India Court Suspends Order To Restaurants To Display Owners' Names After Anti-Muslim Bias Concerns

India's top court ruled on Monday that restaurants cannot be forced to display the names of their owners, suspending police orders in two northern states that critics had said could foment discrimination against Muslims.

Police in the two states, both ruled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu-nationalist party, gave oral orders in at least two districts requiring restaurants to put the names of their owners on display boards.

Police said this would help avoid disputes for thousands of Hindu pilgrims who travel on foot to sacred sites during a holy month, many of whom follow dietary restrictions, such as eating no meat during their journey.

But a Supreme Court bench ruled on Monday that while restaurants could be expected to state the type of food they serve, including whether it is vegetarian, they "must not be forced" to display the name and identities of owners.

The court suspended orders by police in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand states and issued a notice to them seeking their response on petitions challenging the move.

More than a third of India's 1.4 billion people are estimated to be vegetarian - the world's largest percentage of people who don't eat meat or eggs - as they follow diets promoted by groups within Hinduism and other religions.

Some vegetarians choose not to eat in restaurants that also serve meat and don't rent out houses to meat-eating tenants.

A few allies of Modi and leaders of opposition parties had criticised the police orders, saying they feared they would deepen the communal divide and lead to Hindus avoiding restaurants employing Muslims.

Political foes accuse Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of targeting India's roughly 200 million minority Muslims for electoral gains, which Modi and the BJP both deny.

"Such orders are social crimes, which want to spoil the peaceful atmosphere of harmony," opposition Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav had said in a post on X, criticising the police moves.

Reporting by Arpan Chaturvedi and Saurabh Sharma Writing by Shivam Patel Editing by Peter Graff

Scores Die In Northern India As Heat Wave Scorches Region

At least 54 people died in a district in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh over the last few days, the Times of India newspaper reported on Monday, as authorities probed if the loss of lives was due to the heat wave in the region.

Another 45 people died in neighbouring Bihar state, local newspapers reported.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert warning last week for extreme heat in some regions of the country, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

The government said it was investigating the cause of the deaths that occurred over three days last week in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia district, about 970 km (600 miles) southeast of New Delhi.

"Deaths have occurred in the district but it is very difficult to say if that happened due to the heat wave," said Ravindra Kumar, the top administrative official of the district, told Reuters, without confirming the number of deaths.

"A few of the deaths are related to old age, while some have different reasons. There is no concrete evidence of heat wave behind these deaths."

The government fired Diwakar Singh, the chief medical official at the main state hospital in Ballia, for saying that the deaths were due to heat.

The state's deputy chief minister, Brajesh Pathak, said on social media that Singh had been removed from his position for making an "irresponsible statement".

Temperatures have soared close to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in recent days in Ballia with a severe power crisis compounding the situation.

In Bihar, 45 people lost their lives due to heat-related illnesses, the Hindustan Times newspaper reported. Officials in Patna, the capital of Bihar, did not answer phone calls.

While the heat wave was expected to continue in some regions on Monday, parts of India's northeastern Assam state reeled under floods triggered by heavy rains.

"Rainfall intensity in Assam and other northeastern states is likely to rise this week. Many pockets are expected to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall this week, which could lead to flooding," said a senior official with the IMD.

By Saurabh Sharma, Reuters

India Randomly Testing International Visitors For COVID-19

India has begun randomly testing international passengers arriving at its airports for COVID-19, the country’s health minister said Thursday, citing an increase in cases in neighboring China.

Mansukh Mandaviya announced the new rule in Parliament, where he also urged state governments to increase surveillance for any new coronavirus variants and send samples of all positive cases to genome sequencing laboratories.

Mandaviya also asked the public to wear masks and maintain social distancing, even though there are no official mandates for either.

India relaxed its mask-wearing rules earlier this year after coronavirus cases began dropping sharply. It has reported the most COVID-19 cases in the world since the pandemic began, but confirmed infections have fallen sharply in the past few months.

According to health ministry data, India currently has about 3,400 active coronavirus cases.

