The World is my Playground

The sprawling palace of Gaekwads, Lakshmi Vilas in Vadodara, four times larger than Buckingham Palace, a living legacy which still continues and to spread its magical charm not only in Gujarat but across the world. The torch bearers, Maharaja Samarjeet Sinh Gaekwad and Maharani Radhika Raje continue to carry the responsibility of humanitarian initiatives across boundaries. 25th July 2025, the palace was host to the 14th PHDCCI Heritage Tourism conclave where dignitaries from across India and world were present to collaborate, preserve and promote the rich timeless heritage of Gujarat which is home to the largest number of Princely estates which means we have an Intangible heritage, Culture and art. HRH Samarjeetsinh Gaekwad addressed the meet sharing the fact, "The Lakshmi Vilas palace 100 years back was abode of Raja Ravi Verma for over 11 years and he has contributed  towards Indian culture by crafting masterpieces. His name is etched in the walls of palace and his divine art fo...

Gujarat, a land of plenty; it's not only known for it's the longest coastline but there are plenty other natural wonders located in the land of Gandhi. It's home to some of the famous mammals which are: Asiatic Gir Lion and the state is proud for it's growing population which has crossed 600.. second is the Black Bucks and the Wild Asses apart from the hyenas, bears and bats found in plenty. 22nd September 2019, a group of enthusiasts set out on an elaborately planned day trip to capture the entire essence of Little Rann of Kutch. This was the third official outstation trip organised by  # FEAtrails . Greater Rann we all know of.. and the Rann Festival has made it all the more popular with Amitabh Bacchan being the campaign hero. A part of this largest salt desert of the World lies a patch in the eastern side, known as Little Rann of Kutch. This geographical wonder is home to Wild Asses and the Sanctuary details have been submitted to UNESCO in 2006 to be declare...

Touching the new millennium 2000, the skyline of Ahmedabad had been known for very few star category hotels, and Sabarmati peripheral region used to be one key zone to build these Landmark locations.. and attract operators. Then came in Hotel Fortune Landmark in the year 1998 at Usmanpura, with a view of Sabarmati from their rooftop and close vicinity to the airport; soon followed by other revolutionary change, with Vibrant Gujarat seasons, Medical tourism and upsurge in tourism industry there came in a rising room demand which led to landing in  various other players and investors pouring in the market.  Hospitality being a highly demanding industry,  volatile markets and aggressive competition; this is one Landmark which has been standing tall, carrying the same brand tag since two decades. Chef Suresh Khanna amidst his vivid  creations On 23rd May 2018, Hotel Fortune Landmark celebrated their twenty years of operations. A journey worth a mention...

Formula G2 X2... Gear up Gujarat with XX power!! Ancient Queens Necklace from House of Marigold by Shilpa Choksi Moving towards revival, FICCI FLO under the leadership of Paavni Bakeri and guidance of Anil Mulchandani organised an event, "Heritage tourism in Gujarat - towards socio economic development". The event under FLO ladies wing was an effort to bring forward the women in royal families who have been always and are playing key role in preserving the heritage and culture of state which has been passed to us from centuries by our forefathers. After Ahmedabad has been declared as the first Heritage city of India by UNESCO, Amitabh Bachchan the Brand Ambassador of Gujarat...so many Vibrant seasons gone ; the responsibility of the state authorities and those connected with tourism heightens furthermore to gear up and plug in the gaps between past and future.. in order be ready to meet the evolving needs of future traveler, that too as per global hospitalit...

Eleven years after an adventurous ride I land again on this moon-land. January 18 th 2007, I distinctly remember that along with my colleague and media fraternity from Bhuj, Ahmedabad and Rajkot, we all crossed The Great Rann of Kutchh. Those were the days when there was actually no road on this No man’s land, no network, no food, no water. Only Army and BSF used to be the lifeline and support system. BSF post Vigorkot in 2007 Bachendripal and the team before flag off in 2007 No roads and our vehicles went past on bushy, sandy, and rocky terrain, leaving off trails and spreading the fine dust all across in the environs. Mission….. to flag off “First women’s Thar Desert expedition” lead by Ms. Bachendri Pal, passing by the Indo Pak borders. Since it was for work, I always wanted to visit this place again; especially after the ad campaign of ‘Khushboo Gujarat ki’ by Big B. This time it was again the same place, Rann of Kutchh and ...