Category: Business

SINGAPORE, Thursday, May 28: Cornerstone OnDemand Inc., a global leader in workforce readiness solutions, today announced new research showing that organisations across Asia-Pacific and Japan are losing millions of dollars each year to preventable workforce capability gaps tied to culture.

The report, The Hidden Number: The Economic Value of Culture and Capability, finds that for every 1,000 employees, the cost of unaddressed culture and capability failures is estimated at SGD 1.25 million in Singapore, INR 7.03 million in India, JPY 62.38 million in Japan and AUD 1.64 million in Australia. Notably, around 85% of these costs are tied to retention and absenteeism, pointing to existing teams rather than hiring pipelines as the largest source of workforce cost.

The research measures workforce capability across six pillars to highlight where organisations are losing value and demonstrate how culture and capability investment translates into commercial outcomes. The findings expose a consistent disconnect between how leaders perceive their organisations and how employees actually experience them.

HR leaders across Asia-Pacific and Japan rate their organisations’ workforce capability significantly higher than employees do in every market surveyed, a gap that holds whether the market is high-growth or mature. Researchers warn the disconnect may be distorting strategic decisions on AI investment, restructures and hiring.

Among the report’s findings:

●    APJ HR leaders rate workforce capability at 81.5 out of 100, while employees rate it more than 15 points lower across every market surveyed, a consistent gap regardless of market maturity.

●     Around 85% of the economic cost tied to capability gaps comes from retention and absenteeism rather than hiring inefficiency.

●    AI and Workforce Planning is the most significant blind spot region-wide, with employees reporting far lower confidence in their preparedness for automation and role change than HR leaders assume.

●     Indonesia and India lead the region in HR leader confidence but record the largest disconnects between leadership and employee perceptions.

●     Japan posts the lowest capability maturity score in the region and the weakest employee confidence in AI readiness.

●     Capability gaps widen in larger enterprises, where organisational complexity amplifies disconnects in leadership credibility, workforce planning and internal talent mobility.

The findings echo a separate Cornerstone study recently released, which found that in a survey of 2,000 US and UK employees, 46% reported using AI tools at work without any formal training from their employer, and 65% were building AI skills independently outside of work.The consistent pattern of employees navigating AI adoption without adequate organisational support points to a structural gap in how organisations globally are managing the human side of AI deployment.

 “The most important drivers of performance in modern organisations have historically been invisible. They sit across attrition, lost productivity, delayed hiring, contractor reliance and failed transformation outcomes, but are rarely measured as one workforce lever,” said Brenton Smith, Vice President, Asia-Pacific & Japan at Cornerstone OnDemand.

 

“This research gives APJ leaders a new way to see their Invisible P&L. The organisations that will outperform over the next five years are those that treat workforce capability as a measurable commercial system, not a soft HR metric.”

To help organisations address these gaps, Cornerstone launched Cornerstone Workforce AI™, the intelligence platform for workforce readiness, designed to deliver the insights leaders want, the skills people need, and AI agents that make action easy.

At its core are the Cornerstone People Graph™ and Cornerstone Skills Engine, which combine to turn two decades of workforce data across 45 million users, terabytes of labour market intelligence, a taxonomy of more than 55,000 skills, over 1 billion workforce profiles, and signals from systems-of-record into an inference layer that powers every decision. 

 

The rich, dynamic context this creates, coupled with agentic orchestration, makes Cornerstone Workforce AI a powerful ally for organizations who want to deliver strategic outcomes faster and turn continuous workforce readiness into a competitive advantage.

 

 

May 28 : India added 2.7 GW of rooftop solar capacity in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026 compared to 2.2 GW in Q4 2025 and 1.2 GW in Q1 2025, according to Mercom India Research’s newly released Q1 2026 India Rooftop Solar Market Report.

Installations during the quarter were driven largely by the PM Surya Ghar program, supported by subsidy-backed systems, simplified approval processes, and increasing state-level implementation support.

The residential segment accounted for 82% of total rooftop solar installations during Q1 2026. The industrial, commercial, and government segments contributed 11%, 7%, and 0.4% of the quarterly additions, respectively.

Installations under the capital expenditure (CAPEX) model accounted for 81% of the quarter’s additions, and capacity additions under the operational expenditure or renewable energy service company (OPEX/RESCO) model represented approximately 19% of installations.

