Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has partnered with Solitaire Group to develop and operate Taj Ayodhya, the city’s first five-star hotel. This exciting venture follows the initial announcement in February 2024, marking a significant step for both brands in expanding their presence in Uttar Pradesh.

Taj Ayodhya will be situated along the Lucknow-Gorakhpur National Highway in the Sohawal area, covering an impressive 7.2 acres. The hotel will feature approximately 300 rooms, including 29 luxury suites, alongside premium amenities like temperature-controlled swimming pools and private villas, catering to both families and individual guests seeking luxury in a religious setting.

Construction is expected to be completed by December 2025, with commercial operations scheduled to begin in April 2026. The hotel will offer a blend of luxury and comfort, catering to the increasing demand for high-end accommodations in the region.

This project adds to IHCL's growing presence in Ayodhya. In 2023, the company partnered with Bhardwaj Global Infraventures for the launch of Vivanta and Ginger hotels. With the opening of Taj Ayodhya, IHCL continues to solidify its footprint in the region and expand its luxury offerings.

Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO of IHCL, and Mayank Jaiswal, Founder and Chairman of Solitaire Group, will unveil more details of the development during a ceremony on 27 January 2025 in Lucknow.

Nestled in the serene wilderness of Lonavala, Della Adventure Training Academy (D.A.T.A.) Resort introduces a groundbreaking concept in Indian hospitality – a military-themed glamping experience. Conceptualized by social entrepreneur and hotelier Jimmy Mistry, the resort is an homage to the bravery and discipline of India’s armed forces, conceived after the tragic 26/11 attacks in Mumbai.

Speaking about his vision, Jimmy Mistry shares, “D.A.T.A. was created to empower every individual with survival skills for adverse situations, taught by some of the finest ex-special forces personnel. It stands as a tribute to Mumbai and every innocent life lost during the 26/11 attacks, igniting a sense of patriotism among civilians.”

D.A.T.A. Resort seamlessly blends adventure with luxury while instilling a deep sense of national pride. Its architecture and training programs, led by ex-special forces, offer guests a firsthand glimpse into the discipline and valor of India’s military traditions. The immersive experience bridges civilian life and military service, turning a vacation into an ode to patriotism.

The glamping tents at D.A.T.A. redefine luxury. These 500 sq. ft. accommodations, surrounded by dense jungle, feature plush interiors and state-of-the-art amenities such as private patios, twin vanity bathrooms, Jacuzzis, and steam rooms. Thoughtful touches like custom-designed furniture, mood lighting, and stocked mini-bars elevate the experience, making it perfect for families, couples, and groups.

Dining at D.A.T.A. is equally remarkable. The Salaam Manekshaw Restaurant pays tribute to Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, serving diverse cuisines in a setting inspired by military regiments. The Gurkha Lounge, dedicated to the legendary Gurkha soldiers, provides a tranquil ambiance with glass-paneled designs for ultimate relaxation.

For special moments, the resort offers curated experiences, including starlit candlelight dinners, champagne breakfasts, and personalized décor. Its Maratha banquet hall, accommodating up to 120 guests, is ideal for corporate and private celebrations.

The resort’s unique training programs are a standout feature. Designed by ex-special forces personnel, these programs include survival skills, counter-terrorism training, and the much-loved Hell Night, a favorite among corporate teams. Adventure enthusiasts can also explore a military-style obstacle course, zip-lining, horse riding, mountain cycling, and rock climbing.

Located a short drive from Mumbai and Pune, D.A.T.A. Resort is a haven for adventure-seekers, families, and corporate teams. By combining heartfelt experiences with high-end hospitality, it delivers an unforgettable journey into nature, patriotism, and luxury.

Club Mahindra, the flagship brand of Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, has achieved a remarkable milestone in its sustainability journey. At the Green Building Congress 2024, the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) awarded Platinum Certification to 14 of its resorts, bringing the total number of IGBC-certified resorts under its portfolio to 29.

A Commitment to Sustainability

The IGBC Platinum Certification is one of the highest accolades in the green building sector, awarded for excellence in:

• Energy efficiency
• Water conservation
• Waste management
• Sustainable material usage

This recognition reflects Club Mahindra’s dedication to creating environmentally sustainable resorts while providing guests with unforgettable experiences. The 14 newly certified resorts are spread across key destinations in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, and more.

Green Practices Across Resorts

Club Mahindra has implemented innovative sustainability initiatives across its properties, including:

• Sewage treatment plants for effective wastewater management.
• Rainwater harvesting systems to conserve water resources.
• Waste segregation mechanisms to reduce landfill impact.
• Promotion of organic food production and sustainable commuting.
• Supporting local biodiversity through eco-friendly landscaping and conservation.

Industry-Leading Achievements

The Club Mahindra Madikeri Resort has further solidified the brand’s leadership in sustainable hospitality by achieving India’s first Triple Net Zero Certification, setting an industry benchmark in net zero energy, water, and waste practices.

Leadership Perspective

Commenting on this accomplishment, Julian Ayers, Chief Resorts Officer, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, stated:
"We are incredibly proud to receive the IGBC Platinum Certification for our resorts. This achievement underscores our dedication to sustainability, with 60 per cent of our resorts already certified. We aim to certify all our resorts within the next two years, setting new standards in eco-friendly hospitality."

Future Goals

With a long-term vision of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040, Club Mahindra is investing heavily in:

• Solar energy adoption
• Advanced water conservation systems
• Waste management solutions

These efforts not only reduce the ecological footprint of its operations but also position Club Mahindra as a leader in green tourism.

About Club Mahindra

Established as a pioneer in India’s hospitality and tourism sector, Club Mahindra operates sustainable resorts across the country, offering guests memorable experiences while supporting environmental preservation. With its continued commitment to green practices, Club Mahindra is paving the way for a more sustainable future in hospitality.