Cases have surged in neighboring China since it relaxed its harsh restrictions earlier this month following rare public protests.

Mandaviya said the Indian government has no plans yet to halt flights from countries where new cases have been reported.

On Thursday, India’s top doctors’ body, the Indian Medical Association, also appealed to people to wear masks in all public places and get vaccine boosters. It urged people to avoid public gatherings such as weddings, political and social meetings, and international travel.

“As of now, the situation is not alarming and therefore there is no need to panic. Prevention is better than cure,” it said in a statement.

India, a country of nearly 1.4 billion people, has administered more than 2.2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses, but only 27% of the population has received a third booster dose.

By SHEIKH SAALIQ

India Reopens For Foreign Tourists As Virus Infections Ebb

NEW DELHI (AP) — India reopened to fully vaccinated foreign tourists traveling on chartered flights on Friday in the latest easing of its coronavirus restrictions as infection numbers decline.

Foreign tourists on regular flights will be able to enter India starting Nov. 15.

It is the first time India has allowed foreign tourists to enter the country since March 2020 when it imposed its first nationwide coronavirus lockdown.

It is unclear whether arriving tourists will have to quarantine but they must be fully vaccinated and test negative for the virus within 72 hours of their flight.

The decision, announced earlier this month by India’s home ministry, comes as the country’s daily infections have dropped below 20,000 from a peak of 400,000 in May and more people have been vaccinated.

India has administered more than 970 million vaccine doses. Nearly 70% of the eligible adult population has had at least one dose.

The easing of restrictions on foreign tourists visiting the country, however, coincides with India’s domestic tourist and festive season. Already, it has prompted concerns by health officials who have warned against complacency.

Earlier this month, the Indian Council of Medical Research, India’s premier medical body, cautioned that “revenge tourism” could lead to a surge in COVID-19 infections if tourists don’t strictly adhere to safety protocols.

According to official data, less than 3 million foreign tourists visited India in 2020, which was a dip of more than 75% as compared to 2019.

WOW Air Announces New Route From The U.S. To India Via Iceland

 

Icelandic low fare airline WOW air will offer flights from nine U.S. airports to Delhi, India for as low as $199 starting December 5, 2018

REYKJAVÍK, Iceland- WOW air announced it will launch a new route from the U.S. to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi, India via Iceland. The route will provide millions of Americans in nine major cities across the country affordable access to the bustling Indian metropolis. The route will launch December 5, 2018, giving business and leisure travelers affordable and easy access to the heart of India. One-way fares will start at $199* and WOW premium seats will be available for $699*.

Service to DEL will be available from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL).

"I am thrilled to broaden WOW air's offerings and bring low fare international flight service to India," said Skúli Mogensen, founder and CEO of WOW air. "We are passionate about continuing our mission of enabling everybody to fly by making international travel accessible and affordable for all, and look forward to expanding our global service to provide travellers with the opportunity to see many parts of the globe, whether for business or pleasure."

Delhi, a popular travel destination, provides visitors with magical sights, sounds, smells and tastes of its endless bazaars, as well as some of the world's prominent heritage sites. These include The Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate and the Qutub Minar. And just a 125 mile road trip from Delhi is the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

WOW air will use brand new Airbus A330neo aircrafts on the Delhi route, which are outfitted with the new WOW premium seats offering at least 37 inches of legroom.

To purchase a flight or for more information on WOW air, please visit www.wowair.us.

* From Boston (BOS), New York (EWR), Washington D.C. (BWI), Chicago (ORD), Pittsburgh (PIT), Detroit (DTW), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX) and St. Louis (STL) to Dehli (DEL) via Iceland. Based on lowest one-way WOW Basic fare booked on www.wowair.us. Includes all taxes, fees and carrier charges. Available for travel 10 January – 31 March, 2019. The offer applies for 4200 seats on selected flights, only when booked on a return trip.

