This update highlights key developments across our Asia portfolio, with lodge updates and new experiences in Bhutan, notable hotel openings and cultural highlights in India, new partner properties in Sri Lanka, expedition updates in Nepal, and important access and connectivity news to support itinerary planning. It’s everything you need to craft journeys your guests will never forget.
LODGE UPDATES | INDIA | NEPAL | SRI LANKA | ACCESS AND CONNECTIVITY | OTHER NEWS
The region throbs with a vibrant calendar of festivals, each a unique kaleidoscope of dance, tradition, and joy. From the electrifying energy of music festivals to the soul-stirring solemnity of religious celebrations, these events offer a window into the heart of Asia’s revered cultures.
What began as a bold idea in 2004 has grown into a vibrant network across India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Along the way, it’s the people — our team, our guests, and you, our trade partners — who have brought it to life. We recently raised a toast to this milestone with a celebration on 23 January. Heartfelt thanks to those who joined us, and to all our trade partners whose support has shaped what &Beyond India is today.
It has been a 20-year story shaped by pioneering partnerships, conservation leadership and a shared vision for redefining safari travel in Asia.
A few memorable moments along the way:
From pioneering luxury safaris in India to expanding our presence across South Asia, it has been a remarkable 20-year journey, and we are only just getting started.
2026 lodge room rates have been updated, effective 01 January 2026. The revised pricing applies to rooms only; all other rates, including the child policy, remain unchanged.
Please ensure your systems and collateral reflect the latest information. For further clarification, please contact your regional sales manager.
The lodge has introduced guided stargazing experiences led by trained volunteers. Guests are invited to identify visible planets and constellations, with local interpretations that weave Bhutanese mythology and storytelling into the night sky experience.
01–31 May and 01–31 December 2026
Wellness Masters in Residence is a hosted wellness programme designed to deepen the lodge’s year-round wellbeing offering. During these periods, guests staying at Punakha River Lodge are invited to join scheduled 30-minute group wellness sessions (included in the stay), or to book a selection of optional, highly personalised one-on-one treatments (at an additional cost).
Formerly a lawyer, Vijaya is now a renowned holistic healer whose intuitive approach has been shaped through work with Aman, Four Seasons, Soneva and Six Senses. Her practice blends Reiki, cranio-sacral therapy, energy work and inner-child integration, supporting gentle physical, emotional and spiritual release.
Guests celebrating their next ‘milestone’ anniversary or birthday at &Beyond Punakha River Lodge will receive a 20% discount on their accommodation.
Stay for three nights or more at &Beyond Punakha River Lodge, and we’ll cover your guests’ Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), allowing them to become immersed in the wonders of this Himalayan kingdom without the added cost.
Save 50% on one partner’s accommodation when guests stay at &Beyond Punakha River Lodge – an idyllic and spiritually enriching honeymoon destination nestled amidst the majestic Himalaya mountains.
The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, Khajuraho
A restored palace near Khajuraho and Panna National Park
Located 20 minutes from Khajuraho and its airport, and around 25 minutes from Panna National Park, this 350-year-old palace sits atop the Maniyagarh Hills. Lovingly restored, it blends Bundelkhand traditions with princely grandeur, overlooking extensive gardens and a rain-fed lake. Dining, spa experiences and infinity pools are framed by sweeping views across the landscape.
Khajuraho itself is home to a remarkable group of 22 surviving temples built by the Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050, among the finest examples of classical Indian architecture and sculpture.
Taj Avantika by the Ganges, Varanasi
A new riverside hotel in the spiritual heart of the city
The Taj Group has opened its third Varanasi property and its first overlooking the Ganges. The hotel occupies a repurposed building and is accessible by boat from Ram Ghat or Namo Ghat, or via a short walk through the old city.
The hotel has 43 rooms, most with river views, a private jetty, an all-day dining restaurant overlooking the river, and a rooftop restaurant open in the evenings. In keeping with its riverside location, all food served is vegetarian and alcohol is neither served nor permitted. Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Kaal Bhairav Temple are both within 10 minutes.
