In A Remote Rajasthan Town Once Without Electricity Or Roads, 3 Non-Hoteliers Built A Thriving Luxury Resort

"Mr Patel, you are mad," the collector said. "A hotelier would never have invested in such a property." But Mr Dhaval Patel smiled and told him the decision was firm. And so, WelcomHeritage Akashganga Heritage Hills Resort & Spa was born in Ratanpur - a small town on the border of Rajasthan and Gujarat that I had never heard of until I received an invitation to visit this expanse of luxury in the middle of nowhere.

We have all heard about the business acumen of Gujaratis. This time, I witnessed it myself. The resort is a vision shared by its three Directors - Dhaval Solanki, Dhaval Patel, and Brijesh Patel - none of whom have any hospitality background, just pure Gujarati enterprise.

They chose this location at a time when there were no proper roads or electricity in the area. Yet they saw its potential - and they were right. Revenue crossed fixed costs within just three months of opening.

Why Ratanpur?

Situated on the outskirts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, Ratanpur is perfectly positioned as a weekend getaway for locals, especially those from Ahmedabad. Instead of driving far afield to Udaipur or Mount Abu every weekend, Ratanpur is much closer, saving travel time - and the resort offers a vast, beautiful space to spend time with loved ones.

Since Ratanpur is neither a developed city nor an established tourist destination, staying here brings you closer to nature, away from pollution - a peaceful escape from the buzz and crowds.

The location is idyllic, almost like stepping into an untouched village with small huts, hills, greenery, and, during the monsoon, a beautiful lake.

Launched in December 2025, the resort is new and still evolving, with more accommodation and offerings in development - though it is already in fine shape and fully functional for a memorable weekend getaway.

Location And How To Reach

Located at Bhehana, Bichhiwara, the resort is easily accessible: approximately 2 hours 15 minutes from Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur, and 2 hours 45 minutes from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad.

My Room Overlooking The Aravallis

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The room was spacious and beautiful, with a royal vintage-meets-modern aesthetic. The walls were mostly vast glass windows overlooking the picturesque village, the Rajasthani landscape, and the Aravalli range. Not for a second did I wish to switch on the television; the view was worth soaking in, pausing and observing like a child - small movements in the stillness, a woman tending to her cow, a motorbike passing by. It felt almost like being placed inside Malgudi Days, though with only a window between me and the scene.

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While it is not a five-star property - and some small details give away the fact that you are in an underdeveloped location (constant electricity fluctuations, harmless insects on the walls) - you can also tell there is a sincere effort to deliver refined service, with wonderful and proactive staff, upholding the reputation of ITC.

At present, the property is operational with 41 rooms: 16 Forest Studios and 25 Ellwood Cottages, each designed to blend traditional charm with modern convenience.

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Global Cuisines In Ratanpur

The food at WelcomHeritage Akashganga is absolutely delicious. From elegant tasting menus to hearty breakfast buffets, tasty Gujarati snacks in the evening to flavourful chicken starters with dinner, I cannot recall a single dish being disappointing - or even just passable. Everything was cooked perfectly, served with warmth, and enjoyed with jokes and laughter.

^{From fancy desserts to OG jalebi-fafda, this resort has it all. Photo Credit: Author}

The resort is poised to become a premier culinary and entertainment hub, offering a diverse array of food and beverage options. Guests can enjoy Thikree (Coffee Shop), an all-day multi-cuisine cafe offering global dishes from Asian to European, and indulge their sweet tooth at DEE-LISH (Patisserie), which serves artisanal pastries and fine confections. For authentic Indian flavours, the now-open Nirvana (Speciality Restaurant) focuses on vibrant Rajasthani, North Indian, and South Indian coastal fare.

For evening entertainment, MIRAGE (Discotheque) provides the perfect spot with its lively ambience, panoramic views, and cocktails. We spent two nights at Mirage - dining on the open terrace before stepping inside the disco, ready to shake a leg to Bollywood hits. I even ended up mastering basic Garba steps, taught patiently and lovingly by the resort team. It truly made me want to visit Gujarat during Navratri sometime.

A Soft Flute In The Air Sets The Vibe

A soft flute plays through tiny speakers planted all over the resort, and it went straight to my heart - especially when the surroundings were extra quiet - in the mornings and late at night. The melody lent a beautiful mood to the lush, green property and made me smile for no reason every time it reached my ears. If you are looking to unwind, slow down, and take a calming walk - or two, or three - this is the place to be.

The property is spacious and thoughtfully designed, with every turn revealing a picture-worthy spot.

Host Weddings, Plan Corporate Events, Or Simply Unwind

Beyond leisure, the resort is well equipped to host professional events and wedding celebrations. It features extensive venues for large-scale weddings, corporate events, and intimate meetings, including:

• Bandhej (Banquet Lawn) - 25,000 sq. ft.
• Ratna Vatika (Convention Lawn) - 4,000 sq. ft.
• Sammelan (Conference Hall) - 1,500 sq. ft.

For recreation, guests can enjoy a large swimming pool, cycling, indoor and outdoor games, and relaxation in the gazebo lounge.

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Fascinating And Unique Attractions Close To Resort

^{Shree Shamlaji Vishnu Mandir. Photo Credit: Author}

Guests can also explore several nearby attractions. My short stay included visits to the beautiful and peaceful Shree Shamlaji Vishnu Mandir; Juna Mahal, which is reportedly haunted; Udai Bilas Palace with its marvellous architecture and unforgettable collection of stuffed animal heads; the Vintage Car Museum with its incredible array of vintage cars and motorbikes; and the Jaisamand Leopard Safari.

^{Juna Mahal. Photo Credit: Author}

^{(L-R) Inside Udai Bilas Palace and Vintage Car Museum. Photo Credit: Author}

WelcomHeritage is a joint venture between ITC Hotels Limited and Jodhana Heritage Resorts Pvt. Ltd.