Message from the Group Executive Director
Dear Guests and Patrons,
As we reflect on the vibrant events that unfolded at Skyview by Empyrean, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences we have been able to create. This past quarter was marked by a selection of artistic expressions, culinary celebrations, and nature-inspired moments that left lasting memories for all who visited.
Skyview by Empyrean’s SAMA-VAYA art retreat was an extraordinary exploration of the interplay between nature and creativity. The retreat, enriched by the presence of renowned artists highlighted the seamless connection between nature and artistic expression. Furthermore, the presence of esteemed personalities from the theatre and film fraternity enriched the dialogue, fostering a space where art, nature, and creativity existed in perfect harmony. The success of SAMA-VAYA reaffirmed our narrative that Skyview by Empyrean is not just a destination, but a platform where nature inspires and nurtures artistic expression.
The Mango Bliss Celebration at The Banana Leaf was another highlight of the season. Our guests revelled in the flavours of summer. This festival of taste brought joy to every table, and it became an unmissable part of their Skyview experience.
As we moved into the beautiful monsoon season, Skyview continued to offer adventure and tranquillity in equal measure. Our curated packages, combined with unmatched safety protocols, ensured that every moment spent with us was dedicated to making your visit unforgettable.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Skyview by Empyrean, where every season brings new experiences and cherished memories.
Warm regards,
Syed Junaid Altaf
Group Executive Director – FIL Industries
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Banana Leaf’s Mango Fiesta
Throughout July 2024, The Banana Leaf at Skyview by Empyrean brought the vibrant flavours of summer to life with its much-loved Mango Bliss Celebration. As the summer sun drenched the valley in golden light, guests indulged in a menu dedicated to the king of fruits – the mango. From the 1st to the 31st of July, the restaurant became a tropical haven, offering an array of dishes and drinks infused with the sweetness and tang of fresh mangoes.
Unique dinner creations were specially for this celebration. Grilled chicken skewers, perfectly complemented by ripe mango, offered a savoury twist, while the cottage cheese and mango skewers provided a delightful vegetarian option. The mushroom duplex paired with zesty mango salsa was a crowd favourite, blending textures and flavours that epitomized the summer season. Dessert lovers couldn’t resist the fresh mango tartlet or the creamy mango rasmalai, which provided a refreshing and indulgent finish to the meal. To quench the summer thirst, guests enjoyed a variety of mango-based beverages, including the refreshing mango mojito, the traditional aam panna, and the rich mango lassi – all designed to keep the heat at bay while celebrating the essence of mango in every sip.
The restaurant buzzed with excitement as visitors savoured the carefully curated menu that truly embraced the spirit of summer. With its vibrant dishes and coolers, the Mango Bliss Celebration at The Banana Leaf left guests with fond memories of a summer filled with sunshine, good company, and the irresistible taste of mango.
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Skyview’s Magical Monsoon Experience
The monsoon season at Skyview by Empyrean transformed the lush green mountains and meadows into a breathtaking paradise. Gentle rain cascaded over the hills, turning the landscape into a vibrant, misty dreamscape, offering visitors the perfect escape into nature’s embrace.
Guests who visited during this serene time indulged in specially curated packages that provided a harmonious blend of relaxation and adventure. Each morning began with a hearty breakfast buffet or a delightful table d’hôte meal at the Banana Leaf Restaurant, setting the tone for peaceful exploration. Dinner’s also became an occasion to savour the finest flavours while overlooking the mesmerizing surroundings.
The experience was elevated with complimentary Gondola rides, where guests glided over the rain drenched trees, taking in panoramic views of the verdant valley. The Magic Carpet ride added a touch of thrill, perfect for those seeking adventure amidst the tranquil atmosphere. For adrenaline lovers, discounted rates on all adventure activities made every moment exciting, from zip-lining through the mist to mountain biking along the dew-drenched trails.
A special discount on Hands of Gold products allowed guests to take home a piece of Kashmir, with authentic, handcrafted treasures to remember their monsoon retreat. Skyview’s monsoon offerings were more than just an escape—they were a journey into nature’s most stunning spectacle, where the rain and mountains painted an unforgettable story.
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SAMA-VAYA 2.0- An Art Retreat at Skyview by Empyrean
SAMA – VAYA a unique art retreat, hosted by Skyview by Empyrean, provided a canvas where creativity bloomed, inspired by the rolling hills, vibrant greenery, and serene landscapes that define the region. For the artists, nature wasn’t just a backdrop—it became the muse that shaped their artistic expressions.
Organized by prominent art curator Anupa Mehta and supported by author and crafts curator Anu Chowdhury Sorabjee, the retreat showcased eight talented artists and craftsmen, each offering a unique artistic style that harmonized with the environment. From Lado Bai’s intricate Bhil art of Madhya Pradesh to the captivating Basohli Miniature art of Jammu, their creations embodied the organic relationship between the land and artistic expression. Phad paintings by Kritika Joshi, Gond paintings by Saroj Shyam, and other stunning works by artists such as Rachita Dutta, Rachna Badrakia, Neha Lavingia, Suman Gupta, and Sohan Singh Billawaria reflected how the surrounding nature influenced their interpretations.