“The rooftop solar market maintained strong momentum in Q1 2026, with installations increasing 25% quarter-over-quarter and 125% year-over-year, driven primarily by robust residential demand under the PM Surya Ghar program. While consumer interest in rooftop solar remains strong, the next phase of growth will depend more on implementation and execution. Faster approvals, financing access, installation quality, DISCOM coordination, and grid readiness will increasingly determine how quickly the residential segment can scale. As rooftop solar penetration rises, improving on-ground execution and consumer experience will become critical to sustain long-term growth,” said Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group.

Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat led rooftop solar capacity installations during the quarter, accounting for 17%, 16%, and 15% of installations, respectively.

Rooftop solar tenders totalling 482 MW were issued in Q1 2026, a decline of over 38% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) while increasing nearly 32% year-over-year (YoY). In Q1 2026, 269 MW of rooftop solar capacity was auctioned, a 67% decline compared to Q4 2025.

In Q1 2026, rooftop solar accounted for 18% of the country’s total solar installations.

Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh continued to lead cumulative installed rooftop solar capacity, accounting for 24%, 16%, and 9% of installations, respectively.

In Q1 2026, the average cost of rooftop solar systems remained relatively stable across most module technologies, while systems using Chinese modules recorded a noticeable increase in pricing.

India’s cumulative rooftop solar installations reached 23.5 GW at the end of March 2026.

The top 10 states accounted for 80% of cumulative rooftop solar installations as of March 2026.

Between Q1 2025 and Q1 2026, Assam recorded the highest compounded quarterly growth rate at 40%, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, with growth rates of 22% and 18%, respectively.

The report also includes a comprehensive analysis of net metering policies in all Indian states and Union Territories.

Key Highlights from the Q1 2026 Mercom India Rooftop Solar Market Report

• India added 2.7 GW of rooftop solar capacity in Q1 2026

82% of the installations during the quarter came from the residential segmentCumulative rooftop solar installations reached 23.5 GW at the end of Q1 2026Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat led solar capacity additions during the quarterRooftop solar accounted for 18% of India’s total solar installations during Q1 2026

Mumbai, May 28 : Equirus Securities has reiterated its LONG stance on Transport Corporation of India  with a target price of Rs 1,185, citing healthy momentum across key business segments and strengthening multimodal capabilities that continue to support long-term growth.

According to Equirus Securities’ latest analysis of the company’s 4QFY26 performance, TCI’s Supply Chain Solutions segment delivered resilient growth despite temporary disruptions during March and a relatively high base effect. SCS revenues grew approximately 16% year-on-year, driven by strong traction across automotive, e-commerce and integrated warehousing businesses.

The report highlighted that TCI’s expanding multimodal network  spanning rail, road, shipping and warehousing  is strengthening its competitive positioning and enabling continued market share gains. While margins witnessed moderation due to upfront investments in manpower and infrastructure for newly acquired contracts, Equirus expects SCS revenue and EBIT to grow at nearly 16% and 20% CAGR respectively over FY26-FY29E, supported by operating leverage and warehouse ramp-up.

The Freight segment also showed signs of gradual recovery, reporting around 13% year-on-year revenue growth during 4QFY26 after an extended weak phase. Management attributed the improvement to rising less-than-truckload  contribution, leadership restructuring and network optimisation initiatives.

Despite near-term challenges such as pricing pressure, delayed fuel pass-through and subdued MSME demand, Equirus remains optimistic about the segment’s recovery trajectory. The brokerage expects Freight segment revenue and EBIT to grow at approximately 6% and 9% CAGR respectively over FY26-FY29E, with LTL contribution projected to rise to nearly 50% by FY30E.

Meanwhile, the Seaways business delivered another strong quarter aided by higher voyage frequency, absence of dry-docking shutdowns and effective bunker fuel pass-through mechanisms. Management maintained a FY27 growth outlook of 5–10% despite elevated fuel costs and near-term margin moderation linked to new vessel additions.

TCI is expected to add two new vessels by Q3/Q4FY27, increasing capacity by approximately 15,000–16,000 tonnes. Lower dry-docking impact compared to FY26 is also expected to support utilisation levels going forward. Equirus projects Seaways revenue and EBIT to grow at nearly 12% and 5% CAGR respectively over FY26-FY29E, driven by capacity additions and the structural shift toward coastal logistics.

Equirus Securities reiterated its positive outlook on TRPC, valuing the company at 17x FY28E P/E and maintaining its target price of Rs 1,185.

 

London, May 28: Eqonic Group (“Eqonic”) and the Barton Knight Group (“Barton Knight”) are today pleased to announce a strategic Collaboration Agreement establishing a longterm framework to jointly pursue, deliver, and scale renewable energy and batterystorage projects across the United Kingdom.

