The Earth at Ranthambore: A Perfect Blend of Eco-Conscious Luxury and Wilderness

The Earth at Ranthambore: A Perfect Blend of Eco-Conscious Luxury and Wilderness

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 5, 2024

The Earth at Ranthambore in Rajasthan is now fully operational, offering an eco-conscious luxury experience amidst the wilderness. This unique property stands out as the only resort in Ranthambore where sustainability and luxury coexist seamlessly.

With the recent addition of 12 new, eco-friendly cottages, The Earth at Ranthambore now features a total of 37 cottages made from mud, wood, and limestone, spread across nearly five acres of lush greenery. These new cottages are not only durable and energy-efficient but also fireproof, constructed primarily from soil and wood.

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Rohit Pareek, Managing Director of The Earth at Ranthambore, emphasizes their commitment to sustainability. “Our goal was to blend with the local ecology rather than disrupt it. We used natural and sustainable materials sourced from around the site to build these cottages. Our rammed mud and cob earth walls are self-insulating and energy-efficient, maintaining a stable internal temperature through all seasons,” Pareek explains.

Earth Structure Benefits

The Earth structures at Ranthambore offer numerous benefits:

Warm, Dry, and Healthy: These cottages provide a healthy indoor environment, counteracting humidity and maintaining a stable internal temperature throughout the seasons. This creates a warm and dry living space that is energy efficient.

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Non-Toxic: Built with non-toxic materials, the cottages ensure a safe and healthy environment for guests.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: These structures are low in embodied energy and produce reduced waste during the building process. They fit seamlessly into the landscape and look great while being sustainable.

Strong and Durable: The cottages are weather-resistant and suitable for a range of climates. Experienced rammers ensure maximum strength and durability for every project.

Unique and Customized Look: Each cottage has a unique and customised appearance, blending perfectly with the natural surroundings.

Energy Efficient: The natural insulation of these cottages reduces the need for power-based heating and cooling systems, contributing to energy efficiency.

Noise, Pest, and Fire Proof: The cottages are sound insulated, reduce pest problems, and are fire-resistant, offering a secure and peaceful stay.

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Designed by renowned architect Eugene Pandala, The Earth at Ranthambore offers a range of amenities to enhance the guest experience. Guests can enjoy the all-day multi-cuisine restaurant (Tattva), a swimming pool (Taranaalya), and a recreation hall. For those seeking cultural experiences, Raasa provides an outdoor dining venue, while Kriya, the open-air amphitheater, hosts folk performances and wildlife documentaries. The spa, Sattva, offers a serene space for relaxation and rejuvenation.

The resort boasts seven categories of rooms, each designed to offer a unique blend of rustic charm and modern comfort:

Ambar Villas (5): These villas, crafted using the ancient cob earth technique, feature a king-size bed on the ground floor, a twin-sized bed on the mezzanine, and a spacious verandah overlooking the resort's Miyawaki forest. They also include an open-to-the-sky shower.

Neer Cottages (8): These intimate mud cottages, ideal for honeymooners and couples, come with a private indoor pool, a large bed, and a personal sit-out area.

Vayu Villas (4): Majestic duplex villas made entirely from rammed mud and cob earth, featuring a king-size bed on the ground floor, two twin-sized beds on the mezzanine, and an open-to-the-sky shower.

Tejas Cottages (8): Sustainably crafted mud cottages with an open-to-the-sky shower, offering a direct connection to nature.

Dhara Rooms (4): Luxurious cottages made entirely from stone and lime with oxide-finished floors and a personal sit-out area.

Vanam Cottages (4): Unique wooden cottages overlooking a tranquil pond, featuring an open-to-the-sky shower.

Anantam Rooms (4): Elegant rooms with stone and lime mortar construction, wooden flooring, a lavish bathtub, a kitchenette, and a private balcony.