About WOW air

WOW air offers the lowest fares, a modern fleet with the lowest emissions and the biggest smile; this is the WOW air promise to its valuable customers. As of spring 2018, the airline services 39 destinations across Europe and North America including Dublin, London, Paris, Berlin, and Copenhagen.

Established in November 2011 by Icelandic entrepreneur Skúli Mogensen, the purple airline flies with Airbus A320, Airbus A321 and Airbus A330 models. WOW air boasts one of the world's youngest fleet, with an average aircraft age of just 2 years.

WOW air was ranked as the 7th best low-cost airline in Europe at the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Skytrax World Airline Awards and was the youngest airline in the top ten.

For additional information and bookings please visit https://wowair.us/.

Indian Railways: 2 New ‘World Class’ Trains To Cut Travel Time By 20%

CHENNAI: By June this year, the railways will roll out a ‘first of its kind’ semi-high speed, self-propelled train set which will cut down the travel time by at least 20% in comparison to any train drawn by a loco due to faster acceleration and deceleration.

The Chennai-based Railways’ Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has designed the train sets and will manufacture the first with 16 fully air-conditioned coaches by June 2018.

Touted as Train 18, it will have ‘world-class’ passenger amenities such as on-board Wi-fi and infotainment, GPSbased passenger information system and plush interiors with diffused LED lighting.

The new train with aerodynamic nose for reduced drag and for improved aesthetics is likely to replace elite Shatabdi Trains currently used for superfast inter-city travel.

Another set of train, named Train 20, is likely to be launched in 2020. These will also be equipped with world class facilities to replace another elite train, Rajdhani Express, used in overnight travel. Both Train 18 and Train 20, ‘Make in India’ projects by ICF, will be manufactured for half the cost of imported train sets. The only difference will be that Train 20 will have an aluminium body while Train 18 will have stainless steel body.

The train sets (like EMUs), which will replace locomotive-hauled trains, will have continuous window glasses for a contemporary modern look; ‘automatic plug-type’ sliding doors and sliding footsteps which will open and close automatically at the stations and zero discharge vacuum-based bio-toilets.

ICF general manager S Mani said, “Train 18 can travel at speeds of up to 160 kmph. It will have worldclass facilities for passengers. First set of train will be ready by June 2018.”

A study shows the railways will be able to cut travel time by three hours and thirtyfive minutes on the 1,440-km Delhi-Howrah route. The Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express can go up to 150 kmph, but the average speed continues to be 90 kmph as there are several speed restrictions. Given that applying brakes and accelerating takes longer using locomotives, the ‘train sets’ will cut down on time. The reduction in journey time was calculated at a maximum permissible speed of 130 kmph and could come down further if the permissible limit is raised to 160 kmph.

contributed BY MAHENDRA K SINGH

Traveling And Like To Breath Fresh Air? Where Not To Go #TravelHealth

By

 Juergen T Steinmetz

 

The Gulf region may be the leader in luxury travel and tourism, but it does have the worst air quality in the world. As part of the Earth day campaign for greener cities, the organization wants the world to adopt methods such as joining the solar revolution, opting for green buildings with a focus on renewable energy, and deciding on other modes of transport like a bike or the bus to help reduce harmful emissions.

Toxic cities are mostly a man-made problem. The single largest source of air pollutants is the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and gasoline. Fossil fuels are used for heating, to operate transportation vehicles, in generating electricity, and in manufacturing and other industrial processes. Burning these fuels causes smog, acid rain and greenhouse gas emissions.

Middle-Eastern oil-rich countries dominate the top ten spaces on the most polluted list of cities. Such cities are located in :

1. Saudi Arabia, particle matter level of 108.
2. Qatar, particle matter level of 103.
3. Egypt, particle matter level of 93.
4. Bangladesh, particle matter level of 84.
5. Kuwait, particle matter level of 75.
6. Cameroon, particle matter level of 65.
7. Mauritania, particle matter level of 65.
8. Nepal, particle matter level of 64.
9. Nepal, particle matter level of 64.
10. India, particle matter level of 62.

