Hardik Madaan
Shubhangini Bhandari
Muskan Kashyap
Devansh Malhotra
Goa Institute of Management
shiv sinha
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Fateh Bagh Palace is a testament to how ancient Vedic principles can seamlessly merge with modern sustainability practices in the hospitality industry.
The palace, built on 51 Vedic Principles, demonstrates that traditional wisdom can create business models that are environmentally conscious and financially viable while preserving Indian cultural heritage. Through the efforts made in innovative waste management, energy conservation, and wildlife preservation, the palace has created a model for luxury hospitality that is sustainable and respects both tradition and the environment.
In the interview, Fateh Bagh Palace's founder, Shri Jitendra Singh Ji Rathore, shared how it all began. The journey started with an ambitious preservation project of a 200-year-old fort, called “Fateh Bagh”, in Koshilav which is a small village near Ranakpur. Jitendra Ji discovered that the fort's new owner intended to demolish it for residential plots and therefore, he proposed an innovative solution which was carefully dismantling and then relocating the structure. Imagine moving 65,000 pieces of history, each stone carrying two centuries of stories, across miles of Indian countryside which were then reassembled "like a larger-than-life jigsaw puzzle". This was an initial experience that helped Rathore realize the immense value India's ancient civilization carries, and it sparked a commitment to incorporate sustainable practices in all his future projects.
The Key Sustainable Innovations are:
• 100% solar power capacity with grid integration for energy harvesting
• 4 tons of monthly kitchen waste is converted to cattle fodder
• 25 trolleys of natural manure being produced annually
• A Dual kitchen system that follows sustainable practices
• Vastu-based architectural design reducing energy needs by 80-85%
• Use of Windmills to leverage wind energy (VAYU)
At Fateh Bagh Palace, age-old wisdom seamlessly blends with modern sustainability efforts to create a unique hospitality experience. A unique waste management system is a highlight of the palace where the kitchen operates with separate vegetarian and non-vegetarian cooking areas, uniquely contributing to sustainability- the vegetarian kitchen waste is converted into cattle fodder producing four tons per month, which feeds their cows and creates a closed-loop system. "About five to ten kgs of tandoori rotis go there," said Rathore, describing how even seemingly minor waste is incorporated into their sustainable cycle. Cows provide milk for the hotel's dairy needs which is then used to make paneer, Dahi and other dairy products and also their manure being used in the field creates a perfect cycle of sustainability.
Energy management at Fateh Bagh Palace is equally innovative. The property operates on 100% solar capacity, with grid connectivity serving as a backup system. There are days when solar production exceeds needs, then excess energy is fed back into the grid, and during cloudy days, the hotel can draw from the grid, ensuring a constant, sustainable power supply. This system, while requiring initial investment, pays for itself within two and a half years and continues to provide benefits for 25 years.
Vedic Principles that contribute to sustainability-
AGNI (Solar)
1. Solar panels for hot water generation.
2. Solar photo rotter support for Wind Turbines.
3. Solar Lights for pathways.
4. The structure is built as per principles of Vastu thereby making the most of winter sun to heat the building & keep the building cool during the summertime.
5. Solar cookers for bulk cooking and hot water from Solar Panels is also supplied o Kitchens for use in cooking.
6. Use of CFL's & LED lights for efficient & economic usage of electricity supply.
7. Use of Biogas for cooking for members of the Staff.
8. Central control for electricity supply in individual rooms, this ensures that electricity is not lost when the guests are not in the room.
PRITHVI (Earth/Soil/Land/Forests)
1. Usage of indigenous plants that require very little water supply and Flourish with very little care.
2. Jathropa plant pods to be crushed and used for oil in Diya's for public area.
3. Dry twigs to be collected and used in winters for outdoor campfires.
4. The resort is based in the Green Belt area and therefore is built only on 5% land the rest 95% is green land left naturally and protected from Grazing animals by way of a retaining wall only.
5. Contour bounding along the slopes to retain soil & plantation of Indigenous trees on a large scale.
6. Plantation of Neem and Pipal on large scale for good supply of Oxygen in the Atmosphere.
7. Flowers and fruits cultivated with wormy compost and without use of pesticides or other chemicals.
8. Waste segregation and compost pits in the vicinity to produce manure from organic waste.
9. Organic food materials used for the Menu.
10. Reuse of stone blocks from an existing building thereby saving on energy and excavation of Earth besides Heritage Conservation.
11. Recycled wood used for doors, windows and furniture for all the rooms. Antique furniture is also used, thereby reducing our need to cut trees for the project.
12. All material used for the building is locally available only and no item is used from outside of the region thereby reducing transportation in the building of the resort.
13. Extensive use of lime plaster which is a locally available item and helps keep the building cool and no requirement for chemical paints which emit V.O.G(Volatile Organic Chemical) in the atmosphere.
14. The building is built with minimum areas needing air-conditioning - there are a lot of open spaces which allow guests to be in touch with nature and reduces the energy requirement.
15. All areas have enough and more sun light penetrating through thereby reducing the requirement of electricity during the daytime.
16. Minimal usage of plastics in the resort and recycle bins at all points.
17. Staff at the resort is mostly local from the vicinity of the resort thereby reducing Travel and generating employment locally. 18. All members of Team Fateh Bagh are encouraged to emulate these practices in their personnel life and motivate others to do the same as well. There by, hopefully spreading awareness about Global Warming and its effects and how to save the planet.
19. All electrical equipment such as TV's, fans, A/C's etc... Chosen are equipment that are most efficient in energy consumption thereby saving energy."
