Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa: IHCL's Himalayan Hideaway

Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa: IHCL's Himalayan Hideaway

By Author

Published on September 28, 2023

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), the largest hospitality firm in India, has opened its doors to the splendid Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa in Gangtok, Sikkim. Nestled among the picturesque alpine landscape, this resort provides an oasis of serenity, enveloped in lush greenery and commanding breathtaking views of the majestic Kanchenjunga.

The grand inauguration ceremony witnessed the esteemed presence of the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), and was attended by prominent dignitaries. Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of IHCL, expressed, "The launch of Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa in Gangtok demonstrates IHCL’s commitment to the commercial and tourism potential of the region. After Pakyong, the presence in Gangtok strengthens our footprint in the charming state of Sikkim and offers a new travel circuit. We are delighted to further our relationship with the Ambuja Neotia group.”

This 69-key resort, spread over 14 acres of tranquility, seamlessly blends Sikkimese aesthetics with contemporary design, paying homage to the rich indigenous culture of the region. Each spacious room boasts a unique Thangka, inspired by local Buddhism, and provides sweeping views of the breathtaking outdoors.

Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa is a haven for food enthusiasts. It features the forest-themed all-day diner, Machan, offering a delightful fusion of flavors, a pan-Asian specialty restaurant, Soi & Sake, and the Guras Lounge & Bar, where you can enjoy hi-tea and craft cocktails. The resort's lavishly designed banquet and meeting rooms provide the perfect setting for social gatherings and corporate events. For those seeking wellness and rejuvenation, the J Wellness Circle offers a range of holistic practices rooted in ancient Indian traditions. Additionally, there's a dedicated games room for entertainment enthusiasts.

Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman of Ambuja Neotia Group, expressed his excitement, stating, “Our continued and valued partnership with IHCL will introduce world travelers to the lesser-explored regions of North East India. We have embarked on a journey to bring bespoke design, elegant luxury, and understated opulence to each location. These boutique offerings are called ‘Kutir.’ The Taj Guras Kutir is the fifth in the series after Ganga Kutir, Raaj Kutir, Taal Kutir, and Chia Kutir.”

Sikkim, situated in the Himalayan mountains, is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether you're into trekking in the Himalayas, seeking serenity in a Buddhist monastery, or simply longing for an escape from urban chaos, Sikkim beckons you.

With the addition of Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa, IHCL expands its presence in North East India and now boasts 11 hotels, with three more under development. This includes three hotels across the Taj, Vivanta, and Ginger brands right here in Sikkim.


Hospitality with a Heart: How The LaLiT is Building Inclusion and Skilling in India

Hospitality with a Heart: How The LaLiT is Building Inclusion and Skilling in India

By Author

Published on May 21, 2026

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group is continuing to strengthen its position beyond traditional hospitality operations by building a strong ecosystem focused on inclusion, skilling, and community development across India.

At the core of its approach is a “hospitality with a heart” philosophy that prioritises dignity, inclusion, and opportunity creation, positioning the group as one of the key private-sector contributors to socially inclusive hospitality practices in the country.

The group has reportedly impacted more than one million lives and directly supported over 300,000 individuals through initiatives spanning education, healthcare, employment, and skill development.

A key focus area has been inclusive employment, with the group emerging as one of India’s largest private-sector employers of transgender individuals, currently employing over 250 transgender professionals across various roles. It has also conducted multiple LGBTQIA+ job fairs reaching over 10,000 jobseekers and facilitating more than 1,500 job placements.

Hotel Association of India in partnership with The LaLiT Suri Hospitality School is working to bridge the gap between hospitality education and industry requirements, focusing on practical training, communication skills, and operational readiness for future professionals.

The skilling ecosystem also includes programmes such as PrideKraft and Emerging Queer Leaders in Hospitality, which have collectively trained thousands of LGBTQIA+ individuals and supported vocational development, creative workshops, and employment linkages. Additionally, scholarships have been extended to students from LGBTQIA+, differently-abled, and neurodivergent communities.

