GReaT Trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels and Resorts: A Tranquil Escape Amidst Nature

Admin

Published on November 2, 2023

With 16 upscale hotels and luxury resorts across the important destinations across South India, GRT hotels is now one among the desirable venues for travelers to stay at. For more than 50 years, G.R. Thanga Maligai, popularly known as GRT has pioneered the art of combining unparalleled craftsmanship and rich heritage to create timeless designs. Branching out from GRT Jewellers, GRT Hotels & Resorts now features 16 upscale hotels and luxury resorts in the most desirable destinations across South India.

Be it business or leisure, GRT has the accommodation and amenities to get you covered. An inviting ambience coupled with warm hospitality and a fleet of holistic amenities are at the ready to provide you with an experience that feels personal. The hotel’s rugged and rustic style of architecture with its steep slopes, 40 exquisite rooms like Alps Swiss chalets and rocky stairs are elements that have seamlessly elevated the hotel space amidst the stunning tranquil yet rustic authenticity of the hills. “We also have other activities such as Shuttle court, Bird watching, Horse Ride, Pottery, Farm visit, Jeep Ride, Telescope to watch the night sky, bonfire with entertainments such as games for kids and families by in house event manager making it an ideal choice for both relaxation and adventure seekers. The resort is also Pet Friendly with varied amenities and exclusive Pet Park for our pet guest,” says Arun Raj R, General Manager of the property.

Monsoon Experiences

Kodaikanal experiences different seasons throughout the year, and the hotel understands the importance of adapting their services and offerings to provide a delightful experience for guests in every season. “During Spring, when the weather is pleasant and flowers are in full bloom, the resort organizes a visit to world renowned Bryant’s Park, outdoor activities, and nature walks for guests to enjoy the beautiful surroundings,” explains Arun Raj R. “During Summer,” he adds, “Kodaikanal tends to get crowded and the Flower show at Bryant’s Park is not to be missed. The resort anticipates this and ensures that our facilities are well-equipped to handle increased demand.” Likewise, throughout the year, the resort ensures that their staff are well-trained and knowledgeable about the local weather conditions and attractions. They are equipped to provide recommendations on places to visit, customize itineraries, and assist guests in making the most out of their stay, regardless of the season.

Amenities

Starting from June 1, 2023, GReaT Trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels and Resorts proudly declares itself “Pet Friendly.” Welcoming guests with dogs and cats, the resort has implemented all the necessary arrangements, provisions, and policies to ensure a comfortable stay for both humans and their four-legged companions. The property has various recreational facilities like an indoor games room, children’s play zone, art & craft, Cooking class, Mocktail making sessions, billiards room, PS5, GReaT experiences hub, and facilities for outdoor activities such as trekking, trampoline for kids and adults, tree top adventure games which includes zip line, Burma bridge. “With tourists arriving from various backgrounds and cultural norms, managing guest expectations becomes crucial. Multilingual staff members, clear communication channels, and personalized services can help bridge any potential language or cultural barriers,” Arun Raj R explains.

Sustainable Practices

“We have implemented an effective waste management system that includes recycling and proper disposal of waste. We have installed an Organic Waste Compost machine and convert our food waste as manure and use it for garden and support neighboring local farmers by giving free manure to their farming work,” Arun Raj R explains about the sustainable practices implemented in the property. They have also taken measures to reduce energy consumption through the use of energy-efficient lighting systems, motion sensors in common areas, and regular maintenance of equipment to ensure optimum efficiency. There are also green spaces created and maintained within the hotel premises, including gardens and vertical gardens, and their own farm to produce kitchen needs like vegetables and greens. These spaces not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to air purification and provide habitats for local birds to form their nest.

Restaurants

The resort also offers an in-house restaurant that serves a variety of delicious cuisines. If you’re a food connoisseur with a passion for all things fine, Whistler cafe is where you need to be. Satiate every whimsical desire of your palate atop the valley with views so marvelous. The extensive array of delicacies and the warmth of unmatched service will make your dining experience truly unforgettable
Celebrations

As New Year approaches, the resort is planned for a grand celebration to welcome the coming year. There will be live music performances, dance parties, and entertainment programs arranged for guests to enjoy. Fireworks displays might be organized by the resort to add sparkle and excitement to the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Counting down to midnight and witnessing a beautiful fireworks show can be a memorable experience.

Additionally, GReaT trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels celebrates Tamil New Year, Onam, International Womens Day, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Krishna Jeyanthi, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Ramzan, Teachers Day, Childrens Day, Holi, Raksha Bandhan and all other festive with festive décor, festive mood and colourful celebrations. The friendly staff at GRT Kodaikanal will be dedicated to ensuring that all the festivals are enjoyable and filled with happy memories.

Sidh N.C. Charts India’s Outbound Future with MILT 2025

Sidh N.C

Published on August 1, 2025

In conversation with Hospitalitynews, Sidh N.C., Co-Founder and Managing Director of QNA International, offers an exclusive look into how the 12th Annual MILT Congress is set to redefine the outbound travel narrative for India.

