Ahmedabad to Colombo Just Got Easier — Here’s How City of Dreams Sri Lanka Makes the Journey Complete

(In the above image- Left to Right- Mr. Palak Shah - Vice President Sales - Cinnamon Colombo Hotels; Mr. Nalaka Amaratunga - Chief Executive Officer - Destination Management Sector at John Keells Holdings; Mr. Rakesh R Shah - Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in the State of Gujarat Chairman & Managing Director of GSEC Limited; Mr. Sanath Jayasuriya - Former Cricketer; Mr. Kamal Munasinghe - Senior Vice President, Colombo Hotels, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams)

Ahmedabad, June 2026: Sri Lanka is now one of the easiest international luxury getaways for travellers from Gujarat. Starting 19 June 2026, FitsAir, Sri Lanka$B!G(Bs first private international airline, will launch direct flights between Ahmedabad and Colombo, offering seamless access to the island nation in just 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Launched in partnership with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, City of Dreams Sri Lanka, and Walkers Tours, the new route is set to redefine how travellers from Gujarat experience Sri Lanka for luxury weekends and family holidays to destination weddings, entertainment-led escapes, wellness retreats, and spontaneous international getaways.

Commenting on the launch, Kamal Munasinghe, Senior Vice President - Colombo Hotels, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and General Manager, City of Dreams Sri Lanka, said: $B!H(BIndian travellers are increasingly looking for international destinations that combine accessibility with premium experiences. This new route allows travellers from Gujarat to experience Colombo and City of Dreams Sri Lanka more conveniently than ever before.$B!I(B

Ammar Kassim, Director, FitsAir, added: $B!H(BWe are delighted to introduce direct connectivity between Ahmedabad and Colombo. The route is designed to offer travellers a seamless and comfortable journey while strengthening tourism and cultural exchange between India and Sri Lanka.$B!I(B

With reduced travel time, no long layovers, specially curated travel packages, and increasing travel conveniences such as UPI payments, Colombo is becoming one of the most accessible and attractive short-haul international destinations for Indian travellers.

India and Sri Lanka share deep cultural, historical, and religious ties, with growing interest around heritage tourism and the Ramayana trail further strengthening Sri Lanka$B!G(Bs appeal among Indian travellers, especially families from Gujarat. Alongside its cultural connect, Colombo today offers a vibrant mix of luxury hospitality, shopping, nightlife, beaches, cuisine, and entertainment experiences.

At the heart of this transformation is City of Dreams Sri Lanka, South Asia$B!G(Bs first integrated resort destination, designed to offer immersive hospitality, entertainment, dining, nightlife, lifestyle experiences, and large-format celebrations including weddings and social events under one iconic address.

Everything Travellers Need to Know About the New Ahmedabad to Colombo Route

The direct service will operate between Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad and Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, significantly reducing overall travel time and eliminating the inconvenience of multiple connecting flights.

The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes, making Colombo one of the quickest and most convenient international holiday destinations from Gujarat.

Flight Schedule

Effective 19 June 2026, FitsAir will operate flights three times a week.

Route

Departure Time (Local)

Arrival Time (Local)

Ahmedabad $B"*(B Colombo

03:40

06:50

Ahmedabad $B"*(B Colombo

10:45

13:55

Colombo $B"*(B Ahmedabad

23:25

02:35

Colombo $B"*(B Ahmedabad

06:30

09:40

The schedules are designed to maximise holiday time, allowing travellers to land in Colombo and begin exploring the city almost immediately.

The route will be operated on FitsAir$B!G(Bs Airbus narrow-body aircraft, offering travellers a comfortable international flying experience with efficient boarding, onboard hospitality, and light refreshments during the journey.

Why Colombo & City of Dreams Are Emerging as the Perfect Short-Haul Luxury Escape

Just 3 hours and 40 minutes from Ahmedabad, Colombo makes for an ideal short international getaway for Indian travellers.

The new direct route is expected to attract honeymooners, families, luxury seekers, wellness travellers, food lovers, and young audiences looking for a quick international break, with curated Cinnamon itineraries extending across Sri Lanka, from Kandy to the southern beaches.

At the heart of the experience is newest opening, City of Dreams Sri Lanka, South Asia$B!G(Bs first integrated resort destination, bringing together luxury stays, dining, nightlife, entertainment, leisure experiences, and destination weddings under one iconic address.

Travellers can also explore the wider Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts portfolio across Colombo including Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, and Cinnamon Red Colombo.