11. Libya, particle matter level of 61.
12. Bahrain, particle matter level of 60.
13. Pakistan, particle matter level of 60.
14. Niger, particle matter level of 59.
15. Uganda, particle matter level of 57.
16. China, particle matter level of 54.
17. Myanmar, particle matter level of 51.
18. Iraq, particle matter level of 50.
19. Bhutan, particle matter level of 48.
20. Oman, particle matter level of 48.

The United Kingdom is placed 159th on the list with a particle matter level of 12. The USA have been given the 173rd spot, with an impressively low particle matter level of 8.

The interactive map also shows that countries such as China, who are infamous for the lack of clean air within their cities, have polluted air levels that are HALF of the amount of Saudi Arabia. China scored a level of 54 compared to the Saudi Arabia’s horrifying particle matter score of 108. Saudi Arabia is the top offender in the most polluted city stakes.

The likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases, cancer and stroke are heightened in areas with high pollution and studies prove that child mortality rates are higher in countries with greater air pollution. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), air pollution is now a greater threat to health than Ebola or HIV and 80% of all urban areas have air pollution levels above hat is considered healthy.

It is not all doom and gloom, some of the cleanest air in the world belongs to New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, Kiribati and Brunei Darussalam, who all boast an impressive level of particle matter at 5.

For more information on the World’s Most Toxic Cities, you can visit: www.eco2greetings.com.

India Tourism Launches Free SIM Cards For Travelers On E-Visas

India took another tourist-friendly step when the Ministry of Tourism, along with telco company, BSNL, launched a free pre-loaded sim card for foreign tourists landing in Delhi, India, on an e-visa.

The cards will be extended to all 15 airports in the country where the e-visa facility is available.

The sim card has preloaded talk time so that the immediate needs of tourists can be met.

Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma launched the scheme on February 15. A help line in 12 languages is already available to help tourists who may have questions or need assistance.

World’s Busiest Airport Ranks Changing

Atlanta Hartfield-Jackson International Airport

In 2015, based on passenger traffic, Atlanta Hartfield-Jackson International Airport in Georgia, USA was the number 1 ranked busiest airport in the world. This hub for US carrier, Delta, handled 101.5 million passengers last year, compared to number 2 ranked Beijing Capital International Airport Chaoyang-Shunyi, in Beijing, China, which saw 89.9 million passengers pass through its gates.

But who is expected to take over the number 2 spot by the year 2020? Dubai International Airport Garhoud, Dubai, currently ranked at number 3. More and more passengers are booking their travels via the Dubai hub, and Dubai International expects to be the world’s busiest airport in 5 short years.

The operator of Dubai Airports said today, the same day it announced a record 7.7 million passengers had used the airport in August, that the airport, already the world’s busiest for international passengers, expects 83 million passengers this year, up from 78 million in 2015, and 90 million in 2017, Dubai Airports chief executive Paul Griffiths told Bloomberg TV in an interview.

“The growth rates that we are experiencing are more than double what is being experienced by both Beijing and Atlanta,” Griffiths told Bloomberg. “Within perhaps this decade, we should see ourselves exceeding the total traffic through those airports for the number 1 absolute spots.”

Dubai International’s monthly passenger traffic grew 6.1 percent in August to 7,727,105 compared with 7,282,256 in August 2015, Dubai Airports said in a separate statement. That beat the July 2016 record of 7.6 million.

The record was set after the airport operated with reduced capacity for more than 72 hours after an Emirates Boeing 777-300 crash landed there on August 3. Griffiths told Bloomberg that the crash did not impact annual passenger numbers.

A “seasonal rush of travelers,” including those returning to the UAE for the start of the school year, boosted August passenger numbers, Dubai Airports said in the statement.

In the first eight months of the year, passenger traffic increased 6.9 percent to 55,850,353 as of August 31 compared with 52,264,223 in the same period a year ago. The airport handled 78 million passengers in 2015.

“Looking back it’s astonishing to see how quickly a tiny airport that was once a refueling stop for airlines has turned into the world’s number one international hub,” Griffiths said in the statement. “Over these five and a half decades, [Dubai International] has welcomed more than three quarters of a billion passengers.”