Under the agreement, the two companies will work together to integrate Eqonic’s advanced battery storage technologies with Barton Knight’s specialist installation and maintenance capabilities. The partnership enables both organisations to expand their reach, enhance service delivery, and accelerate the adoption of cleanenergy solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial customers.

A Collaboration Built on Complementary Strengths

The Collaboration Agreement sets out a structured framework under which:

· Eqonic will supply battery storage systems, inverters and related technical support to Barton Knight under defined Supply Contracts.

· Barton Knight will provide installation and maintenance services for Eqonic’s customers under Services Contracts.

· Both parties will work together to promote shared commercial opportunities.

· Each company will confer “preferred supplier” status on the other, strengthening operational alignment while maintaining nonexclusive flexibility.

This collaboration enables a seamless endtoend offering, from product supply to installation and longterm service, positioning both companies to support the UK’s accelerating transition to renewable energy.

Shared Commitment to Quality, Professionalism, and Customer Value

The agreement outlines detailed “Ways of Working” that ensure both parties operate to the highest standards of professionalism, responsiveness, and customer care. These include:

· Joint opportunity assessment and transparent communication

· Highquality installation and equipment supply

· Compliance with UK regulations, safety standards, and industry best practice

· Robust confidentiality and dataprotection commitments

· Regular performance reviews and continuous improvement processes

These shared standards ensure that customers benefit from a unified, reliable, and technically robust service experience.

Jas Kandola, CEO of Eqonic Group “This collaboration strengthens Eqonic’s ability to deliver highperformance energystorage solutions at scale. Barton Knight’s installation expertise complements our technology platform perfectly, enabling us to accelerate deployment and support customers across the UK with a fully integrated offering.”

Paul Vine, Director of Barton Knight Energy, the renewables division of Barton Knight Group “Eqonic’s innovative battery technologies and cutting-edge Research and Development align with our mission to deliver reliable, futureready renewable energy systems. Together, we are well positioned to serve the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions and deliver exceptional value to customers.”

The agreement establishes a long-term collaboration, reflecting the commitment of both organisations to shared growth, market expansion and ongoing commitment to their client base.

Both companies will continue to operate independently while leveraging the collaboration to unlock new opportunities, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver highquality renewable energy solutions nationwide.

NGK Corporation today announced its Long-Term Management Plan 2026–2035, which outline a roadmap to nearly double net sales from FY2025 levels to ¥1.3 trillion by FY2035. The plan positions Digital Society (DS) domain as the company’s core growth business, while strengthening profitability in existing businesses and laying the groundwork for future expansion in Carbon Neutrality (CN) domain.

NGK has formulated its Long-Term Management Plan 2026–2035 as an interim milestone of the “NGK Group Vision: Road to 2050,” established in FY2021, viewing the realization of CN and the expansion of the DS as a new opportunity for growth. Under the vision, NGK is transforming its business portfolio with the aim of having CN- and DS-related businesses account for 80% of total net sales by FY2050, reflecting changes in the business environment in which the DS domain has expanded faster than expected while progress in the CN domain has been slower than anticipated.

Message of Shigeru Kobayashi, president of NGK Corporation

“We are positioning 2035 as a critical milestone on our Road to 2050. By accelerating growth through the DS domain and maximizing profitability in our existing businesses, while steadily laying the groundwork for CN domain, we will transform our business structure and achieve our next leap forward. Through the execution of this plan, we remain committed to the sustainable improvement of enterprise value,”

Strategic Direction

• Existing businesses will serve as a stable, cash-generating foundation through continued improvements in efficiency and profitability
• Growth investments will be prioritized in the DS domain, including R&D, capital expenditure, and talent. NGK will expand its competitive portfolio of semiconductors and electronic devices, targeting growth in AI, Data centers and High-speed communications
• In the CN domain, NGK will continue to invest in R&D and business development, focusing on laying the groundwork for future growth

FY2035 Targets (Data-Driven)

Net Sales　: ¥1.3 trillion (approx. 2× FY2025)

• CN & DS ratio : 60% or more
• Net sales of new businesses : ¥300 billion

ROE　　　　: 12% or more

 

Key Initiatives

1. Maximize Profitability to Generate Growth Resources

Enhance efficiency and profitability in existing businesses, particularly automotive-related operations, and expand high-value-added products to ensure stable cash generation.