Special Launch Packages for Indian Travellers

To celebrate the launch of the Ahmedabad to Colombo route, specially curated travel packages for Indian travellers are being introduced starting from INR 55,555 onwards.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts Expands with New Property in Ahmedabad Launches The Fern Residency, Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad

Mumbai, January, 2025: The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, is pleased to announce the launch of its latest hotel in Ahmedabad- The Fern Residency, Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad. The addition of this new property will reinforce the brand's leadership position in this key market and underline its commitment to impeccable guest experiences. The company now has a total of 36 properties in Gujarat, operational and shortly opening.

Mr. Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, expressed his pleasure at the group's continued expansion and commitment to delivering impeccable hospitality. Speaking on the occasion, he commented, “This new addition to our portfolio marks an important milestone in The Fern Hotels & Resorts’ continued expansion in Gujarat, a state that has seen significant growth in both business and leisure tourism. As we continue to grow our presence in the heart of Ahmedabad’s vibrant business district, we remain dedicated to our vision of delivering sustainable, eco-friendly and guest-centric stays that reflect the highest standards of hospitality.”

The hotel offers 83 elegantly furnished rooms and suites all designed with modern amenities including ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. Guests can indulge in a variety of dining options, with Khana Khazana offering an all-day multi-cuisine experience that includes delectable buffets and à la carte selections. The 24 Carat – Round The Clock Café provides round-the-clock service with an internationally inspired menu, perfect for casual snacks and global cuisine. In-room dining is available 24/7, with a special selection of snacks, meals and a kids' menu.

Other amenities include a refreshing swimming pool, spa and a well-equipped gym, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests. Additionally, the hotel features multiple fully equipped meeting and banquet facilities including Crystal - I, II and III and Emerald which cater to MICE gatherings and intimate weddings. With options ranging from 1,180 to 3,680 sq. ft., these spaces can be tailored to suit various event configurations.

Located just 12 km from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, 5 km from Kalupur Railway Station and 4 km from Geeta Mandir Bus Terminal, The Fern Residency, Ellisbridge, provides easy access to Ahmedabad's top attractions, including Manav Mandir, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque and Kankaria Lake, for a refined and convenient stay.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts taken over The Metropole Hotel, Ahmedabad

The Fern Residency Subhash Bridge, Ahmedabad, is the company’s 24th operational hotel in Gujarat

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, is pleased to announce the takeover of The Metropole Hotel, Ahmedabad under the company’s revenue-share model.

Located close to the banks of the Sabarmati River, the hotel is easily accessible by road, rail, and air, with easy access to key business districts.

The hotel is currently operational and undergoing refurbishment and upgradation. On completion, it will be rebranded as The Fern Residency Subhash Bridge, Ahmedabad, and offer 69 rooms & suites, all fully air-conditioned and equipped with tea/coffee makers, a Minibar, Wi-Fi connectivity, LED TVs, in-room dining and eco-friendly bathroom amenities. The hotel also boasts a multi-cuisine restaurant, spacious banquets, meeting rooms, and a Health Club.

Speaking of the rebranding, Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are thrilled to be introducing The Fern Residency Subhash Bridge, Ahmedabad as our newest addition to our growing portfolio of hotels in Gujarat. The refurbished property will reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability.”

Basant Sabu, Associate Vice President – Business Development, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, further elaborated, “As we expand our footprint in the dynamic hospitality landscape of Gujarat, we take immense pride in introducing our Fern Residency brand in Ahmedabad. The city is a melting pot of culture, business, and history, and holds immense potential as a thriving market for both business and leisure travellers. With its thoughtfully designed amenities and eco-conscious initiatives, we strive to redefine the standard of hospitality, catering to the evolving needs of our discerning guests.”

Ahuja Residences ties up with a skilling NGO to support the ‘Skill India’ initiative The first batch of the upskilling program held in Daslana, Ahmedabad

Ahuja Residences ties up with a skilling NGO to support the ‘Skill India’ initiative The first batch of the upskilling program held in Daslana, Ahmedabad

April 2022, Gujarat: Ahuja Residences and its sub-brand Yuhi Hospitality Services have joined hands with the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) to support the ‘Skill India’ development initiative. The certification of the first batch of its upskilling program was held on Thursday, April 14th, 2022, in Daslana, Ahmedabad. Ahuja Residences and Yuhi Hospitality Services signed an MoU with THSC to recruit and upskill 50+ underprivileged people from the country’s Northeast and train them at different Ahuja Residences and Yuhi Hospitality properties in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Pune, and Gurugram. Among the skillsets, the program is focusing on are front office, food & beverage (service), and housekeeping.

The training program has been established with an eye on specific job roles, better alignment to company culture, and, more importantly, an outcome-based training model. The candidates have been hired as apprentices from day one under the National Apprentice Promotion Scheme (NAPS), and are given a healthy stipend along with other facilities, including uniform, meals, accommodation and medical services, etc.