In August, India, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia were the most popular country destinations, while London, Doha and Kuwait were the most popular city destinations.

Eastern Europe continues to be one of the airport’s fastest growing markets with passenger traffic increasing 67.9 percent in August. Asia grew by 13 percent and the Indian Subcontinent and South America each expanded 11.7 percent.

Azerbaijan’s Baku record the strongest percentage growth among city destinations, up 284.5 percent. Iran’s Mashhad expanded 118.6 percent and the US’ Boston grew by 88.2 percent.

The number of aircraft landings and take-offs contracted in August by 2.7 percent to 33,827.

Aircraft landings and take-offs for the first eight months of the year were up 2.9 percent to 276,233.

The amount of cargo handled in August declined 3.1 percent to 201,100 tons while year-to-date grew 2.4 percent to 1,686,277.

6 Lesser Known Places To Visit In India

The world is a beautiful place. As you travel far and wide, you realize this more often. From the Mediterranean cities like Palma and Tangier to European tourist gems like Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Prague, the list of spectacular places never seems to end. Like other continents, Asia too has plenty of beautiful and interesting places for the avid travelers to visit, experience and enjoy. India, the country known for its rich diversity of people and places, offers a reviving meditation for travelers who seek to see the wonders and magnificence of nature, historical attractions and culture of this vast Asian country. If you are planning your trip to India, don’t just include the most popular attractions. Try to include some of the following most beautiful lesser known places to visit in India:

06. SHETTIHALLI, KARNATAKA

The southern parts of the country often said to share the best of greenery and nature’s splendour in the country. Bangalore is a go-to destination for anyone who comes to South India. The city has an international airport and it is touted as the Silicon Valley of India. One spectacular attraction around is Shettihalli Lake which is about 60 miles from the city centre. If old and mysterious ruins are of great interest to you, you should love visiting lake and its Rosary Church, also called the floating chapel. It’s renowned for its gothic architecture. The church has been abandoned for more than about two centuries now. The beauty and magnificence of this place make it one of the most beautiful lesser known places to visit in India.

05. GULF OF MANNAR, TAMIL NADU

Like Bangalore, Chennai is another famous metropolitan in India. To walk at its Marina Beach, to explore is its museum, and a candid chat with the local people open up many insight into the history and culture of this vibrant city. After you are done with the city tour, it is time to head to the Gulf of Mannar, the coastal bay in the Indian Ocean. The beauty of the place is spellbinding. The panoramic scenery across the hazy blue sky hung above the turquoise spread of water below is something that comes with a Mediterranean touch. It has the virtue to make you surprise. What’s best about the Gulf of Mannar is that it is uncrowned place with a rich marine life, and your camera can stay busy for as long as you want. Spot sea gulls, turtles, whales, dolphins, etc. right at the coast. It is an unspoilt paradise.

04. LONG ISLAND, ANDAMAN & NICOBAR

No, it is not the Long Island of the Unites States of America. Travel further down the sea to arrive the Andaman’s own Long Island. Havelock is the most famous and most visited part of Andaman & Nicobar Island. But as the list offers you to see the most eclectic of all places in India, in addition to all your itineraries, make a visit to the Long Island. Forests look absolutely pristine and untouched, although they have lanes and tracks inside. Sand beaches, mangroves, and a world full of solitude is what make a trip to this secluded haven a joyful retreat, making this beautiful place one of the lesser known places to visit in India. But the problem is the whole place has just one hotel. So, it’s a good idea to book your stay in advance.

03. NARARA MARINE NATIONAL PARK, GUJARAT

Gujarat has some great wildlife conservatories and national parks, most of which are disconnected from the popular tourism areas. So, take a cue from here and visit the Narara Marine National Park along the Gulf of Kutch. From psychedelic corals octopuses, to rare fish, you spot a lot of interesting things. Narara Marine National Park is home to a wide variety of birds. Anemones cover the whole place like a design.

