From breathtaking treks and serene retreats to immersive cultural experiences, we’ll design a personalised itinerary that captures the essence of South Asia. Whether your guests are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a blend of both, our curated experiences will leave them with unforgettable memories. Not to mention our unbelievable offers designed to make any adventure even more extraordinary.
October 2024
Important travel updates, unmissable offers, new journeys and exciting things to do in South Asia
Keeping you in the know…
Click on the below hyperlinks to be taken directly to your updates of interest.
&Beyond Punakha River Lodge
Nestled deep within the lush embrace of the Punakha Valley, gracefully poised along the banks of the Mo Chu River, discover our first-ever owned lodge in Asia and all its hidden wonders. The lodge opened to acclaim twelve months ago and has been warmly welcoming guests since.
&Beyond Punakha River Lodge’s staff struck exactly the right balance of professionalism and warmth, and they pulled off the trick of providing extremely attentive service without being overbearing.
Read what Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report had to say in the August 2024 issue:
“My favorite Punakha property was yet to come. &Beyond Punakha River Lodge requires no footbridges to reach it nor golf carts for intraresort transport. Although it’s much lower down than the nearby Six Senses, the public buildings and seven of the eight stand-alone accommodations provide sensational views up the valley all the way to its end in the snowcapped Gasa Mountains.
The staff proved adept at creating memorable moments, and I appreciated their discreet attentiveness. Whenever we came back, whether from a meal, a yoga class or a spell by the infinity pool, we found our room had been tidied. Yet we never once ran into a housekeeper. Even after we had our last breakfast on the main patio — each table receives its own little buffet — we found our bed made and towels rehung.”
The Ultimate Honeymoon in Bhutan
Punakha and Paro
Guests can celebrate their union in the last remaining Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan on an intimate and romantic 6-day escape uncovering magnificent mountain scenery, incredible architecture and fascinating culture.
Reminder of our offers for Punakha River Lodge
Let us help your guests discover the best of Bhutan.
We love sharing in your guests’ special occasions, which is why we’ve designed a few incredible offers to ensure these precious moments are even more memorable when celebrated with us.
Milestone Celebrations Offer
&Beyond Punakha River Lodge
Guests celebrating their next ‘milestone’ anniversary or birthday at &Beyond Punakha River Lodge will receive a 20% discount on their accommodation.
Honeymoon Special Offer
&Beyond Punakha River Lodge
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.
What to do
Discover new itineraries, insider tips, and must-visit attractions to make your guests' stay unforgettable.
New Humayun’s Tomb Museum
Central New Delhi, India
A new site museum in central New Delhi, India developed by the Aga Khan Trust and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has opened within the Humayun’s Tomb-Sunder Nursery complex. The museum is sunken with a sloping pathway leading into the permanent gallery and the underground museum has five galleries. Guests are introduced to more than three thousand years of Delhi’s history and the many cities before the focus is narrowed on the Nizamuddin area and its role in India’s pluralistic history.
The main gallery ‘Where the Emperor Rests’ looks at the fascinating personality of Humayun, and the architecture of his tomb – the first garden tomb in the subcontinent. This gallery is a distillation of the 25+ years of conservation and research. Many of the objects and models on display are being exhibited for the first time. An accompanying book by the historian Ebba Koch is titled ‘The Planetary King’ provides more information.
The museum is more than a fascinating introduction to Humayun’s Tomb, the charbagh, and ancillary tombs and buildings. Eight of the 18 Mughal emperors are buried here. This cleverly designed space is now the link between Humayun’s Tomb, the Nizamuddin dargah, and the Sunder Nursery while at the same time part of a larger urban renewal project.
Explore the Wildlife of Central India
This 11-night itinerary combines visits to the Tadoba National Park and Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem and forms part of a crucial wildlife corridor connecting Kawal Tiger Reserve in Telangana to the south and Tadoba National Park to the east. Beyond its famed tiger population, Tadoba is a hotspot for sightings of dholes (Asiatic wild dog), leopards, gaurs (wild oxen), sloth bears, nilgai, sambars, spotted deer, barking deer, a variety of reptiles, and over 200 bird species.
