Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited (SHRL) has opened Sterling Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh, strengthening its presence across Central India's wildlife destinations. The new resort brings together tiger safaris, natural landscapes, regional cuisine and historical attractions, adding another property to Sterling's growing wilderness portfolio.

With resorts across 15 wildlife landscapes in India, Sterling is building its presence in wilderness tourism by offering experiences that extend beyond wildlife sightings. Bandhavgarh adds to this approach, combining its well-known tiger habitat with dense sal forests, open meadows, rich biodiversity and a history reflected in ancient sculptures, caves and historical sites.

The destination's attractions include Bandhavgarh Fort and Shesh Shaiya, known for its reclining Vishnu sculpture. These experiences offer visitors opportunities to explore the region's heritage alongside its natural surroundings.

Commenting on the opening, Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director and CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, said, “India's wilderness destinations are far more diverse than the wildlife they are famous for. Every forest has its own landscape, history, culture and cuisine and therefore a different story to discover. Bandhavgarh is particularly compelling because it brings together one of India's celebrated tiger habitats with centuries of heritage and the distinctive culture of Baghelkhand. As Destination Architects, our ambition is to bring these dimensions together so that a safari becomes part of a richer, more memorable holiday for families.”

A Forest Retreat Near Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Located in Tala village, approximately 2.5 km from the Tala Gate of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Sterling Bandhavgarh features 26 rooms across four categories. The accommodation options include Machan Suites with private machans and outdoor showers, Courtyard Rooms with Balconies overlooking the gardens, Safari Tents with Private Sit-outs and Forest Rooms.

The resort also features a swimming pool, gardens and outdoor relaxation spaces, giving guests places to unwind between excursions.

Its location provides access to the Tala safari zone, while visits to other zones, including Magadhi and Khitauli, are subject to Forest Department permits and regulations. Beyond safaris, guests can explore activities such as birdwatching, village walks, nature trails and cycling, offering different ways to experience the surrounding landscape.

The resort is designed to appeal to families and leisure travellers looking to combine wildlife experiences with relaxation, local culture and outdoor activities.

Building on Sterling's Partnership in Central India

The opening also expands Sterling's existing association with Mahalaxmi Commercial Service Pvt Ltd, which is connected to the company's resort in Kanha. The partnership has now extended to Bandhavgarh, creating an opportunity to develop connected wildlife holidays across two prominent destinations in Madhya Pradesh.

Speaking on the launch, Pranav Sharma, owner of Mahalaxmi Commercial Service Pvt Ltd, said, “Our association with Sterling at Kanha has given us the confidence to extend this partnership to Bandhavgarh. Sterling brings strong operating expertise, brand reach and an understanding of how to create distinctive destination experiences. We are delighted to build on this successful relationship and bring another compelling wilderness retreat to travellers.”

With Sterling's presence in both destinations, travellers can plan a Bandhavgarh–Kanha journey, exploring different forest landscapes, habitats and wildlife experiences within a single holiday.

Baghelkhand Cuisine Adds to the Experience

Regional food is another part of the experience at Sterling Bandhavgarh. The resort's restaurant, The Sal, features local preparations such as Birra ki Roti, Saal Patta Murgh, Baans Mein Pakaya Chawal and Kumhde ki Kheer, drawing inspiration from the culinary traditions of Baghelkhand.

Alongside Indian and international favourites, the resort offers experiences such as the Jungle Thali, showcasing regional flavours, and Gaon ki Rasoi, inspired by the cooking traditions of local communities. Outdoor dining and bonfire evenings further connect the stay with the surrounding natural environment.

The opening of Sterling Bandhavgarh adds to the company's growing network of wildlife and nature destinations across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand. By combining accommodation with safari experiences, regional food and local heritage, Sterling aims to encourage travellers to explore India's forests beyond a single destination or wildlife sighting.

Ramee Group of Hotels has announced a new 70-key resort in Dapoli, Maharashtra, expanding its leisure portfolio with a coastal property featuring sea-view accommodation, wellness amenities, dining facilities and dedicated spaces for destination weddings and corporate gatherings.

The upcoming property will comprise premium rooms and serviced apartments, with every guestroom offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Located in the Konkan coastal town of Dapoli, the resort is positioned to attract leisure travellers from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and surrounding urban centres seeking weekend escapes.

Commenting on the announcement, Saurabh Gahoi, Senior Vice President – India, Ramee Group of Hotels, said the group's expansion strategy focuses on delivering immersive hospitality experiences rooted in local character.

“Dapoli is rapidly emerging as India's next prominent weekend getaway, strategically serving major urban clusters including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and surrounding regions. The addition of the Dapoli property marks an exciting milestone in our resort portfolio. By offering sprawling sea views from every room and comfortable, thoughtfully designed stays, we are creating a unique sanctuary for guests,” he said.

