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By Author
Published on September 27, 2023
More than a century ago, during the visionary reign of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in the erstwhile Baroda state, the eunuch community found a respectful livelihood. Today, the royal Gaekwads are once again leading a visionary initiative, this time to mainstream the LGBTQIA community and empower them towards self-reliance.
In a groundbreaking move, Gujarat's first LGBTQA cafe has been established in the city, owned and operated by the Gaekwad Trust. This cafe, named "Gajra'' after the maiden name of Maharani Chimnabai Gaekwad, represents a beacon of inclusion and acceptance. It is located in a heritage building behind the serene Sursagar Lake.
Radhika Raje Gaekwad, a trustee and the Vice President of the Shree Maharani Chimnabai Stree Udyogayala (SMCSU), shared the heartwarming details of this initiative. She emphasised, "We have hired persons from the LGBTQA community to manage and operate the cafe. The chef who cooks delicacies is also from the community." This cafe is not just a business; it's a manifestation of hope and empowerment.
The journey to this inspiring endeavour began when Radhika Raje learned of the hardships and marginalisation faced by the LGBTQIA community, particularly transgender individuals, during the first wave of Covid-19 in 2020. Her interaction with the eunuch community while distributing rations ignited a determination to integrate them into society and provide them with a livelihood.
To further empower the community, SMCSU organised skill-based training programs in hospitality management. Radhika Raje explained the driving force behind opening "Gajra Cafe," stating, "The idea was to bring the LGBTQIA community into the mainstream and facilitate regular interaction with the citizens. It will also help bring a change in people's attitude."
The cafe's menu promises a delightful blend of traditional Maharashtrian and Gujarati cuisines, offering a taste of cultural richness. Beyond the cafe's immediate goals, Radhika Raje envisions expanding the initiative by involving more community members and providing professional training. She hopes that this pioneering effort will inspire others to undertake similar endeavours for mainstreaming the LGBTQIA community.
In the words of the great B.R. Ambedkar, "Equality may be a fiction, but nonetheless, one must accept it as a governing principle." "Gajra Cafe" stands not only as a testament to Gujarat's progress but also as a symbol of the enduring spirit of inclusion, respect, and self-reliance.
Image source - The Indian Express
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By Hariharan U
Published on April 20, 2026
Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of a new property in Garudeshwar, further strengthening its footprint in Gujarat’s growing tourism and pilgrimage-driven markets.
With this addition, the company’s portfolio in the state will expand to 32 properties, including 11 operational and 21 upcoming hotels. The move reflects the brand’s strategy of building scale in high-growth destinations supported by strong travel demand.
The upcoming Lemon Tree Hotel Garudeshwar will feature 90 rooms along with a restaurant, banquet hall, and meeting facilities. Recreational amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre are also part of the development.
The hotel will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, the management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels.
Gujarat continues to witness rising tourist inflow, driven by landmark attractions like the Statue of Unity and growing interest in spiritual and cultural travel. Garudeshwar is increasingly emerging as a key destination within this ecosystem, benefiting from improved infrastructure and proximity to major tourist circuits.
The property is well connected by road and is located approximately 85 km from Vadodara International Airport and around 5 km from Ekta Nagar Railway Station, offering convenient access for travellers.
Commenting on the signing, Neelendra Singh, Managing Director of Lemon Tree Hotels, said that "Destinations like Garudeshwar are becoming important nodes in India’s expanding tourism landscape". He noted that increasing visitor flows are driving demand for quality branded hospitality, and the company remains focused on tapping such opportunities to strengthen its regional presence.
SAMHI Hotels Limited has signed an agreement with Ingka Centres India Private Limited to develop an upscale hotel in Noida, marking a significant addition to the region’s evolving hospitality landscape.
The project will be developed within Ingka Centres’ upcoming mixed-use development, spread across approximately 2.5 million square feet. Envisioned as a marquee project, it is expected to enhance Noida’s skyline while strengthening its position as a key commercial and hospitality hub in the Delhi NCR region.
The planned hotel will feature around 162 rooms and will be integrated into Ingka Centres’ “Meeting Places” concept—a retail-led ecosystem that combines shopping, leisure, and community-driven experiences. The development also aims to support local businesses and create dynamic workspaces, positioning itself as a modern urban destination.
This collaboration brings together SAMHI’s institutional operating platform and Ingka Centres’ global development expertise. The partnership aligns with SAMHI’s strategy of working with leading institutional organisations while continuing to expand through a capital-efficient model.
Located within a high-quality mixed-use environment, the hotel is expected to benefit from strong captive demand and high visibility. The project will be executed under SAMHI’s long-term variable lease model, allowing for alignment of interests while maintaining a capital-light approach.
Under the agreement, Ingka Centres will lease the building structure, including façade and high-side engineering, while SAMHI will invest in the interior fit-outs. The hotel will be operated under an international brand, which is yet to be announced.
Commenting on the development, Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman and Managing Director of SAMHI Hotels, said the partnership marks an important step in scaling operations in the National Capital Region. He highlighted the project’s strong demand fundamentals and expressed confidence in delivering a landmark hospitality asset in collaboration with Ingka Centres.
Giovanni Princiotta Cariddi, Country Manager India at Ingka Centres, said the collaboration reflects the company’s vision of building integrated spaces where people can live, work, shop, and stay. He added that the inclusion of a high-quality hospitality offering will enhance the overall experience of the destination.
The project further strengthens SAMHI’s presence in the Delhi NCR region, where it already operates properties such as Hyatt Place Gurgaon, Holiday Inn Express Gurgaon, and Holiday Inn Express Greater Noida.
Published on April 16, 2026
Essentia Hotels & Resorts is set to expand its growing portfolio with a new property in Nagpur, marking its entry into one of Central India’s emerging hospitality markets.
Known for its thoughtfully curated hospitality experiences, Essentia aims to introduce a property that blends contemporary elegance with functional design. The upcoming hotel is envisioned to cater to both business and leisure travellers, offering a refined yet welcoming stay experience aligned with modern expectations.
Often regarded as the heart of India, Nagpur is steadily evolving into a dynamic urban centre where cultural heritage meets modern development. With its serene lakes, spiritual landmarks, and historical attractions, the city presents a balanced mix of vibrancy and calmmaking it an attractive destination for both corporate and leisure travel.
Bringing its signature philosophy of “distinctive destination experience” to the city, Essentia’s new property will focus on combining contemporary sensibilities with intuitive service. The development aims to create a space that reflects comfort, sophistication, and attention to detail, while remaining rooted in a deep understanding of evolving guest preferences.
Commenting on the expansion, Mohammed Parvez said, “Nagpur represents a compelling growth story, and we are delighted to be part of its evolving narrative. Our vision has always been to create destinations that resonate with their surroundings while offering a sense of familiarity and comfort that today’s travellers seek.”
With this move, Essentia continues to align its growth strategy with emerging Indian cities that are redefining the country’s hospitality landscape. The Nagpur property is expected to reflect the brand’s commitment to “Affordable Luxury,” delivering thoughtfully designed spaces, sincere service, and meaningful guest experiences.
Founded in 2018 under the aegis of Aaverina Hospitality Private Limited and headquartered in Bengaluru, Essentia Hotels & Resorts has been steadily building a reputation for delivering contemporary hospitality experiences rooted in design, service, and human connection.
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