02. SHANTI NIKETAN, WEST BENGAL

If you ever heard of Rabindranath Tagore or came across a Bengali, you possibly have heard of Shanti Niketan as well. The place situated 120 miles from Kolkata takes you several decades back with its authentic and rustic feel. Visit this place during the Poush Mela and it all would seem like a great fair of handicrafts, countrymen and folk culture. For those with a knack for aesthetics and arts, Shanti Niketan is a sanctuary of creativity and happiness. The locals get along with guests well and the cordial atmosphere makes you feel like a part of this small world.

01. BANJAR VALLEY, HIMACHAL PRADESH

Ruins, beaches, seas, and cultural hubs, these are the various shades of little joys that paint the travel portrait of India in many ways. Till now all this would have sparked quite a plan in the back of your head. But as you travel across India, one thing that you cannot afford to miss is a mountain village. To know what it means, make a trip to the old setting of Banjar Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Just above this region is the Great Himalayan National Park which is a treat for any traveler. But before you plan to explore the park, spend a day or two in the villages below. Chaini and Jibhi are two villages in the Banjar Valley that would pique your interest with their quaint, old houses and setting. Jibhi village is especially mentionable for it offers some unique experiences for the visitors. Relax outdoor and breathe fresh air or spend time birdwatching. Fishing is quite a hobby around here and you too can try your hands at it. Hike or explore the nature trails and get to know the villagers. The hospitality of the mountain people can be infectiously full of warmth. Take a guide and take a detour of the place which has the wonderful nature and lakes around.

If all India tour is what is on your mind, the best is to divide your trips according to places. You can take city tours and fly from one metropolitan to next. Fly from Bangalore to Chennai to Mumbai as you explore and move on. Book for Mumbai to Delhi flights for the end of your city trip since Delhi is connected to a number of hill stations, which can become your next itinerary theme.

This article was written by Anjali Gupta who is a professional travel blogger with years of experience in tourism in India. www.travelnpleasure.com

India's New Bullet Train Will Travel Under Water

By Jordi Lippe-McGraw, www.travelandleasure.com

campuslive24.com

When it comes to upgrading its train service, India goes all out. Not only is the country prepping for its first high-speed railway, but the new bullet train will also travel underwater. The Japan International Cooperation Agency, who is funding the project, revealed that 13 miles of the 315-mile route between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will pass from Thane creek towards Virar, via a submerged corridor.
Traveling at a maximum speed of 217 mph, the whole trip is expected to take about two hours. This is especially exciting considering fastest running train between the two cities right now is the Duronto Express, which takes seven hours.
The project, which is expected to begin by the end of 2018, is similar to the new Japanese bullet train (shinkansen) running from Tokyo to Hakodate, which makes use of the undersea Seikan Tunnel, reports the Japan Times.

Conrad Hotels & Resorts Announces Debut Of Conrad Pune In India

 The smart luxury and intuitive service of the Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand debuts in India with the opening ofConrad Pune. Located in the heart of the central business district, the iconic Art Deco inspired Conrad Pune is the epitome of curated experience, services and sophisticated style. The hotel is managed by Hilton Worldwide and owned by Palm Grove Beach Hotels Pvt. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the K. Raheja Constructions Group.

Poised to become Pune’s most coveted address, the luxury hotel is located on Mangaldas Road near Koregaon Park, the city’s prime commercial, residential and entertainment districts. It offers easy access to the city’s IT and business hubs including Magarpatta, Kharadi, Hinjewadi and Pimpri-Chinchwad, as well as the airport.

“The introduction of the Conrad brand in India marks a significant milestone for the brand’s expansion in South Asia, and Pune enjoys a robust demand for high-end hospitality from affluent travellers from around the globe,” says Amit Midha, general manager, Conrad Pune. “We are uniquely positioned to cater to the needs of the new generation of smart luxury travellers, offering access to a world of connections and inspired experiences.”