2. Establish leadership in Digital Infrastructure industry

Achieve niche-leading positions in semiconductor and data center markets, and expand into adjacent areas through co-creation, strategic partnerships, and M&A.

Target approx. 3× growth in the DS business by FY2035 (vs. FY2025).

3. Create Businesses that support Carbon Neutrality

Develop and implement business models leveraging proprietary technologies in adsorption, separation, and synthesis to address social issues.

4. Become a Value Co-Creation Company

Enhance competitiveness through digital transformation and AI, advance sustainability management, and promote human capital management to create value together with diverse stakeholders.

NGK will execute this Long-Term Management Plan to advance its business structure transformation, achieve sustainable growth, and enhance enterprise value.

LONDON, May 28, 2026: Cumulative global data center investment is forecast to approach $1.6 trillion by 2030, while leading technology enterprises will collectively deploy over $600 billion in AI infrastructure capex in 2026 alone. This capital expenditure indicates that the AI Factory market has crossed an irreversible threshold, evolving into a new form of industrial organization characterized by ultra-high capital intensity, strong geopolitical attributes, and complex engineering barriers.

 

The Transition to AI Factory: Architecture and Paradigms

Omdia defines an AI Factory as a new type of heavy industrial infrastructure whose sole objective is producing intelligence, with the token as the fundamental unit of output. data centers are transitioning from business support centers to digital product manufacturing centers no matter how big the data center is, organized along a four-layer architecture: energy and physical infrastructure; hardware and network fabric; scheduling and virtualization orchestration; and Model as a Service (MaaS) and AI application ecosystem.

The ecosystem now spans four solution paradigms—full-stack public AI cloud hyperscalers, compute-native AI cloud specialists, turnkey private AI foundation providers, and regional or industrial AI infrastructure operators. Omdia’s survey of more than 200 companies identifies four top market challenges: long time-to-market and ROI validation, digital sovereignty, AI talent gaps, and systemic engineering complexity.

Five Market Dynamics Shaping AI Factory in 2026

As the market navigates these challenges, Omdia has identified five primary dynamics reshaping the industry this year:

• Dynamic 1 — From FLOPS to TTFT: Budgets for compute hoarding have been frozen as enterprises confront a “Zombie GPU” effect, in which expensive GPUs idle in I/O wait; evaluation metrics are shifting to Time-to-First-Token and vector retrieval speed, with reported gains, including a 12x vector indexing speed-up and up to a 75% cost reduction on API and compute redundancy in vendor case studies.
• Dynamic 2 — Hyperscalers balance agility and sovereignty: Two delivery paradigms: one is called full-stack drop-in (AWS, Huawei, GCP, OCI) enable public cloud-grade AI capabilities deployed as an integrated physical unit into the customer’s data center; another one is called  software/hardware decoupling which is a downward path defined by localization of software capabilities and ecosystem-driven hardware
• Dynamic 3 — Compute-native AI cloud upgrade: Rack power density has risen from 10–15 kW in 2024 to 40–250 kW in 2026, while workloads progress from PoC to production-grade deployment; Nebius from Europe and Sensetime from China are two typical players already changed their business model from Bare Metal leasing to Model as a Service, especially Sensetime is conducting an integrated framework of IaaS + MaaS + energy-computing synergy strategy to make the computing and energy well controlled
• Dynamic 4 — The “last mile” of AI industrialization: Vertical integrators, domain operators, and ISVs are capturing the final value layer through long-cycle data governance, legacy integration, and scenario-specific agent assembly, while Inspur Cloud takes a strategy integrated heavy-asset AI infrastructure and intensive scenario-grade operation of AI industrial assembly lines making the AI industrialization a great leap.
• Dynamic 5 — Rise of sovereign data factories: Regulatory frameworks such as the EU AI Act, DORA, and equivalent compliance frameworks are driving requirements for sensitive data to remain within physically isolated facilities, elevating regional operators such as G42 from cabinet landlords to physical gatekeepers of national-level data.

“Future competition will no longer be defined by model parameters or GPU counts, but by a comprehensive contest of energy, liquid cooling, chips, autonomous software stacks, sovereign compliance, and long-term capital endurance,” said Raymond Zhan, Senior Principal Analyst, Cloud & AI at Omdia. ” For enterprise clients, the provider landscape for AI factory is not a one-size-fits-all game; choices should be tailored to actual business scale and the balance between steady-state and innovative workloads.”

Looking ahead, Omdia expects 2026 and 2027 to be the critical window for AI Factory development, with regional and industrial operations emerging as the highest-certainty growth segment over the next five years.

