Hem Singh Rathore: A Leader in Luxury Wildlife Hospitality
The Indian hospitality industry is home to several remarkable professionals, but few have transformed luxury and wildlife tourism like Hem Singh Rathore. Currently serving as the General Manager of Kutani Bagh Sariska Wildlife Reserve, Rathore has been nominated for the prestigious India’s 50 Best General Managers 2025. This recognition is a testament to his exceptional leadership, dedication to hospitality excellence, and innovative contributions to the field of luxury wildlife tourism.
With nearly two decades of experience across renowned hotels, resorts, and boutique properties, Hem Singh Rathore has played a pivotal role in redefining the guest experience. His expertise spans food and beverage operations, guest relations, wildlife tourism, and eco-luxury hospitality. His work at Kutani Bagh Sariska has been particularly noteworthy, transforming the property into one of India’s finest luxury wildlife retreats.
This article explores Hem Singh Rathore’s inspiring journey, his contributions to the hospitality industry, and why his nomination for India’s 50 Best General Managers 2025 is a well-deserved honor.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born on January 10, 1983, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Hem Singh Rathore grew up in a culturally rich environment, which naturally shaped his passion for hospitality and tourism. From an early age, he was drawn to the art of guest service and the importance of creating memorable experiences.
His educational journey reflects his commitment to building a strong foundation in hospitality:
- Secondary Education (1999) – Completed in Rajasthan.
- Senior Secondary Education (2001) – Specialized in Arts.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Arts (2004) – Graduated from the University of Rajasthan.
- Diploma in Food & Beverage Service (2005) – From FCI Ajmer, Rajasthan, affiliated with NCHMCT Pusa, New Delhi.
In addition to his formal education, Rathore completed a six-month industrial training at The Umed Jodhpur Fortune Welcome Group (2005). This hands-on experience introduced him to the realities of hotel operations, giving him practical knowledge in food and beverage service, event management, and luxury hospitality.
Professional Journey: From Entry-Level to Leadership
Hem Singh Rathore’s hospitality career spans over 18 years, during which he has worked with some of India’s most prestigious luxury hotels and resorts. His career progression is a testament to his hard work, adaptability, and ability to excel in diverse hospitality settings.
Early Years in Hospitality (2006-2012)
Rathore began his career in 2006 with Clarks Group of Hotels, where he worked for six years. During this period, he gained extensive experience in food and beverage service, guest relations, and operations.
Expanding Expertise in Luxury Hospitality (2012-2021)
Between 2012 and 2021, Rathore worked with various high-end hotels and hospitality firms, taking on progressively senior roles:
- The Lalit Jaipur (2012-2014) – Part of the pre-opening team, excelling in guest service and F&B management.
- Zone by The Park Hotels Jaipur (2014-2015) – Worked as an F&B Supervisor, refining his skills in luxury dining and event coordination.
- Hotel Park Prime Jaipur (2015-2016) – Took on the role of Senior Captain, managing F&B operations.
- Durga Diya Hospitality Management, City Palace Museum Jaipur (2018-2021) – Led as Outlet Manager, overseeing luxury guest experiences and VIP hospitality.
Rising as a Leader in Wildlife Hospitality (2021-Present)
The last four years of Rathore’s career have been marked by his leadership in luxury wildlife resorts. His deep understanding of eco-tourism, luxury travel, and personalized hospitality services has helped him redefine guest experiences in wildlife retreats.
Brij Hotels Pvt Ltd – Brij Jawai (2021-2023)
At Brij Jawai, a luxury wildlife property certified by TripAdvisor, Rathore served as a Food and Beverage Executive. Here, he introduced specialized guest activities such as:
✔ Luxury Safari Experiences – Private wildlife safaris with expert naturalists.
✔ Starlit Dining – High-end dining under the stars.
✔ Personalized Butler Service – Offering an exclusive one-on-one hospitality experience.
Aramness, Sasan Gir National Park (2023-2024)
One of Rathore’s most prestigious roles was at Aramness in Gujarat, a high-end wildlife property known for its ₹1,35,000 per night experience. As Senior Executive in the Food & Beverage Service Department, he managed:
✔ Luxury Butler Services – Ensuring top-tier personalized hospitality.
✔ Exclusive Dining – Crafted high-end gourmet experiences for elite guests.
Kutani Bagh Sariska (2024-Present)
Currently serving as the General Manager of Kutani Bagh Sariska, Rathore has transformed this boutique wildlife resort into a leading destination for luxury eco-tourism. His innovative leadership has introduced:
✔ Custom Wildlife Experiences – Including nature trails and exclusive jeep safaris.
✔ Eco-Friendly Luxury Stays – Sustainable accommodations with world-class amenities.
✔ High-End Dining & Private Events – Offering bespoke culinary experiences.
India’s 50 Best General Managers 2025: A Prestigious Nomination
Being nominated for India’s 50 Best General Managers 2025 is a significant milestone in Hem Singh Rathore’s career. This prestigious award recognizes hospitality leaders who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, operational efficiency, and commitment to guest satisfaction.
His nomination is based on his remarkable contributions to:
🏆 Luxury Wildlife Hospitality – Revolutionizing eco-tourism with high-end services.
🏆 Innovation in Guest Experience – Offering personalized and exclusive hospitality services.
🏆 Sustainability & Conservation – Implementing eco-friendly hospitality initiatives.
Awards & Recognitions
Apart from his nomination for India’s 50 Best General Managers 2025, Hem Singh Rathore has been honored with several industry awards:
🏅 100% Guest Satisfaction Reviews on TripAdvisor
🏅 Best Guest Experience Award by Times India News
🏅 John Wakefield Memorial Award by TOFT Tigers India – Rising Star Category
🏅 Most Inspirational Eco of the Year 2024
These accolades highlight his impact on India’s luxury hospitality and wildlife tourism sectors.
A Visionary in Hospitality
From a young hospitality professional to a recognized leader in luxury wildlife tourism, Hem Singh Rathore’s journey is an inspiring testament to hard work, innovation, and passion. His leadership at Kutani Bagh Sariska continues to set new benchmarks in eco-luxury hospitality, blending modern luxury with sustainable tourism.
His nomination for India’s 50 Best General Managers 2025 not only recognizes his achievements but also his ongoing contributions to making India a global destination for luxury wildlife tourism. As he continues to drive excellence, he stands as a role model for aspiring hospitality professionals.
With a future focused on guest satisfaction, sustainability, and luxury tourism, Hem Singh Rathore’s influence on India’s hospitality industry is set to grow even further.
Also read :- Abhishek Kumar Pandey, GM of Marasa Sarovar Portico, Nominated for India’s 50 Best General Managers 2025