The event was held from 24 to 25 July 2025 at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, MILT 2025 isn’t just another luxury travel summit. As Sidh puts it, “We’ve redesigned the event to create a strategic ecosystem where India’s top corporate buyers engage directly with the world’s most visionary travel and hospitality brands.”

The conversations at MILT 2025 revealed a clear shift in what luxury means to indian outbound travelers. It is no longer confined to opulent hotels or grand venues. Today's high value indian traveller seeks depth, intention, and emotional connection in their journeys.

From Gen Z-driven aspirations to immersive spiritual getaways, the Indian traveller is evolving rapidly. In this compelling discussion, Sidh outlines how the outbound market is no longer about checklists and sightseeing, but emotional value, hyper-personalisation, and authentic storytelling.

Social media emerged as a major driver of outbound travel decisions, especially among millenials and Gen Z. MILT 2025 highlighted how platforms like Instagram and YouTube are influencing not just where people travel, but why. Travel content creators, Vloggers, and digial storytellers are the new age travel agents offering immersive glimpses into destinations that were once discovered through brochures

With nearly 40% of outbound trips now business related, MILT Congress is becoming the axis where leisure meets innovation, and where destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East position themselves not just to attract but understand the Indian mindset

He dives into the growing influence of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the rise of women-led travel, and the seamless merging of technology, sustainability, and cultural connection.

What’s coming next? A travel revolution driven by meaning, not just mobility—where every booking is a story and every destination a deeper experience.

Want More?

You can explore the full in-depth interview and exclusive coverage in the August edition of Hospitalitynews—available both on our website and as a beautifully curated print magazine. Don’t miss your chance to engage with the future of travel, one conversation at a time.

Dinesh Yadav on Investing Where Memories and Returns Grow Together

Dinesh Yadav

Published on August 1, 2025

In a world where real estate is often seen as a numbers game, Dinesh Yadav, Founder and Managing Director of Fine Acers, is rewriting the rules. In an exclusive feature with Hospitalitynews, Dinesh shares how his brand is pioneering a new kind of investment, one where returns meet relaxation, and assets double as family getaways, wellness retreats, and legacy spaces.

Through Fine Acers and its collection of thoughtfully designed resorts, Dinesh is turning the traditional real estate model on its head. What makes his vision stand out? It’s the ability to offer more than just appreciation, it’s about creating value that’s deeply personal and profoundly profitable.

What if your investment could host your next family celebration?
What if it could be both a peaceful retreat and an income generator?

In this engaging discussion, Dinesh walks us through the inspiration behind the branded resort investment model, an idea born from observing global trends and Indian investor behaviour. As he points out, second homes in India have long existed, but they often come with challenges. Fine Acers addresses these pain points by offering fully managed, premium properties that balance lifestyle aspirations with stable returns.

From the rise of wellness tourism to the increasing demand for senior-friendly and destination wedding-ready spaces, Fine Acers is tapping into what modern investors truly seek,purposeful ownership. Backed by the post-pandemic travel revival and changing mindsets, this is more than a trend; it’s the evolution of real estate itself.

It was a thought-provoking conversation with Dinesh Yadav, one that sheds light on how emotional connection and financial intelligence can coexist in modern investments.

Discover the complete interview in the August issue of Hospitalitynews, now available on our website. Don’t forget to grab your physical copy to explore more inspiring stories that are shaping the future of hospitality and living.

Scaling Love: Pawan Gupta on Building a $10M Wedding Dream

Pawan Gupta

Published on August 1, 2025

In the ever-evolving world of hospitality and wedding planning, few names have made as bold and rapid an impact as Pawan Gupta, the Co-Founder and CEO of The Wedding Company. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, he takes us behind the scenes of the brand's journey, right from its inception as Weddings by Betterhalf to its present transformation into a full-fledged luxury wedding platform scaling toward a $10 million milestone.

With over 50 Indian cities and international hotspots like Bali and Phuket in their portfolio, The Wedding Company is not just planning weddings, it’s revolutionizing the way they happen. In this candid exchange, Pawan unpacks the brand’s proprietary software, automation strategies, AI-powered planning, and most importantly, the human touch that turns each celebration into a heartfelt experience.

What happens when technology meets tradition?
Can weddings be both luxurious and efficient?
How does a rebrand shift a company's entire market position?

Pawan answers these and more, offering deep insights into vendor matchmaking, hospitality-first execution, global partnerships, and the emotional intelligence required to manage culturally rooted celebrations. With a strong foundation in tech and a team trained in warmth and precision, The Wedding Company has become a force to reckon with scaling love, memories, and moments across continents.

This feature captures a rare glimpse into the mind behind a fast-scaling wedding empire. The blend of structure, soul, and strategy discussed here is bound to inspire entrepreneurs, hoteliers, and dreamers alike.

It was a great conversation we had with Pawan Gupta, one that beautifully highlights how hospitality and innovation can create unforgettable celebrations.

Catch the full interview in the August issue of Hospitalitynews Magazine, available now on our website and grab your physical copy to explore more inspiring stories from the world of hospitality and beyond.