On the occasion of World Heritage Day, Machan Resorts LLP, a hospitality group celebrated for its eco-conscious approach and over three decades of excellence, unveiled an exciting vision for the future. The group announced plans to expand its portfolio by acquiring and restoring heritage properties across India, breathing new life into forgotten cultural treasures.

Staying true to its core philosophy of sustainable hospitality and responsible tourism, Machan Resorts is committed to carefully reviving historic structures. Their focus is on preserving the original charm and craftsmanship of these sites while seamlessly introducing modern comforts. The aim is to offer travelers immersive experiences that celebrate India’s vibrant legacy, art forms, and storytelling traditions.

Sharing the vision behind this initiative, Rakshit Sharma, COO of Machan Resorts LLP, said, "Our goal is to create one-of-a-kind destinations where the elegance of history harmoniously coexists with the comforts of modern living."

The inspiration for this strategic move stems from the successful transformation of Legacy Mandawa by The Machan. Drawing deeply from Rajasthan’s royal heritage, Legacy Mandawa beautifully blends the intricate designs of traditional havelis and frescoes with luxury hospitality. Encouraged by the overwhelming response, the group is now looking beyond Rajasthan to culturally rich states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh for similar projects.

Each property under this new expansion will be thoughtfully managed to retain its distinct historical character. At the same time, Machan Resorts plans to actively uplift local communities, promote indigenous craftsmanship, and contribute to the preservation of India's heritage through tourism.

This strategic heritage expansion signals a major step for Machan Resorts as it evolves into a true custodian of India's living history—crafting sustainable, luxurious getaways for travelers who seek meaningful, culturally rooted experiences.

About The Machan Resorts LLP:

The Machan is an eco-luxury resort best known for its exclusive treehouses nestled amidst the natural beauty of Lonavala. Alongside The Machan, the group owns Legacy Mandawa, a restored heritage haveli in Rajasthan, and continues its growth journey with new developments underway in Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Mulshi, Pawna, Pune, and Karjat.

Sometimes, a piece of furniture carries more than just function, it carries a story. For Anupriya Sahu, that story began even before she founded Alankaram. Starting her career as an architect after studying at the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi, she soon found herself drawn to something more personal, furniture design.

Anupriya noticed a gap in the market for Indian furniture that was both beautiful and modern. Determined to bridge that gap, she shifted from building large structures to creating pieces people could live with every day. Her journey was not easy, especially in an industry filled with heavy machinery and mostly male workers. But she stepped into the workshops, learned the craft hands-on, and started shaping her vision into reality.

Today, Anupriya leads Alankaram, one of the largest furniture manufacturing units in India, with a 200,000 square foot facility. But it’s not just the size that makes it special. What truly sets it apart is the environment she has built, one where many carpenters and machine operators are women. This change didn’t happen by chance. It happened because Anupriya made a conscious effort, hiring and training women, one step at a time.

The furniture from Alankaram is a reflection of care and craftsmanship. Anupriya has a special love for teak wood, strong yet graceful just like the women she mentors. Her pieces blend traditional touches with clean, minimal lines. Whether it's a sculptural chair or a statement conference table, each creation carries a sense of thoughtfulness and Indian heritage.

Alankaram’s work has found a place in celebrity homes, corporate spaces, hotels, and personal retreats across the country. But for Anupriya, success isn’t about fame. It’s about creating furniture that makes people pause and appreciate the detail, the texture, and the story behind every piece.

Beyond her professional life, Anupriya is also a mother to twins. Balancing leadership and motherhood, she speaks about managing her time with a grounded, everyday approach rather than in big, philosophical terms. For her, it’s about being real whether it’s designing furniture or attending a school event.

Her journey stands as a reminder that belief, effort, and a little bit of sawdust can build more than just furniture, they can build change. Through Alankaram, Anupriya Sahu is not only designing beautiful spaces but also reshaping the space for women in India’s design and carpentry world.

The vibrant city of Surat witnessed a landmark moment as the Installation and Inauguration Ceremony of the newly formed Skål International Surat – South Gujarat club took place at Emerald 1, Orange Megastructure LLP (formerly TGB). The ceremony was graced by the presence of Skal International India board members and was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and commitment from all participants.

This newest addition to the Skal India family marks a significant step in the organization’s mission to establish active clubs in every state and union territory of the country. The event featured valuable discussions, forward-thinking suggestions, and a shared vision for collaborative growth in the tourism and hospitality sector.

“It is heartening to see the spirit with which Surat has embraced the Skal movement. This club is set to become a beacon of positive change for the region’s tourism community. Our mission remains to be the unified voice of progress and cooperation in Indian travel and hospitality,” said Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skal International India.

The Skal International Surat – South Gujarat team also shared their enthusiasm for the future. “We are honored to become part of this global movement. With passion, purpose, and partnership, we aim to elevate Surat’s presence in the international tourism map,” said Rajiv Shah, President, Skål International Surat – South Gujarat.

The office bearers of the newly inaugurated club are Rajiv Shah - President, Vikas Gupta - Vice President, Sumit Bansal – Secretary, Vimal Vaghani – Treasurer, Sumit Saluja - Director-PR, Communication & CSR, and Nitin Gupta – Membership Development Officer.

Skal India continues its journey with renewed zeal to foster professional camaraderie, build bridges across borders, and create opportunities that benefit the industry and its stakeholders. Here's to many more milestones ahead as the future of tourism in India takes shape.

About Skal International India: 

Skal International India is part of Skal International, the world’s largest global network of travel, tourism, and hospitality professionals in leadership roles, with over 13,000 members across 85 countries. The organization is dedicated to promoting global tourism, business ethics, and cultural understanding through its vast network of chapters and events.