosion of color.

“Burj Al Arab is a globally-recognized symbol of Dubai and luxury so we were delighted to work on this project,” said Elie El Khoury, managing director of Sans Souci Middle East. “We wanted to create a unique installation for the new interior that embodies the opulence of this iconic hotel.”  

Jiří Krišica, head of design at Sans Souci, added: “The core design for this piece is taken from our Symphony collection and we then worked with the design team to create a truly unique chandelier that highlights the stunning interiors of the hotel. The final effect is an installation that plays with light and shade, creating a beautiful focus for the space.”  

Jumeirah Group has announced guided tours for its flagship hotel – Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. The ‘Inside Burj Al Arab’ tour promises to show the ins and outs of the famous property.

The tour lasts 90 minutes and is guided by one of the property’s butlers. It includes a visit to the hotel atrium and royal suite as well as an experience suite. There will also be digital interaction, allowing guests to see the history with the original architectural designs of the hotel.

10 Spectacular New Hotels and Attractions Set To Open Before The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Qatar Tourism reveals exiting projects set for completion before FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ to take place from 21 November to 18 December 2022

Qatar Tourism reveals 10 spectacular new hotels and attractions set to open before the tournament kicks off. 

Qatar Tourism previously revealed there are over 100 hotels and hotel apartments in the country’s construction pipeline. More than 40 are scheduled to be opened over the next 12 months, as Qatar gears up to welcome more than one million fans across the duration of the tournament.

To meet demand Qatar is looking to utilize every available accommodation option. Innovative choices for fans in 2022 will include camping in the desert and staying onboard a temporarily moored cruise liner with stunning views of Doha’s cityscape skyline. Qatar will have up to 130,000 available rooms for the one million-plus fans expected over the course of the 28-day tournament.

Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Football fans will have an exceptional variety of accommodation options to choose from. We want travellers to discover the best of Qatari and Middle Eastern hospitality and have an unforgettable experience that will make them want to return. As well as watching the football, we encourage all fans to investigate Qatar’s variety of attractions, from sampling the local cuisine to exploring our iconic museums, from exhilarating dune bashing to re

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Visit Maldives | Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Announces Grand Relaunch in February 2022 Following Multi-Million-Dollar Refurbishment

The first international resort brand to arrive in the Maldives and soon to complete 25 years, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island readies to introduce its next chapter filled newly designed accommodation and experiences with massive multi-million-dollar refurbishment. The relaunch will officially happen in February 2022.  

Renowned for delivering authentic barefoot luxury and leading the way as the ‘Island of Firsts’, the twin-island property is home to the world’s first undersea restaurant Ithaa, first underwater bedroom set within the two-level residence The MURAKA, and first twin-island resort experience in the Maldives, amongst others. 

According to Carla Puverel, General Manager, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, guests can expect “newly-designed water villas, refreshed restaurants, new experiences, brand new Teens Club and various other exciting additions. As the ‘Island of Firsts’ we pride ourselves on remaining innovative and offering a level of personalized service unique to our resort.” 

Conrad Maldives Rangali will offer elevated guests experiences through the enhanced brand-new spaces including Majaa Explorers Hub, Furaavaru Teens Club, adults only gym and the luxurious water villas of Rangali Island. Inspired itineraries offer unique experiences to guests like swimming with whale sharks and manta rays, turtle safari, sunset dolphin cruises and coral planting in the house reef with the marine biologist. 

With the upgraded experiences, the twin-island resort ensures that it continues to offer authentic barefoot luxury that guests have long enjoyed since the resort landed in the shores of the Maldives. 

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NEWS | Anantara Hotels to welcome fully vaccinated guests from 63 low-risk countries

Anantara Hotels to welcome fully vaccinated guests from 63 low-risk countries

International travel to Thailand is back and Anantara Hotels Resorts and Spas is ready to welcome fully vaccinated guests with no quarantine requirements from 63 low-risk countries.

From Chiang Mai in the north, to the brand’s luxury properties in the capital of Bangkok, down to the islands of Phuket and Koh Samui in the south, Anantara guests are now welcome to visit any part of the country after meeting the governments health and safety requirements under the new ‘Test & Go’ scheme.

These requirements, amongst others, include proof of guests being fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine at least 14 days prior to arrival and producing a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued within 72 hours before travelling. Upon touch-down in Thailand, a final COVID-19 test is conducted at the airport. Guests then spend one night in an Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration Plus (SHA+) certified hotel while waiting for their test result. Guests staying at an Anantara property in Bangkok will have their tests done in their room upon arrival for added convenience.

All Anantara properties that have been certified SHA+ have ensured a concerted effort to fully vaccinate all their employees and have reinforced the governments health and hygiene measures.  Anantara has also implemented the “Stay with Peace of Mind” programme ensuring a series of rigid brand health and safety guidelines are met and surpassed. 