Omdia’s Global AI Factory Market Landscape 2026 report provides a comprehensive analysis of the AI Factory market, including detailed architectural frameworks, solution paradigms, and insights into the key dynamics shaping AI infrastructure.

Avaloq, a global leader in wealth management technology and services, reinforced India’s strategic role in its global expansion at Avaloq India Community Connect 2026 in Pune. The conference brought together decision makers from leading finance, technology and advisory firms, including event partners Accenture, HCLTech, Oracle, Synpulse, TecFinics, Vine InfoTech and Yashicaa Technology. The attendees explored India’s rapidly maturing wealth landscape, fuelled by strong economic growth, expanding affluent segments and accelerating digital adoption.

Next-generation market for wealth management

India is emerging as one of the world’s most important next‑gen markets for wealth management, creating significant opportunities for financial institutions to expand and modernize their wealth offerings. Rising affluence and increasing competition are driving demand for more sophisticated financial services.

According to data from the World Bank, India remains the world’s largest recipient of remittances with more than 35.4 million citizens living overseas and generating substantial cross‑border wealth flows. Many of these global investors now seek seamless, compliant and digitally enabled services in India, creating opportunities for domestic banks and wealth managers to attract assets that previously moved offshore.

Another important factor is the rise of India’s mass affluent population, defined as individuals with investable assets between ₹50 lakh and ₹5 crore. This group has become the country’s fastest-growing wealth segment. Rising incomes, increased financial literacy and the shift from traditional savings products to more diversified portfolios are driving interest in personalized advisory services, which in turn is spurring demand for advanced portfolio management tools among advisers.

Together, these trends position India as one of the most promising markets for wealth management, where advanced technology will be critical to success.

Avaloq’s growth and investment in India

Held under the theme “Guide evolution. Driving innovation,” Avaloq India Community Connect examined the technological, regulatory and market forces driving the evolution of India’s wealth management industry. The event also highlighted Avaloq’s expanding presence in the country and the company’s long‑term commitment to the Indian market.

On stage, Akash Anand, Regional Head for Middle East, Africa and Subcontinent India at Avaloq, discussed the pace of change in the market. “India’s financial landscape is changing at extraordinary speed, with the rise of affluent investors driving demand for more advanced wealth services and personalized advice. These clients expect sophisticated advisory and discretionary models, tailored portfolios and seamless digital journeys, which require specialized wealth platforms rather than relying on legacy retail systems. Together with our partners, Avaloq aims to equip Indian financial institutions with scalable, future‑ready technology that enables them to serve this new generation of investors and compete more effectively.”, Akash said

Technology shaping the future of India’s wealth sector

Cloud adoption continues to accelerate across India’s financial industry as institutions seek scalability, agility and greater efficiency. For the financial sector, cloud solutions tailored to industry needs and aligned with local regulatory standards are becoming essential, enabling firms to innovate and scale operations with confidence.

Avaloq also outlined the growing role of artificial intelligence in improving efficiency. One example highlighted at the event was the use of AI to automate corporate actions processing, a traditionally manual and error-prone back-office function. The solution, jointly developed with Japan’s NEC Corporation, helps reduce costs, minimize risk and free up teams to focus on higher-value activities, with experts overseeing outputs and managing exceptions.

Closing the event, Anirban Mukherjee, Managing Director for India at Avaloq, emphasized the company’s sustained investment in the region. He said, “Avaloq is committed to supporting financial institutions as they build and scale specialized wealth offerings, drawing on more than four decades of excellence in wealth management technology. Our community of partners, clients and colleagues in India has become one of the largest Avaloq ecosystems, reflecting both the strength of our relationships and India’s strategic role in the global fintech landscape. India is one of the world’s most dynamic growth markets for wealth management. As the high-net-worth and mass-affluent segments expand rapidly, we see a significant opportunity to help financial institutions scale efficiently, elevate client service and build future-ready wealth propositions. We are dedicated to enabling this transformation through cutting-edge technology, a world-class partner ecosystem and continued investment in local talent and innovation at our Global Capability Centre in Pune.”

As the wealth sector expands, firms are also facing growing pressure to consolidate fragmented technology landscapes. Integrated platforms with harmonized data will therefore become essential for reducing operational costs, meeting regulatory requirements and launching new investment products at scale.