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Located just 600 meters from Ranthambore National Park, 10 km from the railway station, and 4 km from the Trinetra Ganesh temple, the resort is easily accessible, being a five-hour drive from the National Capital Region (NCR) of New Delhi.

The Earth at Ranthambore takes pride in its sustainable construction practices. “We recycle or reuse materials from different stages of the build where possible and source materials locally to reduce carbon emissions,” adds Pareek.


CGH Earth Expands into Eastern Himalayas with New Properties in Kurseong and Kalimpong

CGH Earth Expands into Eastern Himalayas with New Properties in Kurseong and Kalimpong

By Hariharan U

Published on August 16, 2026

CGH Earth is expanding beyond its traditional Southern India footprint with a foray into the Eastern Himalayas, marking a new chapter for the hospitality group after more than four decades of creating place-led experiences.

The expansion begins with The Singell Tea Estate in Kurseong, West Bengal, while CGH Earth is also preparing to strengthen its presence in the region with an upcoming property in Kalimpong.

The move represents the group's first major expansion beyond Southern India and reflects its approach of developing hospitality experiences closely connected to the ecology, culture, heritage and communities of each destination.

A Living Tea Estate Experience in Kurseong

Located amid the mist-covered mountains of Kurseong, The Singell Tea Estate is set within the historic Singell Tea Estate, established in 1871.

The property offers guests an opportunity to experience the heritage of tea cultivation alongside the natural landscapes and mountain traditions of the Eastern Himalayas.

Experiences at the estate include plantation walks, tea factory tours, village trails, riverside picnics, tea tastings and storytelling sessions, allowing visitors to engage with the landscape and local culture beyond conventional sightseeing.

The region is also known for its rich birdlife, making the property a potential base for nature and birding experiences featuring Himalayan species including rufous-necked hornbills, broadbills, warblers and cuckoos.

Commenting on the expansion, Michael Dominic, CEO & MD, CGH Earth Experience Hotels, said the group's entry into the Eastern Himalayas is a natural evolution of its philosophy of connecting travel with the spirit of a destination.

He highlighted the region's ecological diversity, cultural richness and heritage as opportunities to create immersive hospitality experiences rooted in the landscape.

Local Food and Heritage

The culinary experience at Singell draws from the food traditions of the Darjeeling hills, with ingredients sourced from the estate, village gardens and local haat bazaars.

Seasonal and indigenous ingredients such as gundruk, kinema, Himalayan nettles, silam and buckwheat feature in the cuisine, with traditional techniques including foraging, fermentation, smoking and slow cooking.

The resulting food experience focuses on local, seasonal and traditional preparations that reflect the region's landscape and communities.

The property features 11 rooms spread across a restored heritage bungalow and a contemporary wing, combining elements of colonial-era architecture with modern comforts.

Next Stop: Kalimpong

Following the Kurseong expansion, CGH Earth is preparing to unveil its upcoming property in Kalimpong.

Known for its colonial heritage, monasteries, cultural traditions and Himalayan views, Kalimpong offers another setting for the group to develop an experiential hospitality concept connected to its surroundings.

According to CGH Earth, its expansion across the Eastern Himalayas will continue to be guided by its focus on conservation, cultural heritage and community partnerships, with the aim of creating experiences that are both locally rooted and responsible.

The move into Kurseong and Kalimpong expands CGH Earth's geographic footprint while extending its long-standing approach to experiential hospitality into a new region.


Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan Marks 13 Years with Dining and Stay Offers

Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan Marks 13 Years with Dining and Stay Offers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 16, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan is celebrating 13 years of operations in the city with a month-long series of dining, stay and promotional offers throughout August.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the hotel has introduced a special buffet lunch for groups of 10 or more, priced at ₹999 per person, exclusive of taxes. Available from Monday to Friday through 31 August, the offer is designed for corporate teams, family gatherings and larger groups. Prior reservation is required.

