Amit Razdan
Chief Operating Officer
Tucked across some of India’s most charming lands, Saraca Hotels & Resorts has quietly redefined the idea of luxury hospitality over the past nine years. What began as a passion project to restore an old Brigadier’s bungalow in Lucknow has blossomed into a distinctive collection of boutique hotels and jungle lodges, all unified by one philosophy: offering guests authentic experiences wrapped in thoughtful luxury.
Stories of Heritage, Wilderness & Comfort
Nearly a decade ago, Saraca Hotels & Resorts began its remarkable journey in Lucknow by taking over a grand old bungalow once owned by an Indian Brigadier during the British era. This elegant structure was carefully transformed into the only heritage hotel in the heart of Lucknow’s city centre.
Today, it features 41 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, delightful restaurants, and graceful banqueting spaces. The property stands as a proud tribute to the city’s rich cultural legacy while offering modern travellers a blend of history, comfort, and charm. From this heritage jewel in Lucknow, the hotel’s path led into the untamed wilderness of Jim Corbett, where they established a stunning safari lodge spread across nine acres, housing 44 rooms and suites.
Here, luxury and nature merge seamlessly, and some suites are uniquely built around existing trees, preserving the natural landscape. Even the journey to the lodge becomes an adventure, as guests swap their vehicles for 4x4 rides through the jungle, heightening anticipation.
Saraca’s portfolio also shines with Fort Tiracol in North Goa, a 400-year-old Portuguese fort thoughtfully restored into an exclusive retreat. Uniting all these diverse experiences is the inspiration drawn from the Ashoka tree, symbolising resilience and good fortune, values deeply rooted in this resort’s design, hospitality, and connection with local communities.
Luxury Meets Wilderness with Care
At Saraca Corbett, the magic of nature is brought right to your doorstep. Unlike manicured city resorts, this jungle lodge blends beautifully with its surroundings. Guests might sip a cup of coffee while spotting deer just beyond the fenced boundary. Loud events that could disturb the wildlife are avoided; even music parties are held inside a soundproof hall to protect the hundreds of bird species that call Bhakrakot Valley home.
Running such a unique property isn’t easy, especially when balancing luxury with conservation. Saraca achieves this by carefully choosing the kinds of guests and events they host, managing waste responsibly, and using renewable energy. About 40 percent of their power comes from solar energy, they use no single-use plastic, and an RO-UV system ensures clean water, all while delivering a plush guest experience.
“Beyond wildlife safaris, Saraca Corbett offers rare moments of wonder. Our expert naturalists lead guests on guided walks, pointing out birds and native plants. Several watering holes near the fence attract animals, giving our guests thrilling sightings right from the grounds. Even without venturing deep into the forest, our visitors can experience the untamed beauty of the wild”, says Amit Razdan, Chief Operating Officer, Saraca Hotels & Resorts.
Sustainability Without Sacrificing Comfort
A stay at any Saraca property is made truly special by its dedicated team. At Corbett, the general manager keeps operations smooth, while skilled naturalists lead guests through the wonders of the jungle. The executive chef highlights local Kumaoni flavours, creating memorable dining experiences by the river, on hilltops, or under the forest canopy. Behind the scenes, an attentive engineering team ensures everything runs sustainably, from managing solar grids to maintaining compost pits.
Sustainability is at the heart of Saraca. At Corbett, guests enjoy fresh farm-to-table meals with nearly 60 percent of produce coming from the resort’s organic fields. Water is carefully conserved through rain harvesting, and guests are encouraged to reuse linens. Despite these eco-friendly measures, comfort is never compromised, showing that luxury and responsibility can truly go hand in hand.
Saraca’s thoughtful approach delights all kinds of travellers. Children enjoy pottery, baking, and pebble painting, while nearly 20 percent of guests bring their pets, who are pampered with space and special menus. Such dedication has earned this resort multiple honours, including World Travel Awards for the last five years as the best resort in Jim Corbett, the Times Icon Award, and glowing TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice recognitions.
Looking ahead, Saraca is expanding with a 50-room resort in Mirissa, Sri Lanka, and a 200-key flagship in Jim Corbett under Hyatt’s Destinations brand. They also plan standalone restaurants like Azrak in Delhi and Mumbai. Yet at its core, the hotel stays true to creating soulful stays, where heritage, heartfelt hospitality, and nature blend beautifully. It’s the kind of thoughtful luxury today’s travellers truly cherish.
Luxury Meets Wilderness with Care
At Saraca Corbett, the magic of nature is brought right to your doorstep. Unlike manicured city resorts, this jungle lodge blends beautifully with its surroundings. Guests might sip a cup of coffee while spotting deer just beyond the fenced boundary. Loud events that could disturb the wildlife are avoided; even music parties are held inside a soundproof hall to protect the hundreds of bird species that call Bhakrakot Valley home.
Running such a unique property isn’t easy, especially when balancing luxury with conservation. Saraca achieves this by carefully choosing the kinds of guests and events they host, managing waste responsibly, and using renewable energy. About 40 percent of their power comes from solar energy, they use no single-use plastic, and an RO-UV system ensures clean water, all while delivering a plush guest experience.
“Beyond wildlife safaris, Saraca Corbett offers rare moments of wonder. Our expert naturalists lead guests on guided walks, pointing out birds and native plants. Several watering holes near the fence attract animals, giving our guests thrilling sightings right from the grounds. Even without venturing deep into the forest, our visitors can experience the untamed beauty of the wild”, says Amit Razdan, Chief Operating Officer, Saraca Hotels & Resorts.
At Saraca, luxury embraces nature, heritage whispers through every wall, and every stay becomes a story of soulful, mindful discovery
Sustainability Without Sacrificing Comfort
A stay at any Saraca property is made truly special by its dedicated team. At Corbett, the general manager keeps operations smooth, while skilled naturalists lead guests through the wonders of the jungle. The executive chef highlights local Kumaoni flavours, creating memorable dining experiences by the river, on hilltops, or under the forest canopy. Behind the scenes, an attentive engineering team ensures everything runs sustainably, from managing solar grids to maintaining compost pits.
Sustainability is at the heart of Saraca. At Corbett, guests enjoy fresh farm-to-table meals with nearly 60 percent of produce coming from the resort’s organic fields. Water is carefully conserved through rain harvesting, and guests are encouraged to reuse linens. Despite these eco-friendly measures, comfort is never compromised, showing that luxury and responsibility can truly go hand in hand.
Saraca’s thoughtful approach delights all kinds of travellers. Children enjoy pottery, baking, and pebble painting, while nearly 20 percent of guests bring their pets, who are pampered with space and special menus. Such dedication has earned this resort multiple honours, including World Travel Awards for the last five years as the best resort in Jim Corbett, the Times Icon Award, and glowing TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice recognitions.
Looking ahead, Saraca is expanding with a 50-room resort in Mirissa, Sri Lanka, and a 200-key flagship in Jim Corbett under Hyatt’s Destinations brand. They also plan standalone restaurants like Azrak in Delhi and Mumbai. Yet at its core, the hotel stays true to creating soulful stays, where heritage, heartfelt hospitality, and nature blend beautifully. It’s the kind of thoughtful luxury today’s travellers truly cherish.