India’s rapidly evolving fintech ecosystem further underscores the importance of strong integration capabilities. Seamless connectivity between core banking systems, portfolio management tools, advisory platforms and external digital services is now central to delivering consistent, high‑quality client experiences.

Mumbai, May 28: Embracing the growing desire for mindful living and holistic wellbeing, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, in collaboration with SRMD Yoga, invites guests to an immersive wellness experience on 31st May 2026. Set against the serene backdrop of the Arabian Sea, the thoughtfully curated morning programme is designed to restore balance, awaken the senses, and create a deeper connection between mind and body.

Centred around the calming practices of Aqua Yoga and a Floating Sound Bath, the experience blends mindful movement with meditative healing in a tranquil poolside setting. Guests will flow through gentle aqua-based yoga designed to relax the body and quiet the mind, followed by an immersive floating sound healing session where soothing frequencies and ambient live sounds create a deeply restorative experience. Designed to encourage stillness, renewal, and presence, the session offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the pace of everyday life and reconnect with oneself amidst the calming rhythm of the sea.

With wellness becoming an integral part of modern luxury hospitality, the collaboration between JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu and SRMD Yoga reflects a shared vision of creating meaningful experiences that nurture both physical vitality and inner calm. The event promises a rejuvenating escape for wellness enthusiasts and conscious travellers alike, offering a refreshing pause by the sea in one of Mumbai’s most iconic destinations.

Event Details:

SRMD Yoga
Date: Sunday, 31st May 2026
Venue: Infinity Pool, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu.
Time: 7.30 AM To 8.30 AM

Mumbai, India May 28: Sky Gold Ltd delivered a strong performance in the fourth quarter of FY26, reflecting robust operational execution and sustained demand momentum across its business segments.

According to Equirus Securities’ latest quick take on the company’s quarterly earnings, Sky Gold reported a “solid print” for 4Q26, supported by healthy revenue growth, improved margins, and continued expansion in its customer base.

The company’s performance was driven by strong traction in jewellery demand, efficient inventory management, and strategic scaling initiatives. Management commentary also highlighted confidence in future growth prospects backed by expanding retail partnerships and favourable market dynamics.

Equirus Securities noted that the company remains well-positioned to capitalize on rising organized jewellery demand and ongoing industry formalization trends.

Key Highlights:

• Strong quarterly revenue growth
• Healthy operational performance and margin expansion
• Positive demand outlook across core markets
• Continued focus on scale and execution

Sky Gold’s consistent performance reinforces its position as a growing player in India’s organized jewellery manufacturing sector.

 

 

May 28 — Antara Cruises has launched a new 2 Nights / 3 Days private all-inclusive itinerary, “The Silent River Escape,” aboard its elegant Antara Catamarans, offering an intimate journey through Bhitarkanika, Odisha — one of India’s most beautiful and still largely unexplored regions.

Operating from Gupti – Dhamra – Kanika Island – Gupti, the experience is designed as a personal luxury floating sanctuary, with just 2 suites on board and a dedicated 5 member crew ensuring highly personalised service throughout. The catamaran accommodates up to 6 guests, making it ideal for private escapes and special occasions. With 4 such Catamarans, 24 guests can be accommodated to travel together – perfect for a larger group holiday.

While Bhitarkanika Sanctuary is closed for the season, this itinerary offers a rare opportunity to explore the history, ecology and quiet beauty of the mangrove system beyond the crocodiles — revealing a landscape shaped by waterways, wildlife, local culture and spiritual heritage.

The voyage begins at Gupti, with lunch served onboard before sailing toward Dhamra, and enjoyable evening on the sublime sundeck. Guests enjoy high tea, dinner and serene river views as the journey unfolds. The second day includes a visit to the Dhamra Temple for Puja and Darshan, followed by time near the harbour before continuing to Kanika Island, where the catamaran anchors amid untouched wilderness. The journey concludes with a relaxed return to Gupti and breakfast onboard.

Antara Catamarans offer refined comfort – fully air-conditioned indoors with two suites, lounge-cum-dining space, spacious decks and thoughtful amenities. Dining is a highlight, with welcome drinks, fresh fruit, customised cuisine, and a menu featuring local Odia specialities, Indian favourites and international dishes. The kitchen accommodate for food preferences including a vegan menu. Guests also enjoy table d’hôte meals, tea and coffee, wildlife talks, cooking sessions, books and board games, along with curated shore excursions and all admissions included.

This exclusive journey offers a more contemplative and elevated way to encounter a remarkable destination — through its sacred river landscape, in complete privacy, and in the restorative company of those who matter most.