Opening October 11, the intimate 17-key retreat invites travellers to experience the wilderness, culture and slower rhythms of Rajasthan.
Brij Hotels, part of the IHCL brandscape, announces the opening of Brij Tara, Ranthambore, on October 11, 2026. A private 17-key retreat spread across nine acres at the edge of Ranthambore National Park, Brij Tara offers an intimate way to experience one of Rajasthan’s most evocative landscapes, bringing together the thrill of the wilderness with the quiet rhythms of a Rajasthani home.
Speaking at the opening, Udit Kumar, Co-Founder, Brij Hotels, said, “Ranthambore has a rare ability to bring together the thrill of the wild with a deep sense of stillness. With Brij Tara, we wanted to create a retreat that allows guests to experience both the excitement of the forest and the warmth & slower rhythms of Rajasthan. Every aspect of the property has been designed to make the destination itself an integral part of the stay.”
Here, the experience begins long before a tiger is sighted. Warm interiors, handcrafted details and generous living spaces create a serene base between days spent exploring Ranthambore. The property comprises luxury villas, cottages and suites, each equipped with either a private garden or heated plunge pool. At the heart of the property is a private lake, offering a quiet setting to slow down, whether over an unhurried breakfast, an evening by the water or simply a few peaceful hours.
Brij Tara brings together the character of a Rajasthani home with the intimacy of a luxury retreat. Rather than treating the destination as simply a backdrop to a safari, the property invites guests to experience Ranthambore through its many rhythms.
Beyond the Tiger
The tiger remains at the heart of the Ranthambore experience, with guests able to venture into the national park on a dedicated tiger safari. But Brij Tara looks beyond the traditional safari to offer a broader experience of the region.
A Chambal crocodile safari and river cruise takes guests along the Chambal River at Pali Ghat, while Surwal birdwatching offers a quieter way to discover the region’s resident and migratory birdlife. Guests can also explore the landscape on horseback, set out on guided treks and morning nature walks with a naturalist, or visit Ranthambore Fort and the Trinetra Ganesha Temple. The Story of Tigers introduces guests to the behaviours, territories and histories of the region’s most celebrated residents, offering a deeper understanding of the landscape beyond the safari.
The experience also extends into local culture through folk music and dance, lac bangle making, tota-wala astrology and Dastkar Ranthambore, alongside cooking sessions, spice mixing, arts and crafts at the Baithak, and farming and sapling plantation activities. For a little downtime, Arama Spa and Sunrise Yoga offer simple ways to unwind during the stay. Design & Decor: Rather than imposing a highly curated resort aesthetic upon the landscape, the project takes its cues from the terrain itself.
The buildings are deliberately restrained from the exterior, finished in an earthy paint shade that recalls the appearance of traditional mud plaster. This muted, tactile envelope allows the architecture to settle into the landscape rather than dominate it, giving the resort an almost elemental quality. Natural stone is used extensively across the property, bringing a sense of weight, permanence and continuity with the surrounding terrain. Inside, the language shifts to a richer and more immersive expression of the jungle. Refined furnishings and detailing are juxtaposed with handcrafted surfaces and extensive hand-painted walls depicting jungle-inspired imagery. Locally sourced elements from around Ranthambore were incorporated wherever possible, complemented by bespoke details.
The most significant addition to the property is the creation of a large man-made lake, conceived as the hero element of the resort. The lake introduces water as both an experiential and architectural device. It creates a strong visual axis through the property while dramatically expanding the sense of openness.
Rajasthan, Served at Its Own Pace
Food at Brij Tara is an extension of the destination, drawing from Rajasthan’s culinary traditions while allowing guests to enjoy meals without the constraints of a fixed schedule. In keeping with the privileges extended across Brij Hotels, guests can enjoy anytime breakfast, complimentary high tea and the option of breakfast in bed, allowing each morning and afternoon to unfold at their own pace.
At Tara Mahal, the all-day dining restaurant, Rajasthan’s disappearing culinary traditions are brought back to the table through age-old recipes and techniques, with flavours shaped by khad pits, sigri coals and open-fire cooking, presented with a contemporary touch.
At Mehfil, the main bar, the anticipation and mystery of tracking the tiger inspires a cocktail journey through Ranthambore, with each pour reflecting a different mood of the forest. By the water, Talaab, the pool bar, offers an easygoing setting for sun-soaked afternoons and leisurely evenings, with wood-fired flatbreads, charcoal-grilled specialities and crisp favourites served poolside.
Dining extends beyond the restaurants, with High Tea by the Resort Lake, private bush dinners by the lake and Dinner at the Machan, set on a raised platform overlooking the landscape, where personalised menus are served beneath a canopy of stars, accompanied by the sounds of the surrounding forest. Guests can also enjoy a curated Jungle High Tea in the Jeep, bringing the experience of dining into the wilderness.
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