This information is subjected to change at short notice. Anantara recommends that guests confirm all requirements with the relevant authorities before proceeding with any travel arrangements. For more information and FAQ’s please go to: https://www.anantara.com/en/thailand/travel-information

Current Approved countries/territories as of November 1st, 2021: Approved countries/territories: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mongolia, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam.

Visit Maldives | MALDIVES KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN WITH YATRA AND GO FIRST TO INCREASE MALDIVES’ POPULARITY IN THE INDIAN MARKET

Visit Maldives launches a campaign with India’s Online Travel Agency, Yatra and Go First airline. The campaign will be held for a period of 3 months from 8th November onwards. This campaign is aligned with the India market strategy and would help to further boost arrivals from the Indian market and reach pre-pandemic targets. The campaign aims at creating buzz and destination awareness for potential travelers from India to Maldives.

Speaking about the campaign, Managing Director of Visit Maldives, Thoyyib Mohamed stated that India is an important source market for Maldives, which contributes significantly to the expansion of our tourism sector.

“India is already one of our top markets. This new campaign with Yatra and Go First will help in creating more momentum for the Maldives’ brand within the Indian market, which would of course result in increased bookings and future arrival numbers. We have stringent measures in place, for the safety of visitors, at all our resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboards. The unique geographical formations of our islands also makes us one of the safest destinations. Visit Maldives guarantees a memorable, safe, secure and private stay for all visitors. We look forward to welcoming more Indian travelers to the sunny side of life in the months ahead.”

Senior Vice President and Business Head - Holidays at Yatra Mayur Oberoi also spoke about the importance of marketing the Maldives to Indian travelers following the border opening.

"The Maldives is one of the most important markets as far as Indian tourists are concerned. While footfall to the Maldives has always been high, at this hour, when the destination has re-opened for Indian travelers, it is very important to market the destination and revive interest in the Maldives. We are happy to join hands with Maldives Tourism Board and conduct this joint marketing campaign to promote tourism into the Maldives. We will be using all our communication channels to create buzz around the Maldives."

During the campaign, Maldives will be promoted as a top of the mind destination targeting the Indian market. Ads will be placed in Yatra and Go First’s online platforms to promote Maldives as a safe and leading destination highlighting the stringent safety measures and the unique geographical formation of the islands which naturally allow tourists to social distance and unwind in peace and tranquility.

Through the campaign Visit the Maldives will work to leverage the follower base of Yatra and Go First to create destination awareness, generate leads and create conversions and increase arrivals from India.

This campaign is estimated to make 5,891,750 impressions through the ads. It will possibly assist in securing 7,383 bookings through the Indian market through various forms of advertising content posted on physical and virtual spaces of Yatra as well as Go First.

Yatra, based in Gurugram, India is one of the leading corporate travel services providers. They have 800 corporate customers and is one of India’s leading online travel companies and operate the website yatra.com.

As of 31st October 2021, Maldives has welcomed a total of 1,011,122 travelers of which 228,297 travelers arrived from the Indian market making it the top source market.

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Award | Naladhu Private Island Maldives Named #1 Top Resort in Indian Ocean & #4 Best Resort in the World

Naladhu Private Island is excited to share that it has once again been named the #1 Top Resort in the Indian Ocean in the annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. In addition Naladhu has been named #4 in the Best Resorts in the World.

The annual Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry. For the 2021 vote, the readers were asked to draw on their happiest travel moments, spotlighting the places that made those magical moments possible, in a show of support for the travel industry.

Located on the edge of a pristine lagoon in the South Malé Atoll, Naladhu will reopen on November 1st after a complete renovation, revealing an impressive new look and feel, with the public areas and accommodation being redesigned and the resort’s top suite, the Two Bedroom Pool Residence, reopening with its own 20 metre private beach.

The new product will further support the amazing service and experience that the Naladhu team has delivered over recent years, with the resort being internationally recognised as #1 in the Indian Ocean for four of the last five years and two years in a row being named in the top five of the Best Resorts in the World.

Reopening | Anantara Iko Mauritius Reopens with Active Wellbeing Programme and the Addition of Exclusive Pool Villas

Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas looks forward to welcoming back international travellers as the Indian Ocean island prepares for the full reopening of its borders on October 1st with one of the highest full vaccination rates in Africa.

Escape to an unforgettable and soul-enriching stay. An active wellbeing vacation awaits guests with the opportunity to commune with nature during a series of immersive and indigenous experiences to rejuvenate mind, body and soul. Delight in sumptuous dining and enjoy menus bursting with nutritious delicacies.

The luxury five-star resort will also soon unveil its Two- and Four-Bedroom Anantara Pool Villas, which are set within tropical gardens and combine modernity with indigenous design in homage to the serene surroundings of the southeast coast of Mauritius.

