Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes a safari in an open camper vehicle at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve on Sunday. (File photo)

Synopsis: 

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has directed officials to replace open camper vehicles with secured buses for safari operations across the State’s tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries after a tourist died at the Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu. He also ordered officials to fit existing safari vehicles with iron-bar grills or shatterproof glass, equip them with first-aid kits, and ensure ambulance services.

Karnataka Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar Khandre has directed officials to replace open camper vehicles with buses for safari operations across the State’s five tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries.

The order comes after a 33-year-old woman tourist died during a clash between two elephants at the Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu.

Khandre said the State would replace open camper vehicles with fully secured buses to improve tourists’ safety during safaris. As an interim measure, existing vehicles will be fitted with iron-bar grills or shatterproof glass, he said.

He further directed officials to equip every safari vehicle with a first-aid kit and ensure ambulance services near safari centres and elephant camps.

Dubare incident

On Monday, May 18, 33-year-old Juneshe was crushed to death at the Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu after she was caught in a fight between two Dasara elephants, Kanjan and Jai Marthanda.

Jai Marthanda was being bathed by tourists as part of an activity offered at the camp when Kanjan was brought nearby to drink water.

Kanjan then reportedly attacked Jai Marthanda, triggering a clash between the two elephants.

During the fight, one of the elephants reportedly lost balance and fell on the tourist, who was taking part in the bathing activity. Jai Marthanda sustained injuries to its head, ears and back during the fight. The elephant succumbed to its injuries the next day.

(Edited by Dese Gowda with inputs from Anisha Reddy)

source: http://www.thesouthfirst.com / South First / Home / South First Desk / by Dese Gowda and inputs Anisha Reddy / May 21st, 2026

Anvith S. of Madikeri has won the Champion Trophy in the junior category at the 15th International Brainobrain Abacus Competition held at Dubai.

8 year old Anvith S. is being trained by Mapangada Kavitha Karumbaiah at the Brainobrain Madikeri Centre. Anvith was one of the 6 contestants from Karnataka State.

The Abacus competition was held at Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai. Over 1,800 children, from 16 countries participated, and it was a very proud moment for Kodagu, when 8 year old Anvith S. representing India won the Champion Trophy.

Anvith S. is the son of  Srinivas V., who is a Lecturer in Made Maheshwara P.U. College and Pavithra M.N., who is working in National Highway Department. Anvith S. is studying in 3rd std in BGS. Public School, Made.

Anvith received the Champion Trophy from from Mr. Arul Subramanian, Director Technical of Brainobrain and Mr. Anand Subramanian, MD Brainobrain.

Faculty Kavitha Karumbaiah attributed the entire credit to Anvith S. for his determination to participate and to his parents and family, for their unwavering support, that made this huge accomplishment possible.

Anvith has won the Gold Topper Medal in the State Level Competition and also the Champion Trophy, in the National Level Competition in Chennai.

source: http://www.clnews.in / CoffeeLand News / Home> General / by CLN Newsdesk / December 13th, 2025

All Indian coffee from MacBeans is farmed organically.

MacBeans in Aberdeen explores the world of Indian coffee, offering fresh blends, single origins and new flavour experiences.

MacBeans Coffee Roasters in the corner of Little Belmont Street in Aberdeen has been open for 37 years. It’s now one of the oldest surviving High Street coffee roasters in Scotland. And unlike most other retailers, it roasts its coffee right on its premises.

For the past several weeks, MacBeans has been roasting coffee freshly delivered from India, which the proprietor, Brian Milne visited early this year.

About 20% of the coffee sold at MacBeans is sourced from India. The shop carries single origin coffees from the South Asian country. But it also uses Indian coffee in many of its own MacBeans blends.

As a former oilfield chemist with a passion for coffee, Brian Milne does not source his coffee blindly. With direct connections to producers all around the world, Brian is able to work closely with them to deliver the highest quality beans to use in every customer’s cup of coffee.

A Passage to India

MacBeans’ proprietor, Brian Milne (center) meets with coffee producers in India

Last January, Brian went on a ten-day trip to South India, facilitated by MacBeans’ coffee importer, to visit different coffee plantations and meet with local producers.

Brian says: “A big part of my drive with our coffee is to make sure I understand where the coffee comes from. Going on these trips is a good opportunity to learn more about what’s happening in each country and finding things that we can support.”

