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.”

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.

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has marked impressive growth in the first half of FY 2025, with 35 new signings and 12 hotel openings, bringing its total portfolio to 345 hotels. The company also boasts an industry-leading pipeline of 115 hotels, reflecting its aggressive expansion strategy.

Speaking about this momentum, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development at IHCL, emphasized the buoyancy in the travel and tourism sector. She remarked, "IHCL's record signings in H1 FY 2025 across our diverse brandscape is a testament to the trust of our partners and the premium positioning of our brands. This expansion aligns with the growing demand for hospitality beyond India's top ten cities, as 70% of our new signings are in emerging markets like Srinagar, Varanasi, Mangalore, Kanpur, Mysore, Hosur, and Lonavala."

Venkatesh also highlighted IHCL's international growth, with signings in Bhutan and Bahrain, and a 200-key Taj project set to launch in Ranchi. These strategic moves underscore the company’s commitment to both domestic and international markets.

Adding to this, Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – Hotel Openings & New Businesses, highlighted that the company’s hotel openings have kept pace with their ambitious target of opening two hotels per month. In the first half of FY 2025, IHCL expanded its footprint with a Taj in Patna, SeleQtions at Mahabaleshwar, and a Ginger hotel in Nagpur. Additionally, the company enhanced its presence in cities such as Srinagar, Gangtok, Udaipur, Jamshedpur, Coimbatore, and Delhi.

In the second quarter, IHCL also launched a reimagined Gateway brand with a new hotel in Bekal and the migration of four hotels located in Nashik, Coonoor, Madurai, and Chikmagalur.

With a strong focus on both domestic and international expansion, IHCL is well-positioned to continue its industry-leading growth trajectory, meeting the growing demand for premium hospitality across diverse markets.