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.


Golden Tulip to Debut in Virat Nagar, Jaipur

Golden Tulip to Debut in Virat Nagar, Jaipur

By Hariharan U

Published on January 10, 2026

SeaHorse Hospitality Consulting has successfully brought together Green Oasis Hospitality Pvt Ltd and Sarovar Hotels to introduce Golden Tulip in Virat Nagar, Jaipur. This strategic brand partnership marks an important addition to Rajasthan’s growing hospitality landscape, with the upcoming property positioned as a premium four-star hotel.

Planned as a 110-room development, Golden Tulip Virat Nagar is designed to serve a balanced mix of business and leisure travellers, while also emerging as a preferred destination for large-format social gatherings. Located on the outskirts of Jaipur, Virat Nagar has been identified as a high-potential micro-market, particularly for destination weddings, corporate offsites, and upscale retreats.

SeaHorse Hospitality Consulting played a key role in aligning the hospitality asset with the right brand to unlock long-term value. By bringing Golden Tulip, part of the Sarovar Hotels portfolio, to the project, Green Oasis Hospitality gains access to a strong global distribution network and professional hotel management expertise, setting the stage for sustained revenue growth from the outset.

Highlighting the vision behind the partnership, Sandeep Roy, Founder & CEO, SeaHorse Hospitality Consulting, said, "Jaipur’s periphery is evolving into a powerhouse for high-end social events and leisure retreats. Facilitating this partnership between Green Oasis and Sarovar Hotels ensures that Virat Nagar gains a premier asset designed to capture the growing demand for large-format weddings and upscale staycations."

Golden Tulip Virat Nagar, Jaipur is being thoughtfully planned with a strong focus on events and premium guest experiences. The hotel will feature 110 spacious luxury rooms, each with a minimum size of 400 square feet, including a select number of exclusive plunge pool rooms.

The property’s food and beverage offerings will include a signature all-day dining restaurant and a contemporary lounge bar, catering to both resident guests and event attendees. For social and corporate functions, the hotel will house a grand banquet hall spanning 6,500 square feet, supported by multiple conference halls suited for meetings and MICE requirements.

One of the key highlights of the development is its expansive outdoor event infrastructure. The hotel will offer multiple landscaped lawns, with the largest covering 13,000 square feet, specifically designed to host large-scale destination weddings and celebratory events. Additional amenities will include a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym and spa, and a dedicated kids play area, ensuring a complete leisure experience for families and groups.

With this signing, Virat Nagar is set to gain a landmark hospitality asset that aligns with Jaipur’s evolving demand for premium stays and large-format event venues, further strengthening the region’s appeal as a luxury wedding and leisure destination.


ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands Footprint with The Hoften Vibranta Haridwar

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands Footprint with The Hoften Vibranta Haridwar

By Hariharan U

Published on January 10, 2026

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts has announced the strategic addition of The Hoften Vibranta Haridwar to its growing portfolio, further strengthening its presence in Uttarakhand. With this partnership, the hospitality group now operates three properties in the state, underlining its long-term commitment to India’s most visited spiritual and leisure destinations.

Haridwar holds a special place in India’s cultural and spiritual landscape. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, where the holy Ganges enters the plains, the city continues to draw pilgrims and travellers from across the country. As part of Devbhumi, Uttarakhand’s appeal goes beyond faith, with a rising demand for comfortable, well-managed stays that cater to both spiritual visitors and leisure travellers.

The inclusion of The Hoften Vibranta allows ALIVAA to address this evolving travel need, combining the calm of a spiritual destination with THE HOFTEN’s guest-first approach and refined comfort. The region’s natural beauty and cultural depth offer an ideal setting for a hospitality experience that balances tradition with modern expectations.

Sharing his thoughts on the expansion, Akash Bhatia, CEO of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, said,"The addition of The Hoften Vibranta Haridwar is a pivotal milestone in our growth strategy. Uttarakhand is a core market for us, and Haridwar’s unique position as both a spiritual epicentre and a gateway to the Himalayas makes it an invaluable asset. We are committed to bringing our high standards of operational excellence to this historic city."

