Rahul Uppal, a young man driven by a determined spirit of entrepreneurship and a deep-seated passion for travel, embarked on a journey to establish a business venture with his partner, Manoj Sihag. Hailing from a business family, Rahul was inspired to carve his own path and chart a course towards building a legacy of his own.
He chose to redefine hospitality in the serene landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. In 2019, along with his partner Manoj, he laid the foundation of Echor Hotels & Resorts (formerly known as Echor Stays), a boutique hotel chain poised to set new standards in the hospitality industry.
The enterprising young duo speak to Hotelier India about their journey so far, creating unique travel experiences in offbeat destinations and more…
How was Echor Hotels & Resorts born? What is the objective of your company?
We wanted to create a brand that caters to the growing demand for unique travel experiences in offbeat destinations. We saw a gap in the hospitality industry, where travellers were seeking escapes that were both luxurious and authentic, far from the overcrowded tourist spots. Our objective is to offer guests the perfect blend of comfort, nature, and local culture, all while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality. Echor’s mission is to provide memorable stays that allow guests to connect with the beauty and charm of lesser-explored destinations.
What kind of challenges you faced while developing and launching your company? How did you overcome them?
Developing and launching Echor Hotels & Resorts came with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was setting up operations in offbeat and remote locations like Himachal Pradesh, where infrastructure and skilled labor were scarce. Finding the right talent, especially for delivering luxury hospitality in these areas, was a major challenge.
We overcame this by building strong relationships with local communities, training them to meet our service standards, and creating a culture of hospitality. Additionally, logistical issues such as accessibility and supply chains were addressed by collaborating with local vendors and streamlining processes to ensure smooth operations in these remote locations.
How did COVID affect your brand and business model, since you launched just a little before lockdown?
The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges for us, as we had launched just a year before the lockdown. With travel restrictions and uncertainty in the tourism industry, we had to quickly adapt our business model to survive the crisis.
Initially, there was a sharp drop in bookings, and all our properties were temporarily closed. However, the pandemic also created opportunities. We saw a surge in demand for offbeat and less crowded destinations once restrictions were lifted, as people sought safer, more isolated travel options. This shift aligned perfectly with our focus on remote, serene and offbeat locations.
We adapted by prioritizing health and safety protocols, offering flexible booking options, and promoting long stays for those wanting a peaceful work-from-hills experience. The pandemic reshaped our approach, but it also reinforced the relevance of our core offering—authentic, secluded stays that connect guests with nature.
Tell us about your growth story till now… How many new openings you’ve had this year?
Our growth story has been both exciting and rewarding. Since our inception, we have focused on expanding into offbeat, scenic destinations that resonate with travellers seeking unique experiences. This year alone, we’ve added five new properties, including our first foray into Kashmir with a beautiful hotel near Dal Lake.
Each of our openings has been carefully selected to maintain our brand’s ethos of providing immersive and premium hotels in serene locations. Our portfolio now spans over 13 destinations, and this growth reflects the increasing demand for boutique experiences that blend comfort with authentic local charm.
What is the USP of your brand? How would you differentiate yourself from your counterparts in the region?
The USP of Echor Hotels & Resorts lies in our unique blend of luxury, authenticity, and offbeat destinations. We focus on delivering personalized, immersive experiences that reflect the natural beauty and local culture of each location. Unlike many others in the region, we offer properties in less-travelled destinations, giving guests a chance to explore untouched landscapes while enjoying premium hospitality.
We differentiate ourselves by offering one property per location to maintain exclusivity, ensuring a unique experience at each stay. Our commitment to sustainability, local collaboration, and curated experiences sets us apart in the hospitality industry.
What are your future plans?
At Echor Hotels & Resorts, our future plans focus on expanding our presence in offbeat and unexplored destinations across India. We aim to add more properties in regions like Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, continuing our mission to offer unique and immersive stays. Our goal is to have 30+ properties by the next two years, each reflecting the local culture and natural beauty of its surroundings.
We’re also investing in enhancing the guest experience with modern amenities and sustainability practices. As we grow, we remain committed to offering personalized, authentic, and memorable stays for all our guests