The project is being developed in partnership with Agatsya Hospitality, a subsidiary of Phatak Developers. The collaboration aims to strengthen the region's hospitality offering while supporting the development of Dapoli as a coastal leisure destination.

Akshay Phatak, Owner of Agatsya Hospitality, said, “We are delighted to partner with Ramee Group of Hotels, one of the most respected hospitality brands in the lifestyle & leisure space. Phatak Developers is committed to elevating Konkan's tourism, and this collaboration marks an exciting step toward bringing world-class hospitality to Dapoli. We have complete trust in Ramee Group's operational expertise and we look forward to setting a new benchmark for coastal hospitality together.”

Dining, Wellness and Recreation

The resort's culinary offering will centre on a flagship all-day dining restaurant serving a combination of international favourites and regional coastal cuisine, bringing local flavours into the guest experience.

Facilities will include a fully equipped gymnasium, spa, swimming pool and dedicated indoor and outdoor children's play areas. These amenities are intended to cater to families and leisure travellers seeking a combination of relaxation and recreation.

A key feature will be the property's indoor and outdoor banqueting spaces, designed to accommodate corporate retreats, social gatherings and large-scale celebrations. The facilities are expected to support demand for destination weddings and event-led travel in the Konkan region.

With its combination of sea-view accommodation, wellness facilities and event spaces, the Dapoli resort will add to Ramee Group's leisure portfolio while contributing to the region's evolving hospitality landscape.

About Ramee Group of Hotels

Founded in 1985 by Raj Shetty, Ramee Group of Hotels, Resorts & Apartments is an international hospitality group with a presence across India and the Middle East. Its portfolio caters to corporate and leisure travellers through accommodation, dining concepts and lifestyle-oriented hospitality offerings.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Entry Point Hotels & Resorts Private Limited to develop Holiday Inn Raipur in Naya Raipur, strengthening its presence in Chhattisgarh's growing administrative and commercial market. The hotel is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2031.

The signing reflects IHG's strategy of expanding its portfolio across India's emerging business and travel destinations, where growing commercial activity, infrastructure development and institutional demand are creating opportunities for branded hospitality.

Naya Raipur, also known as Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, is Chhattisgarh's planned capital and an emerging administrative and commercial centre. The city's development is supported by government institutions, public sector organisations, educational establishments and expanding commercial infrastructure.

Holiday Inn Raipur will be located in Sector 24, Naya Raipur, with access to key government complexes, including Mantralaya and Vidhan Sabha. Its proximity to Swami Vivekananda Airport is expected to support travel by government delegations, corporate guests and other visitors.

The wider Raipur market is also evolving beyond its traditional industrial base, with activity across education, information technology, infrastructure and lifestyle developments contributing to its growth as a commercial destination. These developments are expected to support demand for quality accommodation across business, government, events and leisure segments.

156 Rooms and Dedicated Meeting Facilities

Holiday Inn Raipur will feature 156 rooms and suites, including 16 suites, alongside three dining venues. The planned food and beverage facilities comprise a 117-seat all-day dining restaurant, a 40-seat bar and a 40-seat lobby lounge.

The hotel will also offer approximately 942 square metres of meeting and event space across four venues. The facilities will include a divisible ballroom spanning 715 square metres, positioning the property to accommodate conferences, corporate meetings, social gatherings and other events.

Additional amenities are planned to include a swimming pool, fitness centre and parking. IHG noted that the proposed facilities remain indicative and will be subject to design development and brand standards.

Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are delighted to partner with Entry Point Hotels & Resorts Private Limited to bring Holiday Inn to Naya Raipur. As the city continues to develop as a key administrative and commercial centre, the signing presents an opportunity to introduce one of our most recognised brands to a market with diverse travel needs. Holiday Inn Raipur adds to our growing presence across India and reflects our focus on taking our brands to destinations where we see long-term potential.”

Arun Kumar Goyal of Entry Point Hotels & Resorts Private Limited said the partnership combines Holiday Inn's global brand recognition with IHG's hospitality expertise. He added that the project aims to introduce an international hospitality experience while responding to the needs of Naya Raipur's expanding visitor base.

Holiday Inn's Global Hospitality Platform

The hotel will incorporate Holiday Inn's Open Lobby concept, providing spaces where guests can work, meet and relax alongside the property's dining, meeting and leisure facilities.

As part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, the property is also expected to benefit from the group's global distribution network, digital platforms and IHG One Rewards loyalty programme, connecting it with a wider international customer base.

The signing adds to IHG's expansion across India, where the company continues to pursue opportunities in destinations with long-term potential for corporate travel, government activity, events and leisure demand.

With its planned 2031 opening, Holiday Inn Raipur is set to add internationally branded accommodation and meeting infrastructure to Naya Raipur's developing hospitality landscape.