Thomas Cook (India) Limited has expanded its Nature Trails experiential hospitality brand with the launch of its sixth resort, Nature Trails Ashoka Resort in Hampi, Karnataka. The company now operates 6 resorts centered on experience-driven travel, reflecting its strategic focus on destinations offering deeper connections to nature and heritage as Indian travelers increasingly prefer slow, mindful, and experience-led holidays.

Strategic Network Expansion

The new Hampi property joins Nature Trails' existing portfolio across multiple states:

Resort Features and Amenities

Nature Trails Ashoka Resort is strategically positioned amidst Hampi's ancient, boulder-strewn hills, offering sweeping views of landscapes that once witnessed the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire. The resort provides diverse accommodation options designed to cater to various traveler segments:

The property's signature feature is its hillside swimming pool, described as one of the longest in the region, overlooking hills and greenery. Dining facilities include Archana, an open-air, eco-friendly multi-cuisine restaurant serving Indian, Chinese, and Goan specialties, and Grills by the Pool, offering barbecue favorites and beverages.

Experience-Led Tourism Focus

The resort emphasizes curated experiences designed to deepen guests' connection with Hampi's heritage and natural environment. Key offerings include visits to UNESCO World Heritage monuments, exploration of Anjanadri Hill, ancient temples, and forts, sacred water bodies and nearby village tours, spice plantation visits, and nature walks and monsoon trails.

Strategic Location and Accessibility

The resort enjoys convenient access to key regional destinations:

Management Commentary

Mahesh Iyer, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Cook (India) Limited, emphasized the strategic rationale behind the expansion: "India's domestic travel continues to showcase a growing interest in culturally rich destinations that offer meaningful engagement with heritage, nature and local traditions. With the addition of Nature Trails Ashoka Resort, Hampi, we are deepening our focus on experience-led stays that encourage slower, more immersive travel."

Iyer highlighted the company's aggressive expansion strategy following the Nature Trails acquisition, noting that the Hampi launch follows the recent Rishikesh opening, with several more additions planned for the portfolio in the near term. The expansion represents Thomas Cook India's continued focus on the domestic tourism opportunity, leveraging the Nature Trails brand's philosophy of thoughtful hospitality where design, setting, and experiences create enriching and restorative stays.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited has launched a specialized travel portfolio targeting the Maharashtra market, introducing dedicated Marathi Special Europe Holidays and appointing acclaimed Marathi actor Subodh Bhave as goodwill brand ambassador. The strategic initiative reflects the company's focus on regional personalisation and deeper cultural connect with Maharashtrian travellers, aiming for significant growth in Maharashtra through tailored itineraries and local guides.

Strategic Market Focus on Maharashtra

Recognising Maharashtra as one of India's high-growth source markets for outbound travel, Thomas Cook India has positioned itself to capitalize on the region's strong travel potential. The company operates through a robust omnichannel network of 29 retail outlets across key Maharashtra cities including Mumbai, Pune, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, Ahmednagar and Kolhapur.

Marathi Special Europe Holidays Features

The Marathi Special Europe Holidays are group tours designed to blend international aspiration with regional comfort. These specialized tours cater specifically to Maharashtrian travellers' preferences while offering immersive experiences across iconic European destinations with tailored itineraries and local Marathi-speaking guides.

Leadership Perspective

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited emphasized the strategic importance of the Maharashtra market: "Maharashtra is a key source market for us, and we saw this as a significant opportunity to deepen our engagement with the Marathi traveller segment. With our strong omnichannel presence and extensive retail footprint across the state, we are well-positioned to serve this market with both scale and personalised service."

He further highlighted the tour's unique positioning: "Our Marathi Special Europe Holidays have been introduced with a clear strategic intent — to cater specifically to the preferences of Maharashtrian travellers by combining global experiences with regional familiarity, from Marathi-speaking tour managers to curated Maharashtrian cuisine inclusions."

Brand Ambassador Appointment

The appointment of acclaimed actor Subodh Bhave as goodwill brand ambassador strengthens Thomas Cook India's connect with Maharashtrian travellers across the state. This strategic partnership aligns with the company's regional personalisation approach and cultural engagement strategy, supporting the growth objectives in Maharashtra.

Company Background

Established in 1881, Thomas Cook (India) Limited operates as India's leading omnichannel travel company, offering services including Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, and Visa Services. The Thomas Cook India Group spans 28 countries across 5 continents, positioning it as one of the largest travel service provider networks headquartered in the Asia-Pacific region.

The company has received multiple industry recognitions, including MICE Powerhouse at MaxiiiMICE Awards 2025, Outbound Travel Operator of the Year (2024), and MICE Travel Operator of the Year (2024 & 2023) at The Economic Times Travel & Tourism Annual Awards.