During the four-day residency, the artists not only worked individually but also collaborated to craft their impressions of the lush landscapes, merging their diverse backgrounds and styles into one seamless expression of nature’s beauty. Their pieces, born out of this unique environment, captured the serenity, grandeur, and vitality that defines Sanget – Patnitop valley. The retreat was further elevated by the presence of prominent movie and theatre personalities, including Rajit Kapur, Shernaz Patel, Anahita Uberoi, and Sohrab Ardeshir, who added to the creative dialogue by engaging with the artworks in a setting where nature and artistry beautifully converged.
The beauty of Patnitop and Jammu as interpreted by these artists through their unique styles speaks to the powerful influence nature has on creativity. The collaboration between the environment and the artists’ interpretations has truly been a memorable experience.
This retreat underscored how, at Skyview by Empyrean, nature and art are in constant conversation, each inspiring the other in timeless harmony.
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Thrilling Adventures with Unwavering Safety
The charisma of Skyview by Empyrean lies in its ability to offer a blend of thrilling adventure activities and unmatched safety. These unique offerings make Skyview by Empyrean stand out in the world of hospitality and tourism, ensuring guests enjoy a memorable experience without any compromises on safety.
At Skyview, safety is a cornerstone, and we go above and beyond with daily checks, weekly inspections, and monthly audits to maintain top-notch standards. Our state-of-the-art communication system between gondola stations and towers ensures seamless connectivity and real-time response capabilities, safeguarding all our guests. Wind detection systems automatically adjust the ropeway speed, ensuring smooth and safe rides even in challenging weather conditions. Our tower safety mechanisms, equipped with cutting-edge technology, are continually monitored and tested for structural integrity.
Every aspect of Skyview’s adventure offerings, such as the Zigzag Zipline and Tubing Sledge, also prioritizes safety. Each zipline participant is equipped with certified gear from world-leading brands, and under the guidance of trained instructors, they embark on an exhilarating yet secure flight across breathtaking heights. Similarly, the Tubing Sledge, a first of its kind in India, offers a thrilling descent while adhering to rigorous safety protocols, overseen by expert staff.
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Get to know Assistant Manager- Ropeway Er. Syed Gazanfar
Designation: Assistant Manager Ropeway O&M
1. Tell us about your previous experience.
I began my career at Skyview by Empyrean, where I currently work as an Assistant Manager for Ropeway Operation and Maintenance. Prior to that, I had the opportunity to work as a Trainee Engineer at Gulmarg Gondola under JKSCCC, where I gained hands-on experience in the technical aspects of ropeway systems. I also had the honour of getting my final year project, “Automated Cable Car,” published at an international paper conference, which further fuelled my passion for ropeway technology. My experience has been a blend of practical application and academic learning, which continues to drive my enthusiasm for ropeways and the evolving technologies behind them.
2. How is the typical day at Skyview by Empyrean?
A typical day here is a perfect blend of technology and nature, involves managing the smooth operations of India’s highest ropeway in terms of ground clearance. I start with overseeing the daily maintenance and safety inspections of our ropeway system to ensure that everything is in top condition. From coordinating with the team, troubleshoot any operational challenges, each day is dynamic and focused on delivering a safe and exciting experience for our visitors. We also work closely with other departments to ensure a seamless experience for visitors. Every day involves a strong focus on safety, customer experience, and keeping the system running flawlessly. Our team works like a well-oiled machine to provide the best experience for our guests.
3. What is the best thing about Skyview by Empyrean?
One of the best things about Skyview by Empyrean is the perfect blend of adventure and luxury that we offer. We provide a world-class adventure tourism destination set amidst breath taking landscapes, enhanced by our state-of-the-art ropeway system. Our ropeway offers not only an engineering marvel but also access to stunning vistas. Being part of such an innovative and high-tech operation, while also contributing to a unique experience for visitors, is incredibly rewarding. The culture of teamwork and safety-focused operation also makes it a great place to grow professionally.
4.What do you do in your free time?
I’m a ropeway enthusiast at heart, I enjoy staying updated with the latest advancements in ropeway technology and new developments in the field. I like spending time in nature, which complements my love for the outdoors and aligns with the environment I work in at Skyview.
Apart from that, I love listening to Kashmiri cultural music, which helps me relax and stay connected to my roots.
5. Any message for our readers?
I would like to remind our readers that Skyview by Empyrean is not just an adventure—it’s an experience where luxury meets excitement, and safety is paramount. Our team works hard behind the scenes to ensure that every ride you take on our ropeway is both safe and memorable. Whether you’re here for adventure or relaxation, we are committed to making your visit unforgettable. Enjoy the ride, and let us take care of the rest!
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