The destination for the new generation of smart luxury travellers for whom life, business and pleasure seamlessly intersect, Conrad Pune features among the largest guest rooms and suites in the city, six stylish dining outlets, extensive business and recreational facilities and, what is anticipated to fast become, the city’s most sought-after meetings and events space ideal for exclusive social gatherings and business functions.  Providing the backdrop are expansive public spaces with 40-feet high ceilings, cascading water features, a collection of handpicked artwork, bold geometric shapes, dashes of striking colour and hints of lavish ornamentation.

Starting at a spacious 450 square feet, the hotel’s 310 luxurious guest rooms including 20 suites offer the very latest in-room technology.  These are equipped with everything a guest needs for a productive business trip or restful vacation including signature Conrad amenities, plush bedding and five-fixture marble bathrooms with walk-in rain showers and soak tubs.   These ‘Intelligent Rooms’ sense the guest’s arrival and switch from energy saving mode to occupied activating the air-conditioning system, drawing curtains and adjusting the lights to suit the time of day.

Conrad Pune offers the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travellers the ability to customise details of their hotel stay before, during, and after each visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether it's checking-in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features by using the app.

The dining options at the hotel, that promise to become the city’s hot spots, include three innovative restaurants, a chic bar, a unique poolside café, delightful delicatessen and a lobby lounge. Coriander Kitchen, the all-day restaurant offers an interactive culinary journey with multiple live counters serving a range of Indian, Asian and Mediterranean street food inspired cuisine.  With a dramatic 40 feet fully-glazed wall overlooking an outdoor waterscape, this restaurant offers an inspiring venue for a breakfast meeting; and a leisurely lunch or dinner with friends, family or business partners or a quick bite with colleagues. For an indulgent evening, guests can dine at Zeera, the speciality Indian grill fine-dining restaurant, with a display kitchen and sweeping wine wall.  Koji, the Asian speciality restaurant, serves the best of Japanese, Chinese and Thai cuisine.  Meanwhile, the Asian-inspired chic Masu bar features a large sake wall, offering the ideal location for cocktails with colleagues and business associates as well as family and friends. For guests who enjoy the outdoors, Kabana, the poolside café that serves a classic western lounge menu and a selection of refreshing beverages and wines, offers the perfect setting.

Guests can also recharge with a quick bite and a refreshing cup of tea at Pune Sugar Box, the delicatessen that offers freshly baked pastries and savouries, as well as hand-made chocolates. It also features a live counter offering guests the choice of customising their order.

The hotel features a dedicated rejuvenation floor with the city’s first outdoor temperature-controlled pool, a dedicated kids’ pool, whirlpool, a 24-hour fitness centre, a full-service Conrad Spa and a salon.

For guests who wish to explore the city, the dedicated concierge at the hotel is happy to assist in booking a restaurant, securing tickets or organising a taxi or chauffeur driven limousine. For guests who seek inspired experiences, the hotel offers a more customised and curated collection of 1-, 3-, and 5-hour itineraries available at www.StayInspired.com and accessible via the Conrad Concierge mobile app.  Each Conrad 1/3/5 recommendation features an inspired view into each destination covering food, shopping, art and design, culture, family and adventure.

Conrad Pune will be the premier choice for exclusive meetings, private dinners and grand receptions. The 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space at the hotel features a grand ballroom, meeting rooms, seven boardrooms, dedicated entrance, indoor automotive lift, state-of-the-art audio visual technology, intelligent lighting, exceptional service and inspired catering.

The hotel  participates in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest loyalty programme that allows members to earn Points & Miles® for the same stay and redeem points for free nights with No Blackout Dates at more than 4,600 hotels worldwide.  Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton Worldwide channels enjoy access to benefits including an exclusive discounted on room rates, free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available through the Hilton HHonors app, which allows guests to check-in and choose their room.

To learn more about or connect with Conrad Pune, please visit www.ConradPune.com
 or call +91 20 6745 6745.  For more information about Conrad Hotels & Resorts, please visit http://news.conradhotels.com or follow us atwww.facebook.com/conradhotels, https://instagram.com/conradhotels, and http://twitter.com/conradhotels.