JPOD Launches First Pod Hotel at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

JPOD Launches First Pod Hotel at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 8, 2024

JPOD Hotels Pvt Ltd has launched its new Pod Hotel at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad. Located near the City Side Check-In facility at the car park level, the hotel aims to provide a modern and innovative accommodation option for travelers. This launch is part of RGIA’s ongoing efforts to enhance the overall passenger experience, offering a convenient and comfortable stay.

The JPOD hotel provides high-quality accommodations at an affordable price, catering to various types of travelers, from business executives to leisure tourists. Each pod offers secure storage, entertainment options, and privacy, making it an ideal alternative to traditional airport lounges and hotels. The compact design also optimizes airport space, allowing for efficient accommodation without compromising on comfort.

Safety and hygiene are prioritized, with the hotel maintaining stringent cleanliness standards. This ensures peace of mind for guests, especially during transit. Passengers can book a pod on-site or through the JPOD website, where various packages are available with dynamic pricing options.

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Jagrut Thakkar, Founder of JPOD Hotels Pvt Ltd, expressed excitement over the partnership with RGIA, stating, "We are excited to partner with RGIA in Hyderabad. JPOD’s global standards in design and functionality position us to offer effective accommodation solutions across other airports in India."

Hiren Gandhi, Director of JPOD Hotels, highlighted the company’s previous ventures, saying, "While JPOD is tailored to meet the needs of airport travelers, we initially launched Urbanpod, India’s first Pod Hotel, in 2017. It was redesigned and relaunched at Mumbai Central Station in 2021 to serve railway passengers. These launches allowed us to assess the acceptability of Pod-style accommodations in India."

Pradeep Panicker, CEO of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL), noted that the growing number of air travelers has increased the demand for comfort and convenience. He said, “This facility offers a perfect place to unwind while transiting through the airport. The Pod Hotel at Hyderabad Airport will provide our passengers with a space to rejuvenate.”

The JPOD hotel blends affordability, comfort, and innovation, setting a new standard in airport accommodation. It caters to the needs of the modern traveler, offering a practical and efficient option without sacrificing quality.

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Sayaji Kolhapur Marks Earth Day with Citywide Tree Plantation Drive

Sayaji Kolhapur Marks Earth Day with Citywide Tree Plantation Drive

By Hariharan U

Published on April 28, 2026

Sayaji Kolhapur marked Earth Day with a citywide tree plantation drive, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

The initiative brought together the hotel’s leadership team, department heads, and staff members, all of whom actively participated in planting saplings across the city. The drive was designed not only to enhance Kolhapur’s green cover but also to foster a deeper sense of environmental responsibility within the community.

Extending the impact beyond the activity itself, the hotel also distributed plant saplings to its corporate guests. This gesture encouraged guests to adopt eco-conscious practices and contribute to sustainable living in their own spaces.

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Commenting on the initiative, Mukesh Rakshit said, “At Sayaji Kolhapur, we believe that meaningful change begins with small, consistent actions. This Earth Day initiative reflects our commitment to sustainability and our responsibility towards the community and environment. By involving our team and guests, we hope to inspire a larger movement towards greener, more mindful living.”

The plantation drive aligns with the hotel’s broader vision of integrating sustainability into its operations and guest experiences. Through such initiatives, Sayaji Kolhapur continues to promote environmentally responsible practices while encouraging collective participation.

With this Earth Day effort, the hotel reinforces its commitment to creating a positive environmental impact—one sapling at a time.


Taj Chandigarh Secures EarthCheck Platinum for 13 Years

Taj Chandigarh Secures EarthCheck Platinum for 13 Years

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 27, 2026

Taj Chandigarh has marked a major milestone by achieving the EarthCheck Platinum Certification for 13 consecutive years. This recognition highlights the hotel’s consistent efforts towards sustainability and responsible operations, setting it apart as a leader in eco-conscious hospitality.

The certification is awarded by EarthCheck, a globally recognised scientific benchmarking and certification body for the travel and tourism sector. Earning Platinum status is a significant achievement, given that it requires at least 10 continuous years of verified performance across key sustainability measures. By maintaining this level for 13 years, Taj Chandigarh has gone beyond the standard and strengthened its position in responsible hospitality.

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This achievement also reflects the larger vision of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), under which Taj Chandigarh operates. Across its portfolio, IHCL has focused on reducing energy use, conserving water, and cutting down waste, all while ensuring a high-quality guest experience. The EarthCheck framework also aligns with global sustainability goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making these efforts part of a broader purpose.

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Speaking on the milestone, Surinder Singh, Area Director – Operations & General Manager, Taj Chandigarh, said,

“Achieving EarthCheck Platinum Certification for 13 consecutive years is a proud milestone for us. It reflects our deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and responsible hospitality. At Taj Chandigarh, we believe that luxury and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand and this recognition reinforces our continued efforts towards creating a greener future.”

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Ankur Sharma, Chief Engineer, Taj Chandigarh, added, “This achievement is the result of consistent efforts, innovation and a strong focus on resource efficiency. From energy conservation to water management and waste reduction, our teams work tirelessly to ensure that sustainability is embedded in every aspect of our operations. We remain committed to enhancing our practices and setting new benchmarks in environmental performance.”

With travellers increasingly looking for responsible and sustainable choices, recognitions like this build trust and confidence. Taj Chandigarh’s continued success with EarthCheck Platinum not only celebrates a long-standing achievement but also sets a strong example for the hospitality industry, showing that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.


The Leela Gandhinagar Introduces E-Cycle Experience to Promote Sustainable Luxury

The Leela Gandhinagar Introduces E-Cycle Experience to Promote Sustainable Luxury

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

Marking Earth Day, The Leela Gandhinagar has introduced an immersive e-cycle experience in collaboration with Svitch, reinforcing its focus on sustainability-led luxury.

The initiative is designed to offer guests a low-impact, mindful way to explore Gandhinagar, encouraging slower, more conscious travel while reducing carbon footprint. By integrating eco-friendly mobility into the guest journey, the hotel continues to position sustainability as a core element of its hospitality experience.

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Set against the city’s serene surroundings, the e-cycle experience allows guests to engage more deeply with their environment, blending wellbeing, exploration, and environmental responsibility. The offering reflects a broader shift in luxury travel, where guests are increasingly seeking experiences that are both meaningful and sustainable.

Commenting on the initiative, Vikas Sood, General Manager, highlighted the hotel’s commitment to creating experiences that are enriching while embedding responsible practices into everyday operations.

The launch was complemented by an Earth Day cyclethon, bringing together guests, hotel associates, and members of the local community. The activity aimed to foster a shared sense of responsibility towards sustainable living, while encouraging active participation in eco-conscious initiatives.

Following the ride, guests experienced the hotel’s signature Aujasya breakfast, aligning the sustainability narrative with wellness-focused dining.

Through initiatives like this, The Leela Gandhinagar continues to evolve the concept of responsible luxury, where sustainability is seamlessly integrated into the guest experience, enhancing both comfort and awareness.

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