In Bangalore, he met with agricultural communities and local cooperatives, even India’s coffee minister.

Brian shares: “We got to tour The Coffee Board of India’s facility and that really appealed to my background in analytical chemistry. I got very excited over some of the lab equipment because they were doing a lot of work to develop and standardise the quality of the coffee that comes out of India.

“They had an artificial nose and an artificial tongue – analytical instruments designed to analyse the coffee for the compounds that contribute to its aromas and its flavour profile.

An electronic nose analyses coffee for compounds that contribute to its aroma.

“They are building a library of their coffees to keep track of the quality, which was very interesting.

“They also do a lot of agricultural training. A lot of the agronomists who support the farmers have all been trained by or worked with the Coffee Board of India. So there’s a lot of governmental support at that level to help the local coffee producers.”

Caring for the environment

Coffee beans are handpicked by workers in India.

Brian observed that Indian producers followed strict environmental practices. This aligns with the principles of MacBeans, where all the coffee is free of pesticides and farmed organically.

Brian notes: “They reuse a lot of the biomaterials like leaves that have dropped. When they pulp the coffee cherries, all the fruit flesh is composted. That’s what they put back onto the land to help fertilise the crop.

“Because water can be scarce, the processors also collect and recycle the water used from washing the coffee. That’s purified through reed bed processes and reused. So they’re very considerate of the environment.”

People at the heart of the business

Hundreds of people are employed in Indian estates to produce coffee.

Before his visit, Brian knew that India was among the top 10 coffee producers in the world. But he didn’t understand the scale of the production until he saw it for himself.

“During harvest time, the estates we visited would employ about 1,000 people – pickers, processors. But even outside the harvest, there would be 600 or 700 people employed to tend to the land and maintain the plants.

“People are at the heart of the whole process. There are estates owned by families or cooperatives working with small landowners. They all work together to produce their coffee to manage it and support it. It’s a people business.”

The story behind the Monsoon Malabar

Indian workers dry coffee beans in the sun.

On his trip, Brian discovered more about one of MacBeans’ more popular coffees – the Monsoon Malabar.

“What I knew about it was that it was just an aged coffee. Apparently, that came about a hundred years ago when they were shipping coffee from India on long journeys on sailing ships.

“Researchers found that when the coffee got to Europe, it tasted a lot more mellow than it did when it was at origin. They worked out that it was attributed to the damp environment in ships and the extended time the coffee spent in that environment.

“Today, coffee makers in India are replicating that aging process now called monsooning. They harvest the coffee then wash and dry it as normal. But afterwards, it is aged in the monsoon rains then dried in warehouses on the Malabar coast, resulting in a very smooth and mellow coffee.”

This ageing method as well as the production zones are strictly defined by regulations to protect the production and authenticity of the Monsoon Malabar. It’s a system that’s similar to the DOC system for Italian wines.

Busting the Robusta myth

Brian also travelled to Chikmagalur, the heartland of coffee production in South India, right at the tail end of the Robusta crop harvest and the beginning of the Arabica harvest.

MacBeans does not sell Robusta as a single origin coffee. It’s so intensely flavoured that it can be bitter and even unpalatable.

“In India, producers are investing a lot of time and effort into how they treat Robusta coffee when it’s harvested to improve its flavour and develop it into a specialty coffee.

“There’s a method sometimes called the honey process where you pulp the cherries. But you don’t wash off the little bits that stick. So then you still get all kind of fruitiness to the coffee, but it’s a much milder effect.

“They’re also co-fermenting coffees with other fruits in barrels from a few days to a few weeks. The amount of time makes a huge difference to the flavour.

“The trip was an eye-opener for me. I always thought of Robusta as a low-grade coffee that we added to some of our blends to make them stronger in caffeine and in flavour. But we had to be careful about how much we put in because it can affect the taste detrimentally.

“Now I have a much bigger appreciation for the quality of Indian Robusta and its potential to broaden people’s profiles and expectations of coffee. So I’ve committed to use only Indian Robusta. The coffee that I saw being harvested is now in the shop, ready to sell.”

A reminder, though, to those who favour the milder Arabica coffee but would like to explore speciality Robusta. Brian says: “It’s like tasting wine and comparing it to beer; they’re very different – different in the mouth, different flavour profiles.”