Guests looking to make their anniversary visit longer can also choose the hotel's special stay package. The package includes a one-night stay with a welcome amenity on arrival, buffet breakfast and dinner at MoMo Café, a one-plus-one cocktail during happy hours, a 13 percent discount on the food and beverage bill, one lucky draw entry per stay, along with early check-in or late check-out, subject to availability.

The anniversary campaign will receive additional attention from 17 August to 23 August, with campaign activity and promotional content highlighting the hotel's anniversary offers and dining experiences. Adding to the celebrations, MoMo Café will host a food festival featuring 13 specialty cuisines. Two cuisines will be showcased at a time across the celebration period, giving guests an opportunity to explore a variety of flavours during the anniversary month.

There is also something extra for guests opting for packed boxes from MoMo Café. Every set of 10 boxes will include one dine-in voucher, giving guests a chance to win while enjoying the café's offerings.

The anniversary month brings together food, stays and guest-focused offers, giving guests different ways to be part of Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan's 13-year journey.

About Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan

Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan is part of the Courtyard by Marriott brand and offers accommodation and dining experiences in the Chakan area of Pune. The property also features its in-house restaurant, MoMo Café.


ITC Hotels Brings Independence Day Flavours and Festive Escapes Together

ITC Hotels Brings Independence Day Flavours and Festive Escapes Together

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 15, 2026

This Independence Day, ITC Hotels is bringing together India's diverse flavours, festive traditions and holiday experiences across its properties. From a special feast at Peshwa Pavilion in Mumbai to relaxed coastal celebrations in Goa and a heritage escape in Agra, guests have several ways to mark the long weekend.

One Nation, Many Flavours at ITC Maratha

At Peshwa Pavilion, ITC Maratha, Independence Day and Parsi New Year come together under the theme “One Nation, Many Flavours.” The festive experience celebrates India's regional cuisine alongside much-loved Parsi classics, with traditional welcomes, live stations and a special offer for guests.

The spread features favourites including Amritsari Chole Kulche, Goan Prawn Curry, Chicken Chettinad, Kashmiri Rogan Josh, and Hyderabadi Subz Biryani. Parsi New Year specialities such as Sali Boti, Patra Ni Machhi, and Mawa Cake will also be part of the celebration. Guests can further enjoy the Tricolour Chaat & Dessert Station, bringing together festive colours and flavours.

The experience begins with a traditional Parsi welcome, as every table receives rosewater spraying along with a complimentary glass of Falooda or Raspberry Soda.

As part of the festive offer, tables of four or more can enjoy a flat 19.47% discount on the total bill. The celebration will be available on 15th August 2026.

  • Offer: Flat 19.47% off on the total bill for tables of four or more.
  • Address: ITC Maratha, International Airport, Ashok Nagar, Andheri East, Mumbai

A Coastal Independence Day at ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa

For travellers looking for a more relaxed celebration, ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa, Goa brings a coastal touch to Independence Day.

The Independence Day Brunch at Pavilion, The Village Square combines festive regional flavours with the easy-going atmosphere of a beachside retreat. Surrounded by lush waterways and Goa's relaxed pace, guests can enjoy a leisurely brunch and spend the afternoon at their own pace. The experience brings together food, relaxation and the charm of a long weekend by the sea.

A Heritage Escape at ITC Mughal, Agra

For those looking to combine Independence Day with a heritage getaway, ITC Mughal, Agra offers an escape surrounded by expansive gardens, wellness experiences and the character of its historic setting.

The hotel's “Freedom to Indulge” offer adds to the long-weekend experience with benefits across stays, dining and wellness. Under the promotion, guests can avail up to 30% off on stays, 20% off on F&B and Spa, and 2x Green Points.

Together, these experiences give travellers different ways to celebrate Independence Day, from discovering India's regional flavours and Parsi traditions to enjoying a beachside brunch or taking a relaxed heritage break. With food, culture, hospitality and festive offers coming together, ITC Hotels is giving guests an opportunity to make the Independence Day long weekend a little more memorable.

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