Inder Pal Batra, Co-Founder of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, added, "Our goal has always been to bridge the gap between traditional hospitality and sophisticated modern living. With our third property in Uttarakhand, we are creating a seamless circuit for travellers looking to explore the beauty and divinity of the North. The Hoften Vibranta embodies the spirit of Haridwar while maintaining the contemporary refinement THE HOFTEN is known for."

Welcoming the collaboration, Mr. Anubhav Siwach, Owner of Vibranta Hotels & Resorts, said, "We are thrilled to join forces with ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts. Their expertise in management and brand positioning is exactly what we were looking for to elevate the guest experience at The Hoften Vibranta. Together, we aim to set a new benchmark for distinguished hospitality in Haridwar."

Mr. Deepak, Owner of Vibranta Hotels & Resorts, also highlighted the shift in traveller expectations, stating, "Haridwar is evolving, and today’s traveller seeks more than just proximity to the temples; they seek quality and reliability. Partnering with ALIVAA ensures that The Hoften Vibranta will become a preferred destination for discerning guests visiting Uttarakhand."

Based in Gurugram, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts continues to focus on curated travel experiences through strategic growth across key leisure and business markets. The brand blends local character with international service standards, aiming to deliver consistency and comfort across destinations.

Located in the heart of Haridwar, The Hoften Vibranta offers modern amenities paired with traditional warmth. With well-appointed rooms, multi-cuisine dining options, and contemporary facilities, the property is designed to suit both pilgrims and modern explorers looking for an elevated yet dependable stay.


Sterling Expands Presence in North-East with Launch of Sterling Mount Olive Gangtok

Sterling Expands Presence in North-East with Launch of Sterling Mount Olive Gangtok

By Hariharan U

Published on January 10, 2026

Sterling Holiday Resorts has strengthened its presence in North-East India with the launch of Sterling Mount Olive Gangtok, a contemporary city hotel located in the heart of Gangtok. The new opening marks Sterling’s second property in Sikkim and its fourth in the North-East, reinforcing the brand’s growing regional portfolio.

Designed for travellers seeking connectivity and central access, Sterling Mount Olive Gangtok caters to business travellers, professionals on short stays, and leisure guests who prefer to stay close to the city’s commercial and cultural hubs. The property complements Sterling’s existing leisure resort in the destination, Sterling Gangtok Orange Village, which is located in a quieter setting outside the city.

Situated in Development Area, Gangtok’s business and administrative district, the hotel occupies an elevated location offering views of the city skyline. Its proximity to government offices, business centres, and the popular MG Marg shopping promenade makes it a convenient base for work trips as well as short urban getaways.

As travel to the Eastern Himalayas increasingly blends business, leisure, and onward journeys to destinations such as Darjeeling and Kalimpong, the hotel adds an urban dimension to Sterling’s regional presence. It is positioned for travellers looking to maximise their time in Gangtok for meetings, sightseeing, shopping, or brief exploratory stays.

Commenting on the launch, Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts, said, The launch of Sterling Mount Olive Gangtok strengthens our presence in the North East with a hotel that is purposefully designed around location and accessibility. Gangtok attracts both business and leisure travellers throughout the year, and this property addresses the need for a centrally located, high-quality stay that allows guests to engage closely with the city while enjoying Sterling’s signature comfort and service.”

The hotel features well-appointed rooms with private balconies and warm, contemporary interiors, suited for short business trips, extended stays, and small families.

Dining is led by Latitude 27, the hotel’s all-day restaurant inspired by the Himalayan latitude running through the region. The menu blends global comfort food with regional specialities such as Masyang ko Dal, Baans ko Tusa, and Thentuk, emphasising seasonal ingredients and relaxed dining.

The property also offers convenient access to attractions including Tashi View Point, Do Drul Chorten, and Banjhakri Falls, with longer excursions to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir easily planned as day trips. Well connected via Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri railway station, the hotel ensures smooth access for travellers.

With this launch, Sterling continues to expand its portfolio of experience-led properties, offering guests a choice between serene resort destinations and centrally located city hotels while strengthening its footprint across Sikkim and the wider North-East region.

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