The taste of coffee depends on the beans and roasting methods used.

Try MacBeans’ new India coffee trilogy

Of course, Brian was also able to sample Arabica coffee produced at many of the estates.

“There was a huge variety in the flavours that we tried. Some were very fruity, sharp, distinctive flavours that would be great to try.

“We’ve now got Indian Mysore, an Arabica coffee that forms part of our blends. We also roast it as a single origin Indian coffee. The coffee we have now is from the harvest period that started from the end of 2025 and finished up in February this year.”

The Mysore will be combined with Monsoon Malabar and India Tiger Stripes to form MacBeans’ newest coffee trilogy. Inspired by Brian’s recent trip to India, each bag is bursting with flavours just waiting to be explored by eager coffee aficionados.

To order, pop into MacBeans’ Aberdeen shop or visit the store’s website.

source: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk / T P&J / Home> In Partnership with MacBean’s Coffee Roasters / May 21st, 2026

Sooryaprakasha (female) Photo| Express

The species was named after late botanist Dr Sooryaprakash Shenoy. According to the team, Shenoy was an eminent botanist and head scientist at the Dr Shivaram Karanth Biological Park in Mangaluru.

Kasaragod :

A species of damselfly that was discovered in Kodagu last year was recently spotted in Kasaragod.

“Damselflies like dragonflies indicate a healthier ecosystem,” said Muhammed Haneef K A, assistant professor of botany at Thalassery Government Brennen College.

He along with fellow researchers discovered the Protosticta sooryaprakashi, which they named the Kodagu shadowdamsel. The team published its findings in the peer reviewed journal Zootaxa.

The species was named after late botanist Dr Sooryaprakash Shenoy. According to the team, Shenoy was an eminent botanist and head scientist at the Dr Shivaram Karanth Biological Park in Mangaluru. He was widely regarded for his efforts towards biodiversity conservation in the Western Ghats.

“The damselfly stands apart with a bluish-white prothoracic marking, duck-head-shaped genital tips, and distinct caudal appendage structure. It is also the smallest of its species,” said Haneef.

Sooryaprakasha (male)

Haneef was on a field trip in Panathur region in Kasaragod when he spotted the damselfly. “We later spotted it in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. We believe its presence in Wayanad is also due to the region’s micro-climate, which is similar to that of Kodagu,” he said.

Nearly 80% of the protosticta genus flies in the country are endemic to the Western Ghats.

Dragon and damselflies are carnivores which feed on small insects, especially mosquitoes. The Protosticta sooryaprakashi is found in micro-climates with running forest streams, clean water and lots of shade. “The presence of this delicate fly indicates the health of the micro-climate,” Haneef said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Kerala / by Arockiaraj J / May 20th, 2026

Chennai: 

Velavan Senthilkumar and Joshna Chinappa recorded a ‘double’ each in the 3rd National Doubles Squash Championships in Chennai on Saturday, clinching the mixed title together after bagging the men’s and women’s doubles crowns with their respective partners. Senthilkumar-Joshna, the top seed, defeated second-seeded Abhay Singh-Rathika Seelan 11-7, 11-9 in a keenly-contested final at the Indian Squash Academy.

Earlier, Abhay and Senthilkumar, the top seed, won the men’s doubles crown for a third straight year, by beating second-seeded Rahul Baitha-Suraj Kumar Chand 11-8, 11-5 in the title-round.

In the day’s first match, top seed Joshna-Rathika beat Janet Vidhi-Pooja Arthi 11-8, 11-4 in the women’s doubles final. IANS

source: http://www.sentinelassam.com / The Sentinel / Home / by Sentinel Digital Desk / May 17th, 2026

Shutterstock : Book a stay in the coffee and pepper plantations of Coorg

Coorg’s plantation stays sit within working coffee and spice estates, offering quiet retreats shaped by the landscape. From heritage bungalows to hillside cottages, each stay reflects a slower rhythm of life rooted in nature, local culture, and the everyday workings of the plantation.

Old Kent Estates & Spa, Madikeri

Old Kent Estates & Spa was established in 1864. Photo: oldkentestates/Instagram

Set within a 200-acre coffee and spice estate in Suntikoppa, Old Kent Estates & Spa offers a refined plantation retreat shaped by Coorg’s colonial past. Established in 1864 by British Lieutenant Colonel WR Wright, the property preserves the character of a historic planter’s residence while introducing contemporary comforts. Surrounded by coffee bushes, cardamom groves and towering teak trees, the estate remains deeply connected to the landscape that defines Kodagu.