Mountains, rivers and jungles of Nepal
Experience the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting, encounter breathtaking wildlife on safari, and find tranquillity amidst stunning mountain landscapes on this 12-day journey. Uncover the warmth of Nepali hospitality as you explore charming villages and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this enchanting country.
2025 events not to be missed
Keep your guests up-to-date with what's happening when.
Plan your guests’ next adventure round one of these sacred events.
Jaipur Literature Festival
The world’s largest literary extravaganza returns to Jaipur in the new year. Bringing together readers, writers, influencers, critics, and thinkers it will be held at Clarks Amer.
The Kumbh Mela, Allahabad (Prayagraj)
The largest gathering of human beings in the world means a fascinating sea of humanity.
Read More
Dhruv Singh and Lakshmi Singh, who have run successful camps at previous Kumbh Mela festivals (and luxury lodges outside parks in central India), are there to look after guests, guide them through this incredible event, and make it a safe and memorable experience. The camp includes a multitude of guided experiences and a photographic studio for those wanting a professional space for photographing sadhus, pilgrims or people at the Kumbh Mela.
Festivals in South Asia to book now
A celebration of colour and culture.
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.
Where to stay
A few of our favourite partner properties featured this month
Must-stay accommodation in India
Browse a few of our favourite partner properties
Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur has recently had a major refurbishment and upgrade. It is again a worthy addition to the Taj’s portfolio of palace hotels.
Oberoi Vindhyavilas, Bandhavgarh opens in January 2025 with 21 keys spread over nine hectares (22 acres). 19 Luxury Tents and two Luxury Villas with two bedrooms, private garden and pool.
Oberoi Grand, Kolkata has closed for a major renovation. The first phase of renovation will be completed in late 2025 and the hotel will reopen with 50 rooms and suites, all the restaurants, banqueting, back of house facilities and the infrastructure fully upgraded. The second phase of renovation will take an additional 12 months, after which, the hotel will have 200 completely renovated rooms and suites. We look forward to welcoming guests back to this magnificent location soon.
Must-stay accommodation in Sri Lanka and Nepal
Browse a few of our favourite partner properties
Sri Lanka:
The Uga Halloowella overlooking the Castlereagh reservoir in the hills of central Sri Lanka opens in December 2024. This is an exciting addition to the Uga Escapes portfolio. The estate was establishes in 1880 and the original colonial bungalow a little later. Located at 1 444 m (4 737 ft) above sea level and still surrounded by productive tea estates. The bungalow has been restored to its former glory by Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte. With six luxurious suites, impeccable dining experiences, expansive lawns, and a gorgeous infinity pool
Nepal:
Hilton Kathmandu, Kathmandu’s first Hilton has opened near the centre of the city. Located behind the old royal palace in Naxal, it is conveniently close to the airport and sites such as Pashupatinath and the Boudhanath stupa.
Dorje’s Resort & Spa, Pokhara, with 18 rooms Dorje’s Resort and Spa blends contemporary design with traditional Nepali elements. The stone walls, wooden beams and slate roofs echo the architectural heritage of villages in central Nepal. The resort has outdoor Jacuzzis, steam and sauna, spa, and ice-bath, and gym.
Things to know
Latest news, important updates and changes you need to know about
&Beyond in Rajasthan
New &Beyond offices in Jaipur and Udaipur
Our new &Beyond offices in Jaipur and Udaipur are busy handling the day-to-day logistics of individual guest and group programmes throughout Rajasthan. These on-the-spot teams can more efficiently quality control the programmes, liaison with our team of local guides, and seeking new experiences
Flight connections
Aviation in the region continues to grow. Both IndiGo and Air India, now returned to Tata ownership and management are both expanding their networks within the region and internationally. And both placed orders with Airbus and Boeing for almost 500 planes – each! Indigo remains a low cost carrier on most routes but is introducing an Executive Class on routes linking major metros in late 2024.
