The alpona (artwork) on the steep, winding road leading to Makaibari bears testimony to the visit of G20 delegates for the second tourism working group meeting in April last year. The lush tea bushes, the delegates joining in for the moonlight plucking of Silver Tips Imperial first flush, a favourite of late Queen Elizabeth II, cut a picture of mystical magic. But it's not the Kurseong tea garden's only shining moment - the last few years have been busy for the estate and its bungalow.
'While the concept was introduced globally over four decades ago, branded residences have taken off now in India.'
India's hospitality sector is rolling out the red carpet for investors. A flurry of upcoming IPOs, or initial public offerings, the entry of new players, and ambitious expansion plans by Indian and global hotel brands are ushering in what could be the industry's most formalised era yet. Leading the charge are real estate titans, who are turning their hotel arms into global hospitality chains.
'This is the Bengal story, where businesses are nurtured, dreams are realised, and legacies are built.'
Groceries, apparel, computers, phones and sporting accessories are among the most popular. There is also a growing trend of men visiting the store, rather than women.
Birla was the chairman of Century Textiles and Industries and had been active in business since the age of 15. He was instrumental in a slew of business initiatives, starting with his stint as the chairman of Kesoram Industries.
Mamata woos industry with boat ride to Gangasagar, Sundarbans
Among the options being weighed are discounts on existing rentals, short-term deferrals, and 50 per cent waivers.
In the last three years, 20 gardens have changed hands, and 90 per cent of the buyers are from non-tea background.
There were concerns among industrialists about direct land acquisition after the present government stated it would not acquire land anymore for industry.
Former CII president R Sashsayee, Jamshed Godrej of the Godrej Group and Suresh Neotia, Chairman of the Gujarat Ambuja, will be among the small group of industrialists meeting the prime minister. Besides the Satyam saga, the World Bank has initiated action against five Indian entities, including Wipro Technologies, for violating the guidelines of the multilateral lending agency on checking fraud and corruption.
Museo Camera, tucked away in a basement in Gurgaon, has over 500 cameras of all vintages as well as 20,000 silver prints
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