Design & Spaces

• The estate blends British colonial architecture with Tudor Revival influences, featuring deep verandahs, period detailing and heritage-inspired interiors.
• The restored nineteenth-century bungalow, known as The Lodge, houses a library, games room, home theatre, and a formal dining space.
• Walking trails designed by Italian mountaineer Lorenzo Gariano wind through coffee, cardamom and pepper plantations shaded by teak, rosewood, and mahogany trees.
• Accommodation includes a mix of heritage lodge rooms and expansive English-style cottages set across the plantation. The cottages feature private gardens, spacious living areas, and large bathrooms equipped with jacuzzis, rain showers, and traditional bucket baths.

Amenities

• Guests can explore guided plantation trails, birdwatching routes and nature walks across the estate’s 200 acres.
• The property also offers a spa, movie room, library, outdoor games and telescope-assisted stargazing experiences.
• Dining at The Perch and Gordon’s Saloon focuses on multi-cuisine fare alongside freshly ground estate coffee and locally sourced ingredients.

The Information

Address: Thaikappa Estate, Horoor Post, Old Kent Estate Rd, Suntikoppa, Kodagu, Karnataka 571237

Room Rates: Approximately INR 7,000–12,000 per night, depending on season, taxes and inclusions

Website: www.oldkentresorts.com

Evolve Back Coorg

Evolve Back Coorg offers a deeply immersive plantation stay – Photo: evolvebackcoorg/Instagram

Set within a 300-acre working coffee and spice estate near Virajpet, Evolve Back Coorg offers a deeply immersive plantation stay shaped by the landscape of Kodagu. Formerly known as Orange County, the resort combines eco-conscious luxury with traditional Kodava design design and a strong connection to plantation life. Surrounded by dense greenery, the property focuses on quiet, nature-led experiences rather than overt indulgence.

Design & Spaces

• The resort draws inspiration from traditional Kodava architecture, with tiled roofs, carved wooden doors, rustic interiors and earthy textures that blend seamlessly into the surrounding plantations.
• Accommodation includes Lily Pool Villas and Heritage Pool Villas, featuring private pools, spacious living areas, four-poster beds, red oxide flooring and plantation-facing sit-outs designed for privacy and quiet.
• Guided plantation walks, coffeeology sessions and birdwatching trails allow guests to engage closely with the estate’s coffee and spice-growing landscape.

Amenities

• Dining options include The Granary for multi-cuisine fare and Peppercorn, a speciality grill restaurant overlooking the plantation lake.
• The property also features the Ayura Ayurvedic centre, infinity and family pools, a reading lounge and a Coffee and Culture Museum dedicated to Coorg’s plantation heritage.

The Information

Address: Chikkana Halli Estate, Karadigodu Post, Siddapur, Virajpet, Kodagu, Karnataka 571253
Room Rates: Rates generally start from approximately INR 29,750–35,000 per night per couple, including accommodation, breakfast, dinner and taxes. Seasonal offers for longer stays may include resort credits and discounted pricing.
Website: www.evolveback.com/coorg/

The Tamara Coorg

The resort combines eco-conscious luxury with a strong sense of place / Photo: thetamaracoorg/Instagram

Perched more than 3,500 feet above sea level in the Western Ghats, The Tamara Coorg offers an immersive plantation retreat within a 180-acre coffee, cardamom and pepper estate. The resort combines eco-conscious luxury with a strong sense of place, allowing guests to experience the rhythms of estate life while surrounded by dense forest and rolling hills. With sustainability at its core, the property focuses on quiet, nature-led hospitality shaped by the landscape of Coorg.

Design & Spaces

The resort features 56 cottages built on timber stilts to preserve the natural terrain, with architecture inspired by traditional Kerala design and crafted largely from Canadian spruce wood.

Accommodation ranges from Luxury Cottages to spacious suites with private Jacuzzis, all featuring large sundecks overlooking forest canopies, hillsides and seasonal waterfalls.

Plantation walks, coffee-tasting sessions and the signature Blossom to Brew experience introduce guests to the estate’s coffee-growing heritage, while The Verandah — a restored nineteenth-century workers’ residence — now serves as a library and tasting space.