The program will benefit people from underprivileged backgrounds and offer them a chance to build toward a better future. It will enable them to advance their skills and provide them employment, while also making it easier for them to land jobs in the future and open doors to further opportunities.

Jaideep Ahuja, MD, and CEO of Ahuja Residences said, “In the changing times and with the bouncing back of the hospitality industry, there is a pressing need for skilled and qualified young labour which is difficult to procure by conventional market practices. To fill this vacuum, THSC together with NAPS has created a potential and viable solution, which will help in the quick revival of the hospitality industry.”

About Ahuja Residences

Providing hospitable accommodation solutions for 40 years, Ahuja Residences has served over half a million customers and aspires to be India’s leading provider of extended-stay and budget accommodations. Offering innovative, reliable, cost-effective and customised services to corporate and individual customers, Ahuja Residences aims to be the brand of choice for the value-conscious traveller.  The brand is one of India's leading providers of quality boutique hotels, corporate housing and serviced apartments in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Pune, Rohtak, Ahmedabad and Sricity (Andhra Pradesh) . One of India's premier signatures in the sphere of hospitality and related services, Ahuja Residences offers over 300 properties across the country, with more than 1,000 fine suites and rooms dotting the tourist’s and corporate traveller’s map. Over the years, Ahuja Residences hotels have been consistently rated among the top performers in their category by TripAdvisor and MakeMyTrip.

The brand has service apartments in some of the finest neighbourhoods in South Delhi, like Vasant Vihar, Anand Niketan, Golf Links, Defence Colony, etc. and also in Sector-44 at Noida and at the condominium complexes in Gurugram such as Park Place, The Crest, Belaire and others. Ahuja Residences boutique hotels are located in the most exclusive neighborhoods of Golf Links and Sunder Nagar in New Delhi and DLF City Phase-1 and 2 in Gurugram. AR Suites, the company’s suite-only brand, operates properties in Kalyani Nagar in Pune, and Noida. It recently launched a 97-room property in Pune called AR Suites Jewels Royale and 58 rooms property in Gurugram, Air-Conscious living by Ahuja Residences.

In addition to providing Serviced Apartments to Expats, especially Japanese Clients, Ahuja’s subsidiary company, Yuhi Hospitality Services, provide short term accommodations through its boutique Japanese hotels across the country and operates facilities in Gurugram, Rohtak, Hoshiarpur, Sricity (an SEZ) in Andhra Pradesh and have recently started its operations at Daslana, near Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

Courtyard By Marriott, Ahmedabad appoints Saptarshi Biswas as their Hotel Manager

ringing to Marriott International’s recently opened second Courtyard by Marriott in Ahmedabad his 15 years of experience, Saptarshi Biswas recently joined as the Hotel Manager. The property, located along Sindhu Bhawan Road (SBR), was inaugurated in November 2020, soon after Diwali.

An alumnus of Institute of Hotel Management in Kolkata, Biswas brings along a diverse experience panning over 15 years during, which he worked with various internationally renowned brands in various capacities.

He started his career as a management trainee in the rooms division in 2005 at the Park Hotel in Delhi and later at The Imperial and The Leela, both in Delhi too. Saptarshi joined Marriott International in 2014, at the JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, followed by operational assignments at Bengaluru Marriott Whitefield, Westin Chennai as Director of Operations and most recently at Westin Hyderabad as Hotel Manager.

Throughout his tenure, Biswas’work has been recognised and rewarded: He represented India on the coveted APAC Rooms Division Advisory Board to lead key initiatives from 2017 to 2019. That apart, he bagged the Best Arrival Experience Award while at JW Marriott in Asia in 2015 and was also the Lead Trainer for the pre-openings of JW Marriott Singapore, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru and Sheraton Grand Chennai.

His role at Courtyard by Marriott – SBR, will primarily focus on pre-opening and positioning the hotel in the local market as Marriott International strengthens its brand portfolio in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Ahmedabad, which is also an emerging business hub.

Source

City’s iconic eateries open their doors with safety measures in place

Be it the Garma garam New Lucky Restaurant ki chai, piping hot bhajiyas at Ashtodiya Bhajiya House, Gujarati thali at Chandravilas, or mouth-watering non-vegetarian delicacies at Moti Mahal, the eating out experience in Ahmedabad is incomplete without going to these iconic eateries.

After being closed for more than two months, these eateries are back in action again, but with all safety measures in place.

From face masks, hand gloves, and sanitizers to social distancing and thermal scanning, they have seamlessly adapted to the new normal.

For More Information Click below :

timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/citys-iconic-eateries-open-their-doors-with-safety-measures-in-place/articleshow/76707479.cms