Rambha Palace Opens on the Banks of Odisha’s Chilika Lake, Offering a Royal Experience

Rambha Palace Opens on the Banks of Odisha’s Chilika Lake, Offering a Royal Experience

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 7, 2024

Rambha Palace, a majestic 18th-century royal residence, has opened its doors to discerning travellers, offering an immersive experience on the tranquil banks of Chilika Lake, Asia's largest saltwater lagoon. After six years of meticulous restoration, led by renowned tropical modernist architect Channa Daswatte, the palace has been reborn, reflecting its original grandeur and Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. Channa Daswatte, a protégé of the iconic Geoffrey Bawa, has seamlessly blended the palace’s classical architecture with contemporary luxury, creating a unique fusion of past and present.

This remarkable opening enhances Hidden India’s portfolio of boutique luxury hotels, offering a serene escape for travellers looking to explore Odisha’s vibrant history, nature, and traditions. The palace invites guests to unwind and reconnect with nature through its focus on mindfulness and slow living, offering experiences that encourage patrons to pause, reflect, and savour every moment of their stay.

Himangini Singh, co-founder of Hunch Ventures, expressed her excitement during the grand opening, stating, “Rambha Palace is a testament to Odisha’s historical significance. Guests can experience the state’s vibrant culture and traditions in all their grandeur and glory. The region's natural beauty beckons exploration, and I am thrilled to welcome guests to uncover Odisha through the lens of Rambha Palace.” Singh also emphasized the deep cultural roots reflected in the palace’s design and decor.

Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte further elaborated, “The architecture of Rambha, with its classical planning and Odisha-inspired textures, offers an immersive experience in the unique design ethos of the region.”

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Beyond its architectural splendor, Rambha Palace holds historical significance as the site of the first Utkal Conference, a pivotal event that led to the foundation of the independent state of Odisha. The palace, now a luxurious boutique hotel, offers an unparalleled blend of history, nature, and luxury.

Situated along the shores of Chilika Lake, the palace provides unforgettable bird-watching opportunities, as the region is home to a rich diversity of wildlife. Guests are treated to breathtaking lake views while indulging in the serene surroundings. To ensure a seamless and indulgent experience, each guest is assigned a personal butler throughout their stay.

The culinary offerings at Rambha Palace are equally impressive, with seven distinct cuisines available, including local Odia flavours. The property caters to a variety of dietary preferences, offering vegan and Satvik meals, allergen-free options, and personalised meal plans for those on detox and wellness retreats. Dining options range from a formal dining room and al fresco settings to a poolside cafe, two bars, riverside picnics, and beachside meals.

For those seeking rejuvenation, the Mantnam Spa at Rambha Palace provides a comprehensive wellness experience inspired by ancient Indian practices. Guests can indulge in a range of Ayurvedic therapies, including massages, facials, scrubs, and wraps, along with personalised yoga sessions. Each treatment is designed to promote healing, balance, and longevity, ensuring a refreshing and holistic retreat.

With its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to preserving Odisha’s rich history, Rambha Palace promises to be a unique destination for luxury travellers seeking a blend of cultural immersion, nature, and relaxation.


Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Launches ‘Redefine Your Workday’ Workspace Experience at Tech Tonic

Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Launches ‘Redefine Your Workday’ Workspace Experience at Tech Tonic

By Hariharan U

Published on June 11, 2026

Responding to the growing demand for flexible and comfortable work environments, Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park has introduced “Redefine Your Workday” at Tech Tonic, a day-use workspace experience tailored for freelancers, entrepreneurs, remote professionals, creators, and business travellers.

Designed as an alternative to conventional cafés and co-working spaces, the offering combines productivity, convenience, and hospitality in a contemporary setting. Starting at INR 999, guests can access complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, unlimited coffee and tea selections accompanied by cookies, and a comfortable workspace designed to support focused work and collaboration.

Located within the hotel, Tech Tonic provides a versatile environment suited for virtual meetings, brainstorming sessions, networking opportunities, and individual work. Guests can choose between the stylish indoor lounge and the alfresco seating area, offering flexibility to work in a setting that best suits their preferences.

The experience extends beyond workspace facilities. Guests can also enjoy a curated menu featuring wholesome bites, signature dishes, artisanal beverages, and nourishing meal options prepared by the hotel’s culinary team. The dining offerings are designed to complement the workday while enhancing the overall experience.

A key aspect of the initiative is Hilton’s signature hospitality, ensuring guests benefit from attentive service, seamless connectivity, and a welcoming atmosphere throughout the day. The hotel aims to create a setting where professionals can remain productive without compromising on comfort.

As the workday concludes, Tech Tonic transitions into a vibrant social space, allowing guests to continue conversations, network with peers, or unwind after a productive day. The concept reflects the evolving needs of modern professionals who increasingly seek flexible environments that blend work and leisure.

With remote and hybrid work models continuing to shape workplace culture, “Redefine Your Workday” positions Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park as a destination that caters to the changing expectations of today’s workforce.