Beyond employment, the group has developed destination-led skilling initiatives in regions such as Khajuraho, Bekal, Mangar, and Goa, aimed at creating local employment opportunities within tourism ecosystems and reducing migration-driven workforce displacement.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group also repurposed hotel infrastructure to support healthcare workers, including accommodation support, meal distribution, PPE assistance, and vaccination-related aid.

Through these initiatives, The LaLiT continues to position itself as a hospitality brand focused not only on luxury experiences but also on long-term social impact, community empowerment, and inclusive growth within India’s hospitality sector.


The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group & Special Olympics Bharat Honour Mothers of Athletes

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group & Special Olympics Bharat Honour Mothers of Athletes

By Hariharan U

Published on May 14, 2026

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, in collaboration with Special Olympics Bharat, hosted a heartfelt Mother’s Day evening at The LaLiT New Delhi to honour the mothers of Special Olympics athletes for their unwavering support, resilience, and love.

The event brought together mothers of athletes, celebrating their silent strength and the pivotal role they play in shaping their children’s journeys in sports and life. The evening was designed as a tribute to their dedication, sacrifice, and constant encouragement that continues to inspire athletic achievement and personal growth.

The gathering saw the presence of Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, along with Mallika Nadda and other dignitaries, who personally interacted with and felicitated the mothers for their inspiring journeys.

The evening concluded with an intimate high tea at The LaLiT New Delhi, where guests shared personal stories, experiences, and moments of emotional connection. The setting reflected the brand’s continued emphasis on meaningful hospitality experiences rooted in empathy and human connection.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jyotsna Suri said that a mother’s love has the power to transform lives, and that the event was a celebration of women whose strength and belief help their children overcome challenges and achieve success. She added that hospitality, at its core, is about creating meaningful human connections, and the group was honoured to recognise such inspiring women.

The initiative reflects the shared commitment of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group and Special Olympics Bharat toward inclusion, empathy, and celebrating individuals who play a crucial role in shaping extraordinary journeys behind the scenes.

For more information, visit The LaLiT Hotels


Avakaya Mixing Ceremonies Take Centre Stage in Visakhapatnam

Avakaya Mixing Ceremonies Take Centre Stage in Visakhapatnam

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 7, 2026

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort, part of the Accor portfolio, marked the arrival of mango season with special Avakaya Mixing Ceremonies held over the weekend on 2nd and 3rd May. The events brought to life one of Andhra Pradesh’s most loved culinary traditions, offering guests a closer connection to local culture.

Rooted in nostalgia and a strong sense of community, the ceremonies were designed as interactive experiences where guests could understand and take part in the traditional preparation of Avakaya. By blending storytelling with hands-on participation, the initiative created a meaningful way to showcase Andhra’s culinary heritage.

At The Bheemili Resort, the celebration on 2nd May unfolded in a calm coastal setting. Guests were invited to take part in the process of mixing freshly cut raw mangoes with spices and gingelly oil, guided by culinary experts. The session offered a deeper appreciation of the effort and skill behind this iconic pickle. The experience was complemented by a selection of regional dishes and refreshing seasonal beverages, adding to the relaxed and culturally rich atmosphere.

The celebration continued on 3rd May at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, where guests and food enthusiasts came together for an engaging evening. Set against a scenic seaside backdrop, the event captured the spirit of togetherness, with participants sharing stories and traditions linked to Avakaya preparation. The evening was further enhanced with summer-inspired welcome drinks and a curated spread of regional specialities that reflected the diversity of Andhra cuisine.

Sharing her thoughts on the initiative, Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort Managed by Accor, we are committed to creating meaningful guest experiences that celebrate the cultural essence of each destination. The Avakaya Mixing Ceremonies at the properties are a tribute to Andhra’s rich culinary heritage, offering guests an opportunity to engage with local traditions in an authentic and memorable way.”

Across both properties, the ceremonies reflected a strong focus on celebrating local culture through immersive experiences. Each event was carefully curated to highlight Andhra’s culinary roots while giving guests a chance to connect with traditions in a memorable and engaging way.

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