Coming soon: The Leela Jaisalmer, a 30-acre desert retreat featuring guest rooms and tented villas, a spa and wellness centre, multiple dining venues, and a man-made lake at its centre.
Lucknow’s food culture
UNESCO recognition for a historic culinary city
Late last year, Lucknow was recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, joining a global network of cities using culinary heritage as a driver of sustainable development. It is only the second Indian city, after Hyderabad, to receive this designation.
Often called the City of Nawabs, Lucknow is renowned for its kebabs and distinctive biryani traditions, shaped by centuries of royal kitchens, family-run eateries, and street-side vendors. The recognition highlights a food culture where every dish carries layers of history and craft.
The Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2026
India’s leading contemporary art event
Running from late December until the end of March, the Biennale is India’s largest international contemporary art exhibition. Founded in 2010 by the Kochi Biennale Foundation, it is a site-responsive, artist-led initiative rooted in the histories and everyday life of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, bringing together artists from India and around the world.
Between 17–22 October 2026, we are operating an exclusive 11-day small group journey through Bengal during Durga Puja, when Kolkata transforms into a city-wide celebration of art and ritual. Guests enjoy insider access to artisans, musicians, and heritage custodians, staying in restored heritage homes and exploring cultural centres along the Hooghly River.
To mark &Beyond India’s 20th anniversary, we’re offering the rare opportunity to experience a journey as remote as it is remarkable: tracking the snow leopard across Ladakh’s dramatic high-altitude wilderness. This is a chance to witness one of nature’s most elusive creatures in its element at a time of year when sightings are at their most likely. A 20% saving makes it an extraordinary opportunity for those who value depth over dazzle.
This limited-time offer is valid for a small number of fixed departures during peak season (November and December 2026, and January 2027).
Revised regulations affecting game drives
Several Indian state Forest Departments now enforce a total ban on carrying mobile phones and tablets into national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Photography remains permitted using cameras, but mobile phone cameras are not allowed. This policy is currently enforced in parks across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, including Panna, Tadoba, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench, Satpura, Corbett and Rajaji.
Straddling the India–Nepal border, Singalila National Park spans altitudes of 2,500–3,650 m (8,202–11,975 ft) and is one of the last strongholds of the endangered red panda. Its forests range from oak and magnolia to rhododendron, bamboo and alpine woodland, supporting exceptional biodiversity and over 300 bird species.
Set in the Buddhist village of Jaubari on the park’s edge, the Red Panda Outpost offers a small, intimate base for guided walks led by experienced local naturalists. The lodge features seven comfortable rooms, heating, hot water, and wholesome seasonal meals, with evenings centred around a traditional bukhari fire.
Tri Koggala
Management transition ahead of relaunch
Teardrop Hotels has taken over management of this 15-room lakefront retreat overlooking Koggala Lake, 15 minutes from Ahangama and 20 minutes from Galle. Between now and July 2026, the focus will be on service, food and guest experience enhancements ahead of a full relaunch under Teardrop’s management.
Singalila Ridge
Access to prime red panda viewing areas
The prime red panda viewing areas lie within the forests on the western, Nepalese side of the Singalila Ridge. International access is best via Kathmandu, as the journey is shorter and avoids the need to cross the India–Nepal border.
Alternatively, the nearest Indian airport is Bagdogra Airport, near Darjeeling, with multiple daily flights from Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati. Transfers from Bagdogra, including border formalities, take approximately five hours. While this is a longer journey, Bagdogra’s location allows the red panda experience to be easily combined with Kaziranga National Park in Assam, as well as Kolkata and Delhi.
Sri Lanka
Additional flights to Colombo
Bhutan
New air access and global media exposure
Druk Air has operated its first international flight from the upgraded Gelephu Airport, Bhutan’s fourth operational airport and second with international connections after Paro. Current services operate to Kolkata on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Bhutan also features in a new Pole to Pole series presented by Will Smith, filmed over five years and premiering in January 2026. One episode explores the Himalaya, filmed in Bhutan, focusing on wellbeing, happiness, and cultural insight. The series streams on Disney+ and Hulu.
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