RARE India has announced the addition of Mela Kothi – Chambal Safari Lodge to its curated collection of boutique hospitality experiences, further strengthening its portfolio of conservation-focused and community-led destinations across India.
Founded by Shoba Rudra in 2003, RARE India has spent over two decades promoting independently owned boutique hotels, heritage properties, wildlife lodges and retreats that are closely connected to their landscapes, local communities and cultural heritage.
Located near Jarar in Uttar Pradesh, approximately an hour from Agra, Mela Kothi offers travellers access to the Chambal Valley, home to one of India’s most significant river ecosystems. Originally built in the late nineteenth century as a camp office for a cattle fair, the property has been restored and developed into an eco-lodge by Ram Pratap Singh and environmental scientist Anu Singh.
Over the last two decades, the lodge has focused on ecological restoration, responsible tourism and community engagement, including the regeneration of nearly 33 acres of woodland around the property.
“Restoring Mela Kothi was never just about reviving a historic property; it was about allowing the land to heal and creating a meaningful connection between conservation, community, and hospitality. Over the years, we’ve seen nature thrive alongside local livelihoods, reinforcing our belief that tourism should be low-impact, responsible, and rooted in place. We are delighted to partner with RARE, whose philosophy closely aligns with our own vision of meaningful travel,” said Ram Pratap Singh, Founder, Mela Kothi Chambal Safari Lodge.
The lodge operates around five sustainability pillars covering environmental management, water conservation, community engagement and biodiversity protection. According to the property, nearly 67 per cent of its economic contribution directly supports local communities through employment, training and partnerships. Its sustainability efforts were recognised with the TOFT John Wakefield Most Inspirational Eco Lodge Award 2023.
Guests at Mela Kothi can explore the National Chambal Sanctuary through guided river safaris, birdwatching excursions, blackbuck trails, cycling routes and village experiences. The sanctuary is known for its populations of endangered gharials, Gangetic river dolphins, marsh crocodiles, smooth-coated otters and more than 330 bird species.
The destination also offers cultural experiences including visits to Bateshwar’s temple complex, local artisan communities, heritage havelis and rural settlements that provide insight into the region’s history and traditions.
With the addition of Mela Kothi, RARE India continues to expand its collection of experiential hospitality offerings that combine conservation, cultural preservation and local economic development while promoting responsible travel across lesser-explored destinations.