Amenities

Guided treks, birdwatching trails, forest therapy walks and seasonal waterfall explorations form a key part of the experience at the resort.

Dining focuses on fresh, estate-grown ingredients and regional Kodava cuisine, alongside a range of Indian and international dishes.

Sustainability initiatives include organic farming, waste management systems and a no-plastic philosophy integrated across the property.

The Information

Address: The Tamara Coorg, Kabbinakad Estate, Yevakapadi, Napoklu, Madikeri, Karnataka 571212
Room Rates: Rates generally start from approximately INR 25,245 per night for two adults, with pricing varying by cottage category and season.
Website: www.thetamara.com/coorg-resort/

Amni Estate

Amni Estates offers a deeply secluded stay centred on simplicity, nature and slow living / Photo: amni.coorg/Instagram

Hidden within a coffee plantation in the hills of Coorg, Amni Estate offers a deeply secluded stay centred on simplicity, nature and slow living. Family-run and entirely off-grid, the property trades conventional luxury for silence, rugged beauty and an intimate connection with the surrounding landscape. With its antique-filled interiors and misty plantation setting, the estate feels closer to a private countryside retreat than a typical homestay.

Design & Spaces

The property features stone cottages built across grassy slopes in the Balyaatra range, designed to blend naturally into the plantation landscape.

Interiors are layered with antiques collected over decades, including Victorian lamp posts, cast iron fountains and reclaimed railway sleepers that give the estate its old-world character.

Accommodation is centred around a two-bedroom cottage suited to small groups, with quiet corners, hammocks and open spaces that encourage guests to slow down and settle into estate life.

Amenities

• Guided walks through the coffee and spice plantations offer a closer look at the estate’s flora, seasonal produce and surrounding forests.
• Guests can spend their time fishing in the pond, gathering around bonfires or simply exploring the grounds alongside Zeiss, the estate’s well-known resident dog.
• Meals are home-cooked and rooted in traditional Kodava cuisine, with family recipes and locally sourced ingredients forming the heart of the dining experience.

The Information

Address: Guyya (near Galibeedu), Madikeri, Kodagu, Karnataka
Room Rates: Rates are generally around INR 12,000+ per night for two, inclusive of meals and curated activities, depending on season and group size.
Website / Instagram: @amni.coorg

Silver Brook Estate

Silver Brook Estate is a quiet homestay shaped by forested greens, silver oaks and a stream / Photo: silverbrook.homestay/Instagram

Tucked into a 6-acre coffee plantation in Kadagadal, near Madikeri, Silver Brook Estate is a quiet homestay shaped by forested greens, silver oaks and a stream that runs through the property. The setting feels intimate and unhurried, with bird calls, plantation paths and open sit-outs defining the rhythm of the stay. It is designed for travellers looking for a simple, nature-led break close to town.

Design & Spaces

• The estate is spread across coffee plantations shaded by silver oak, pepper vines and fruit trees, with a natural brook running through the grounds.
• Accommodation is set within a main bungalow and select rooms, designed for small groups, couples and families seeking a homely plantation setting.
• Common areas include a library, hammocks and open garden spaces that encourage slow, outdoor living within the estate.

Amenities

• Home-style Kodava meals are a highlight, with traditional dishes such as pandi curry and pepper chicken served by the hosts.
• The property supports relaxed activities like estate walks, birdwatching and bonfire evenings in the open courtyard.
• Its location makes it convenient for day trips to nearby attractions such as Abbey Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp and Nagarhole National Park.

The Information

Address: Kadagadal, near Madikeri, Kodagu, Karnataka

Room Rates: Typically range between INR 5,800–7,400 per night for double occupancy, often including breakfast (season and room type dependent).

Website: www.silverbrookestate.in/home

FAQs

What is a plantation stay in Coorg?
A stay set within working coffee or spice estates, offering quiet surroundings, nature views and a slower pace compared to typical resorts.

Best time to visit?
October to March is ideal for pleasant weather. Monsoon (June to September) is lush but rain-heavy.

How do you reach these stays?
Most require private taxis or self-drive vehicles, as they are located outside town areas and deep within estates.

What activities are offered?
Plantation walks, birdwatching, coffee tours, spa treatments, and nature experiences are most common.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially during peak season and weekends due to limited rooms.