With something for everyone – nature and beach lovers, foodies, spa goers and adventurers – a stay at Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas offers the perfect break for lockdown-weary travellers seeking a combination of luxurious adventure and holistic wellness.

Visit Maldives | Niyama Private Islands Maldives Hosts Surf Week 2021 with Professional Surfer, Shaper and Photographer

Niyama Private Islands is launching its 2021 Surf Week from 1 to 7 November, hosting Josh Kerr and Matt Parker, two big names in the world of surf, and with a full programme of surfing and socialising for participants.

Josh Kerr, former Australian pro surfer and two-time world surf air show champion, will be sharing his expertise during daily surf clinics as well as one-to-one surfing coaching sessions. Josh has also been Todo Santos Big Wave Champion and a ten times top ten finisher in the WSL championship tour.

Matt Parker of Album Surfboards will be analysing guests’ surfing style and producing a tailormade board for each participant. Matt was the 2021 Electric Acid Surfboard test winner with surfer Coco Ho and has been shaping one of a kind, innovative surfboards since 2001.

In addition renowned professional surf photographer, Erick Proost, currently resident at Niyama, will be there to capture action images of the guests riding the waves.

Niyama is the only luxury resort in the Maldives with its own wave breaking onto the shore – Vodi – which is a powerful and sometimes hollow left hander. Off to the west and five minutes away by speedboat, Kasabu is a rippable and hollow right hander. There are also a number of other surf spots in and around the Dhaalu Atoll that can be easily reached from Niyama by speedboat or seaplane.

Visit Maldives | When is the best time to visit Maldives?

The Maldives are a string of coral atolls in the Indian Ocean, famous its combo of sheer barefoot luxury and guilt-free sustainability. Add to that a warm climate where temperatures rarely drop much below the 80s. Humidity is high (80 per cent) but this is tempered by a sea breeze especially at night.

You can expect pristinely kept beaches and turquoise lagoons with water that sparkles in the bright sunshine. You’ll get to experience private-island resorts, bungalows that seem to float over the water, underwater restaurants and infinity pools.

Another bonus is that sea temperatures hover between a very comfortable 26°C and 29°C year-round.

So, when is the best time to go?

The Maldives has a long window of great weather during November through to April. It’s unrelentingly warm and tropical with 29°C to 31°C year-round and average lows rarely falling below 24°C. 

January to April Peak Season

To avoid short sharp flash rains get there between January and April as these are generally the driest months and for some, the low humidity is a blessing. It is the perfect time for a beach holiday and as the visibility is great at this time for divers and snorkellers. 

However, bear in mind that this is peak time and the time when tourists tend to flock there.

May to September Warm but little Rain

It’s still warm during the four months between May and September but there may be storms in between long spells of sunny weather. These peak around June. Rain showers are usually short and it won’t be long until the sun shines through the clouds and dries everything up.

If you like snorkeling bear in mind that at this time plankton forms and visibility is diminished. The bonus is that if you don’t mind the risk of rain prices are lower.

October to November – the best time for shark spotting

These months offer warm temperatures and long periods of sunshine but with an increased chance of rain and storms. Still, it is during October and November when you are most likely to see whale sharks and manta rays, which come to feed on the plankton. This may also be when there are the best travel deals.

December – grab a discount

The weather is similar to the previous two months and deals are good just before Christmas – another peak period.

TIP: To complicate things, the northern atolls have the highest rainfall from May to November; the southern atolls are from November to March. There really isn’t much to do when it rains except read or drink or perhaps scuba dive, but maybe that’s ok.

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Visit Maldives | THE GUEST HOUSE CULTURE IN MALDIVES

Crystal clear seas, powdery white sand and indulgence beyond measure are three things that come to mind whenever the Maldives is mentioned. Whilst the country is famous for its unique beauty and extravagant resorts, it is not solely dedicated to the wealthy tourist – it offers various accommodation options catering to a diverse range of preferences. These facilities are broadly categorized into four types: resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboards.

Ever since the relaxation of tourism rules which were restricting all tourism to resorts on uninhabited islands, the guesthouse industry has boomed in Maldives. Since then, many guesthouses have been developed in inhabited islands, with the greater Male’ region being the main hub.

The styles of guesthouses range from budget to boutique to bed and breakfast inns and more. The amenities, service and luxury vary from that of resorts, but guests have access to similar types of activities that resorts offer. Opportunities for excursions to nearby islands and sandbanks, watersports, snorkeling, and diving are available. Most islands with guesthouses also have watersports and diving centers.

By staying at a guesthouse, tourists will have the prospect of experiencing the rich culture of the country like a true local: make new friends, discover the history of the island by visiting accessible historical hotspots or even partake in day-to-day activities. For the budget traveler, the backpacker or the knowledge-seeker, the stay will surely reap benefits to last a lifetime.