The workspace experience is available daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Tech Tonic, with bookings and inquiries open through the hotel


Dusit International Expands India Presence with Signing of Dusit Princess Rishikesh in Uttarakhand

Dusit International Expands India Presence with Signing of Dusit Princess Rishikesh in Uttarakhand

By Hariharan U

Published on June 10, 2026

Dusit International, the Thailand-based hospitality group, has announced its continued expansion in India with the signing of a hotel management agreement for Dusit Princess Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. The agreement has been signed with Atmosphere, a luxury real estate and hospitality development company focused on destination-led projects.

The upcoming development will be located in the Tehri Garhwal region near Rishikesh, one of India’s most prominent destinations for spirituality, wellness, and adventure tourism. Scheduled to open in 2031, the project is envisioned as an upscale mixed-use development combining contemporary hospitality with wellness-driven experiences inspired by the Himalayan landscape.

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Dusit Princess Rishikesh will feature approximately 300 keys, including hotel rooms and luxury duplex villas. Designed to appeal to both leisure and business travellers, the property will offer a wide range of facilities including an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge, business centre, outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium, yoga room, and multipurpose event spaces.

The development will also include an expansive clubhouse offering additional lifestyle amenities such as a spa, infinity pool, restaurant with 250 covers, squash court, mini-plex, bowling alley, and indoor recreational facilities, positioning it as a comprehensive lifestyle destination in the region.

According to Dusit International, the signing reinforces its long-term strategy to expand thoughtfully across India, focusing on destinations aligned with growing demand for wellness, leisure, and experience-led travel. The company highlighted Rishikesh as a natural fit for its brand philosophy, given its blend of spirituality, nature, and tourism potential.

Speaking on the announcement, Siradej Donavanik, Vice President – Development (Global) at Dusit International, said India remains a key strategic market for the group. He noted that the company aims to build in destinations that align with evolving traveller preferences and strong market fundamentals, with a focus on wellness-oriented hospitality experiences.

Sanchit Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of Atmosphere, said the collaboration with Dusit International reflects a shared vision of creating luxury hospitality destinations that integrate nature, wellness, and elevated living experiences. He expressed confidence that Dusit Princess Rishikesh will emerge as a distinctive retreat in Uttarakhand’s growing luxury hospitality landscape.

The signing follows the opening of dusitD2 Fagu Shimla in 2024 and further strengthens Dusit International’s development pipeline in India as it continues to expand its presence across emerging leisure and wellness destinations


The Orchid Hotel Mumbai Celebrates World Environment Day with Green Initiatives

The Orchid Hotel Mumbai Celebrates World Environment Day with Green Initiatives

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2026

The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, recognized as India’s first eco-friendly hotel, celebrated World Environment Day with a range of green initiatives aimed at encouraging environmental awareness and sustainable living among guests and visitors.

The hotel used the occasion to promote simple yet meaningful actions that help individuals reconnect with nature and adopt greener habits in their daily lives. Through engaging activities and community participation, the celebrations reflected The Orchid’s continued commitment to sustainability and responsible hospitality.

As part of the initiative, the hotel’s Green Team distributed planters to guests in the lobby, encouraging them to bring home a touch of greenery and contribute to a healthier environment. The gesture was well received by guests and added an eco-conscious element to the day’s celebrations.

The hotel also organized a plantation activity for young guests, giving children an opportunity to plant saplings while learning about the importance of caring for the environment. The activity combined education with hands-on participation, making sustainability both accessible and engaging for the younger generation.

By turning the celebration into a platform for environmental awareness, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai highlighted how collective efforts and conscious choices can contribute to a greener future.

For the hotel, sustainability extends beyond annual observances and remains an integral part of its operational philosophy. Over the years, The Orchid has implemented several measures designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high hospitality standards.

Some of the hotel's key sustainability initiatives include water-saving Geberit flush tanks, aerators in taps and showers to reduce water consumption, natural sunlight atriums that lower electricity usage during the day, and in-house vermicomposting systems that convert wet waste into eco-friendly compost. The property also follows dedicated waste management practices, uses environment-friendly construction methods, and incorporates energy conservation measures throughout its infrastructure.

Speaking about the initiative, Varun Sahani, Senior Vice President, Kamat Hotels India Limited, said, “World Environment Day is a reminder that even small actions can create a meaningful impact on our environment. At The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, sustainability has always been at the heart of our hospitality philosophy. Through initiatives like planter distribution and plantation activities for children, we aim to encourage our guests and the younger generation to become more conscious towards nature and greener living. As India’s first eco-friendly hotel, we remain committed to promoting sustainable practices every day.”

Over the years, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai has demonstrated that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. Its continued focus on resource conservation, environmental awareness, and community engagement reflects its commitment to creating a positive impact for future generations.

Through its World Environment Day celebrations, the hotel not only planted saplings but also encouraged greater awareness and responsibility towards building a greener and more sustainable future.

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