What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, light layers, insect repellent, and rain protection during monsoon.

source: http://www.outlooktraveller.com / Outlook Traveller / Home> Story / by OT Staff / curated by Anuradha Sengupta / May 18th, 2026

Coorg-born fashion and lifestyle content creator Rida Tharana officially made her red carpet debut at the 79th Cannes Film Festival on May 13. A day later, Rida took to Instagram to unveil a series of photos that showcase her look that seamlessly bridges the gap between avant-garde global fashion and the meticulous handiwork of Indian artisans.

Rida’s sculptural ivory gown at Cannes 2026

For her walk across the iconic Cannes Film Fetival red carpet, Rida Tharana chose a custom creation by Indian designer Nikhil Gajare. The gown is a striking example of contemporary couture, featuring a structured, strapless corset bodice and intricate curved paneling that flows across the torso, creating a 3D effect that mimics the organic lines of a seashell.

The rigid structure of the bodice gives way to a voluminous, multi-layered chiffon skirt, allowing for a dramatic twirl that captured attention. A unique, copper-toned pleated sash wraps around the hips, providing a metallic pop against the pristine ivory fabric and highlighting the fusion of different textile techniques. To complete the regal ensemble, Rida wore diamond jewellery by Sennes, with her hair styled in a high, textured, voluminous updo.

Rida’s candid post

Beyond the glamour of the red carpet, Rida shared a deeply personal message regarding her journey to Cannes. In her Instagram post, she admitted that her initial reaction to the invitation was to decline. “When I first found out I had the opportunity to walk the Cannes red carpet, I said no. I didn’t think I deserved it. I questioned myself every second,” she revealed

She credited her management team for pushing her beyond her self-doubt. Rida’s post touched on the rollercoaster of emotions — from the fear of public criticism to the eventual realisation that this was her moment to own. She also revealed that the choice of designer was deliberate. Having worked with Nikhil previously, Rida noted that the piece ‘felt like her’. She likened the experience to a childhood dream, stating that while she never had Barbie dolls growing up, the gown made her feel like a princess.

The debut marks a significant milestone for the creator, and by choosing to wear an emerging Indian couturier on one of the world’s most scrutinised stages, Rida reinforced her reputation as a cultural curator, proving that the journey from Coorg to Cannes is paved with hard work, authenticity, and a bit of self-belief.

“When I say this year is mine, I mean it. This year, and everything that comes after, is mine,” she concluded.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / HindustanTimes / Home / by Sanya Panwar / May 14th, 2026

Joshna Chinappa reached the women’s doubles final alongside Rathika Seelan at the National doubles championships on Friday. | Photo Credit: VELANKANNI RAJ B

Having played  squash since the age of nine, Joshna Chinappa continues to defy time and expectation. Now 39, she remains among India’s finest players, currently ranked World No. 71 and second only to Anahat Singh among Indian women.

Through dedication, discipline and an enduring love for the sport, Joshna continues to set new benchmarks.

So, after nearly three decades on court, what has changed? Joshna has found a different perspective.

“In the last couple of years, I’ve learned to be very detached from the outcomes. I ensure that I do what I need to do to be able to play and train and give it my best. If it doesn’t work out, it’s also okay,” Joshna told Sportstar after reaching the women’s doubles final with Rathika Seelan and the mixed doubles final with Velavan Senthilkumar at the National doubles championships here on Friday.

The results suggest that the shift in mindset has worked in her favour. This season, Joshna captured the Japan Open title, her 11th Professional Squash Association Tour crown and her first in a decade, besides finishing runner-up in two events at home.

The journey, however, has not been easy. Joshna has battled persistent physical setbacks, particularly after undergoing a second surgery on her right knee following the 2023 Asian Games. Yet, she has carried herself with remarkable poise and resilience, continuing to compete against opponents nearly half her age.

“I have not taken a break ever, except for the two knee surgeries. I always say it was the anaesthesia that kept me out. Other than that, I have always been playing back-to-back,” she said with a smile.

“I am also at the stage where it doesn’t excite me to play 12 tournaments a year.”

For now, the immediate target is the forthcoming Asian Games. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is not on her radar at the moment.

But beyond medals and rankings, Joshna understands the significance of simply being able to compete at this stage of her career.