The biggest difference one may notice is that while resorts adhere to the one-island-one-resort concept, guest houses do not. This means that tourists must bear in mind to be respectful of the local community, its customs, and traditions. As Maldives is a Muslim country, women are expected to dress more modestly on the islands than in resorts. The consumption of alcohol and pork, while not forbidden for tourists, is also usually frowned upon, but this is offset by the many other wonderful opportunities. islands have to offer. Witness kids as they play in their own imaginative worlds, play a game of football in the evening, hang out on the beaches while sipping on a cup of tea and eating hedhikaa (short eats), or simply join in the chit-chat amongst the locals.

For the year 2021, marketing activities and campaigns carried out by Visit Maldives will have a significant focus on promotion of local tourism and guesthouses. The government is working to open the country to cultural tourism as a key part of its economic diversification plans, and an emphasis will be given on promoting local tourism, culture, and heritage of Maldives.

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National Day Handloom Day | Destinations to add to your bucket list for homegrown handlooms

This National Handloom Day, here are some destinations to add to your bucket list for homegrown handlooms 

7th August 2015 was declared as National Handloom Day with an aim to generate awareness around the importance of the handloom industry in India. Being celebrated in its 7th year, this day also focuses on the contribution of handloom to the socio-economic development of the country and increase the income of the weavers. From Madhya Pradesh’s Maheshwari handloom to Karnataka’s Ilkal fabric, Booking.com, the leading travel brand, has curated a list of destinations for fabric, fashion, and handloom loyalists to visit and shop the most exquisite fabrics as and when it’s safe to do so. 

1.   Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh) for Maheshwari handloom 

Home to India’s richest handloom fabric traditions, Maheshwar is a small town in the city of Khargone district in Madhya Pradesh. The history of the fabric dates back to the 18th century when its intricate design became a huge hit amongst the royal circle. This fine handloom today not only represents Indian handlooms at an international market but also promotes the craftsmanship of Indian laborers. Travelers visiting Maheshwar must definitely get their hands on colorful Maheshwari sarees. While in Maheshwar, travellers can also visit the Ahilya Fort situated on the banks of Narmada, Holkar fort and the famous Rajwada. 

2. Ilkal (Karnataka) for Ilkal handloom

Located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, Ilkal is an ancient weaving center famous for its Ilkah handloom. Travellers visiting Ilkal will be fascinated with the detailing of the saree which is made with a technique called Tope Teni, where the pallu is weaved with the body of the saree. Ilkal saree also takes its name from the town of Ilkal and the distinctive feature of Ilkal sarees is the use of a form of embroidery called Kasuti. The designs used in Kasuti reflect traditional patterns like palanquins, elephants, and lotuses which are embroidered onto Ilkal sarees. After trying on Ilkal sarees, travellers can also explore the city of Ilkal by visiting Banashankari Temple, Badami Cave temple, Lad Khan temple, and Durga Temple.

3.  Sualkuchi (Assam) for Golden Muga Silk 

Situated on the northern banks of the Brahmaputra, Sualkuchi is famous for its centuries-old heritage of weaving. Other than the picturesque tea gardens, the beautiful monasteries, and delicious local food, travelers should visit the village of Sualkuchi and shop the lovely Muga silk. This rare form of quintessential fabric has gained popularity and has been worn by women for centuries. The gorgeous fabric is known for its extreme durability and natural yellowish-golden tint. Legends have it that it was once only reserved for the ladies of the royal family. In fact, it is often compared to being as expensive as buying gold. 

4.                   Bishnupur (West Bengal) for Baluchari sarees 

The word ‘Baluchari’ means sandy river bank, signifying the origins of the handloom to a small village called Baluchar situated on the banks of the river Bhagirathi. The handloom is known for its depictions of mythological scenes on the pallu of the saree. Located in West Bengal, Bishnupur is a small town that is currently the only place where one can find authentic Baluchari sarees. When it is safe to travel, one can visit Bishnupur to add Baluchari saree to their collection. Bishnupur is also home to temples, heritage sites and museums which can make your trip a memorable one.

5.  Patan (Gujarat) for Patola saree

Patola, a double ikat woven saree, translates into ‘Queen of Silk’ and is one of the finest silk sarees produced in Patan, known to be a capital of Gujarat in medieval times. The history of the Patola sarees date back to the 12th century, where it is said that the handloom craft was introduced by the salvi caste who are believed to migrate to Gujarat with the intention of acquiring the patronage of the Solanki Rajputs, who used to dress in patola silk themselves on special occasions. The patola saree is quite an expensive handloom due to the nature of its technique, and is today manufactured only by a handful of weavers in Patan. Patan has an old world charm, where travellers can find beautiful attractions like Jain temple, Hemachandracharya Gyan Mandir, Khan Sarovar, Rani ki Vav and Sahastrilanga Talav.