20. The toiletries used are natural eco-friendly products.
21. Stationary is made from recycled paper.
JAL TATWA (Water)
1. Rainwater harvesting of the entire land with two Anicuts and overflow is filtered into the bore well to recharge groundwater.
2. Grey water is filtered and used by means of a channel along the slope to provide regular supply of water to Indigenous Trees and plants on the slopes. 3. Drip irrigation used for Plants.
4. Construction of a step well kind of structure to emphasis the tradition of 'BAORIS' which were sacred community bathing, washing and drinking water source for separate Communities. This is an attempt to emphasis the Sacredness of H20.
5. A conscious decision to have very limited manicured landscape to save on water and energy that would otherwise be a strain. Most landscape is natural which needs very little maintenance.
6. Plumbing enables making air in water to provide extra force of water thereby reducing consumption of water.
7. Public area Toilets installed with automatic water dispensers.
8. Sprinkler irrigation system installed for landscape watering thereby reducing consumption of water.
9. Guests requested to decide if they wish to participate by way of requesting not washing Towels and Bed Linen daily thereby saving water and chemicals.
10. Detergents used are non-chemical based thereby making it easy to re-cycle.
VAYU (Wind)
1. A wind turbine is installed to produce 15% of the total energy need of the resort. The wind turbine is supported by photovoltaic solar panels to provide continuous energy for public area lights.
Jitendra Ji's journey from the small principality of Kelwa in Mewar which played a huge role in shaping his vision for sustainable hospitality. Rathore completed his hotel management training in Mumbai and gained experience with prestigious groups like Taj Hotels across Bombay, Delhi, and Nepal after subsequently joining his family business in 2000.
He says his father played a crucial role in shaping the palace's unique character, encouraging all his sons to develop at least eleven unique selling propositions (USPs) for their ventures. "If you want to do a project and you want to do it uniquely, then let's brainstorm and come up with at least 11 USPs," Rathore recalls his father saying. This challenge led to the innovative approaches that are now seen at Fateh Bagh Palace.
The environmental sustainability efforts made at the palace have been both extensive and impactful. Their waste management system not only handles kitchen waste efficiently but also produces 25 trolleys of natural manure annually. The Vastu-based architectural design naturally regulates temperature, reducing energy consumption to just 15-20% of what comparable city hotels use. "When you do something on the principle of Vastu," Rathore explains, "innately you will be expanding much less energy because that building when built will have taken much less energy to heat itself or to cool itself."
Measurable Environmental Impact:
• Energy consumption reduced to 15-20% of comparable city hotels
• 25 lakh rupees saved through elimination of newspaper
• Zero external consultant costs during construction
• 300 rooms managed across 8 locations
• Strategic room capacity of 50-70 rooms per property
In addition to its eco-friendly architecture, the palace has evolved into a sanctuary for local wildlife, with management creating water holes that attract leopards, hyenas, and other native species, and they monitor wildlife movement through trap cameras. Their hands-off approach to the surrounding forest has allowed nature to thrive, with small shrubs growing into substantial trees over time. "All we did was to just leave it alone, leave it to itself," Jitendra Ji notes, "we just blocked access to animals and humans there and the jungle thrives on it."
The sustainable practices at Fateh Bagh Palace have proven that environmental consciousness and business success can go hand in hand. Their energy-efficient design and solar power system paid for itself within two and a half years. They maintain a strategic room capacity of 50-70 rooms per property, they have optimized operational efficiency across their eight locations by managing 300 rooms in total without compromising on following their sustainable principles.
One of their most innovative business decisions was the elimination of newspapers in 2008. "In the newspaper, if you really see there's very depressing news," said Rathore. They encourage guests to enjoy their surroundings and use digital means for news updates instead. This decision has saved approximately 25 lakh rupees while also reducing paper waste and improving guest experience.
The palace's design, inspired by heritage architecture from 150 years ago, creates natural cooling and heating through careful consideration of wind patterns and sun movement. This reduces energy costs while also providing guests with a unique experience that contrasts with the modern city hotels that leads to high repeat customer rates.
The influence extends far beyond the walls of the palace as their approach to conservation has created a thriving ecosystem where wildlife aims to flourish naturally. The surrounding jungle which was once sparse with shrubs, is transforming into a pristine forest through their policy of minimal intervention in forests. They have demonstrated that luxury hospitality can co-exist and even enhance environmental conservation.
Their commitment to sustainable practices has also inspired other hoteliers and resort owners. Through various forums, they try to share their experiences and encourage others to implement similar initiatives. The success of their model shows that sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but can also create unique experiences that attract and retain guests to establish long term relationships.
"It's a fragile planet with so many of us here," said Rathore. "We have to be conscious of it and it's time that we wake up to it. Can't take it for granted anymore." This is his philosophy that guides their future vision, where they plan to nurture the adjoining jungle into a pristine forest over the next 5-10 years which proves that patience and respect for natural processes can and will create extraordinary results.
Through their success, Fateh Bagh Palace has become a model for others in the industry, showing how traditional wisdom can be successfully merged with modern sustainable practices. Their approach demonstrates that luxury hospitality can not only coexist with environmental responsibility but can thrive because of it, creating experiences that benefit both guests and the planet.
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Fateh Bagh Palace is a heritage hotel in Ranakpur, Rajasthan, India. It's known for its striking architecture, period furniture, sustainability and Vedic practices and ethnic decor. The palace was formerly known as Rawla Koshilav and was moved from the Aravallis foothills near Jodhpur to Ranakpur