“Any match or tournament that I’m able to play is a huge gift for me. To still do that, play at that level and compete with the best girls in the world, is very encouraging. For me now, it’s more about enjoying my game,” she said.

source: http://www.sportstar.thehindu.com / Sportstar / Home> Squash / by K Keerthivasan / May 15th, 2026

The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary. / Credit: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts

Key Points:

• The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary will feature 71 private villas surrounded by lush greenery and coffee estates near Madikeri, in Karnataka’s Coorg region.
• Guests will enjoy wellness experiences such as yoga, Ayurvedic therapies, and a Turkish hammam at a 27,000-square-foot spa, along with access to a lake and family-friendly amenities.
• The resort reflects the brand’s shift toward nature-focused retreats, offering privacy and restoration in a serene setting.

A new luxury retreat is coming to one of South India’s atmospheric hill regions. Later this year, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, a 2025 Global Vision Awards winner , will launch The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary, a 76-acre, all-villa hideaway set amid coffee estates and misty, forested hills near Madikeri, in Karnataka’s Coorg region.

“The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary offers a rare synthesis of wilderness, wellness, and warmth of true Indian luxury for travelers who seek space, stillness, and a genuine connection to nature,” Anuraag Bhatnagar, the brand’s chief executive officer, shares in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure.

Exterior view of a villa with a private plunge pool. / Credit: Sounak Ghosh / The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts

The resort’s accommodations will include split-level family villas and intimate retreats for couples, all tucked into the surrounding greenery. At the top end, a four-bedroom presidential villa will come with a private pool and wellness facilities.

The setting is a big part of the draw. Coorg, in the Western Ghats, is known for its cooler climate, waterfalls, and rolling spice farms. It’s also one of India’s most important coffee-growing districts. That heritage will show up in the resort’s bean-to-cup coffee programming, including a plantation walk and tasting at Modur, one of Coorg’s oldest coffee estates.

Exterior of the restaurant. / Credit : The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts

On the dining front, the resort is planned with four venues spanning regional and global cooking, including a striking bee-shaped all-day dining restaurant, an overwater dining space, and a lounge.

Wellness will be just as central to the experience, too. Aujasya by The Leela Spa, the resort’s 27,000-square-foot sanctuary drawing inspiration from the brand’s signature wellness program, will offer yoga by the lake, pranayama breath control, Ayurvedic and global therapies, Swedish and Balinese massage, aromatherapy, a Turkish hammam, panoramic sauna, steam, Jacuzzi, and relaxation areas.

The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary. / Credit: Sounak Ghosh/The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts

The seven-acre lake will allow rowing, fishing, and kayaking. Other planned activities include guided nature walks, birding, cycling, stargazing, and forest trails leading to two natural waterfalls. There will also be a family-friendly outdoor play area.

The project marks a new direction for The Leela. Best known for grand city hotels and palace-style stays, the Indian luxury brand is using the Coorg property to introduce its first Sanctuary, a concept focused on nature, privacy, and restoration rather than polished city glamour. The move comes as the company marks its 40th anniversary and expands further into destination-driven leisure travel.

source: http://www.travelandleisure.com / Travel + Leisure / Home / by Regan Stephen / May 14th, 2026

To represent India in the Asian Junior Championships

Mysuru:

Diya Bheemaiah, a native of Kodagu and India’s top-seed junior player, secured the Girls’ Doubles title at the Yonex-Sunrise All India Junior (U-19) Ranking Badminton Tournament 2026 held at the Karnataka Badminton Academy in Vasanthnagar, Bengaluru recently.

Partnering with Baruni Paruswal of Haryana, Diya clinched the title by defeating the Tamil Nadu duo of A.S. Anushka Jennifer   and Deeshitha Singha Gopinath Singh in straight-sets 21-10, 22-20.

This victory also earned Diya a direct spot to represent the Indian Junior Team at the upcoming Badminton Asian Junior Championships – 2026 to be held in Yatsushiro, Japan, from June 26 to July 5.

Furthermore, her performance has secured her a place in the selection process to represent the Indian Junior squad in the Mixed Doubles category as well. Diya is the daughter of Boppanda B. Bheemaiah, a badminton coach and K.K. Kusuma, a fitness coach,  residing in Mysuru.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports /May 13th, 2026