Bhutan:
- Druk Air is expanding it network from 20 October 2024 with a twice weekly Paro-Dubai-Paro flight. This will be an useful link with the Emirates network offering a single connection between 12 cities in the US, and 40 cities in Europe.
- Bhutan Airways is also expanding with a proposed Paro-Ho Chi Min City-Paro flight that will offer one stop connections with North America over the Pacific on Vietnam Airways and other carriers.
- Within Bhutan Druk Air (KB) links Paro to Bumthang, Gelaphu and Yongphula. Druk Air has added a new H130 T2 helicopter in July and is expecting the third aircraft to arrive this month, making it a total of three helicopters in the country. A new private operator is about to offer premium helicopter services, providing an alternative to the sole state-owned services. A single Airbus H-125 helicopter is scheduled to arrive in Bhutan by January 2025.
Sri Lanka:
- IndiGo is beginning a daily service between Chennai, in Tamil Nadu, and Jaffna. Alliance Air (still owned by the Government of India) also operates on these sectors.
- Jetstar Asia will start Colombo to Singapore operations in November with five return flights each week.
Nepal:
- Civil Aviation of Nepal have issued a notice that due to the maintenance work at the airport in Kathmandu, the airport will be closed with effect from 22h00 to 08h00 every day from 08 November 2024 until the 31 March, 2025. Some flights have been rescheduled and our Kathmandu office has all the details; please contact Pradeep Shah for more information.
Train connections
More Vande Bharat trains linking places of interest and making connections that were earlier difficult. Perhaps the most useful is the forthcoming Agra-Varanasi-Agra link six day a week (does not operate on Fridays). The route is via Kanpur and Allahabad (Prayagraj). The departure and return times are as follows:
Departure:
- Agra: 06h00
- Kanpur: 09h15
- Allahabad: 11h25
- Varanasi: 13h00
Return:
- Varanasi: 15h20
- Allahabad: 16h50
- Kanpur: 18h57
- Agra: 22h20
Visas
Sri Lanka promises visa free arrival for nationals of 35 countries with effect 01 October 2024. The visa will be valid for a period of six months. More details are available from our Colombo office, please contact Rohan Subasinghe.
The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World
By William Dalrymple (Bloomsbury)
Dalrymple is best known for his four eminently readable volumes of narrative history covering the East India Company and the Mughal era (The Company Quartet). His new book is a departure and as always very readable. And it is both fascinating and very good. Dalrymple’s aim in The Golden Road is, he says, “to highlight India’s often forgotten position as a crucial economic fulcrum, and civilisational engine, at the heart of the ancient and early medieval worlds and as one of the main motors of global trade and cultural transmission in early world history, fully on a par with and equal to China.”
Dalrymple explains “This entire spectrum of early Indian influence has always been there, hiding in plain sight in the Buddhism of Sri Lanka, Tibet, China, Korea and Japan, in the place names of Burma and Thailand, in the murals and sculptures of the Ramayana and Mahabharata in Laos and Cambodia, in the Hindu gods, rituals and temples of Bali. Yet somehow the Golden Road linking all these diverse forms and geographies into … a vast Indosphere stretching all the way from the Red Sea to the Pacific, has never been recognised as the link … and up to now has never been given a name.”
This single volume is now the most accessible introduction to early Indian history and the country’s crucial role in the spread of science, mathematics, and philosophy across our planet.
WILDwatch
Your guests' window to our wild world.
View our latest WILDwatch snow leopard sightings to inspire their next India adventure.
Partner Resources
Tools for you to use.
Here you will find all the resources you need to be an &BEYOND expert. Specially curated for your convenience, visit our Partner Resources page – your comprehensive toolkit of resources – to help you promote and, where appropriate, encourage you to convert new business.
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