Assotech Realty, based in Delhi, has announced a strategic partnership with Atmosphere Core to develop a new hospitality project in Shirdi, Maharashtra. Under the collaboration, Atmosphere Core will operate and manage Assotech’s upcoming all-suite property in the temple town.

Atmosphere Core is an international hospitality company known for its nine private island resorts in the Maldives and an expanding development pipeline across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan. The group also has a heritage hotel project set to open in Italy.

Assotech Realty, promoted by Mr Neeraj Gulati, plans to invest around INR 200 crore to develop the project. The property will feature 160 suites, each measuring approximately 45 square metres, offering spacious accommodation designed for pilgrims, leisure travellers, and destination visitors arriving in Shirdi.

The agreement between Assotech Realty and Atmosphere Core highlights the growing transformation of temple towns into structured tourism destinations supported by modern infrastructure and professionally managed hospitality facilities.

Shirdi, one of India’s most visited pilgrimage centres, attracts nearly 25 million devotees every year. With improved road connectivity, airport access, and regional infrastructure development, the town is gradually evolving into a more organised tourism destination where spiritual travel is increasingly complemented by leisure and wellness experiences.

The upcoming project aims to align with this evolving landscape by offering travellers a comfortable stay experience that blends modern hospitality with the spiritual and cultural atmosphere of the region. The development is also expected to appeal to NRI and HNI travellers who often look for larger accommodations and international-standard hospitality while visiting pilgrimage destinations.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr Neeraj Gulati, MD, Assotech Realty, stated, “Shirdi has always held immense spiritual significance. However, what we are witnessing today is the beginning of a broader urban evolution. Infrastructure development, improved connectivity and rising domestic tourism are collectively shaping the town into a well-rounded travel destination. Our collaboration with Atmosphere Core reflects our belief that spiritual destinations deserve thoughtfully designed hospitality experiences that respect their cultural essence while meeting modern traveller expectations. This project is not merely about adding rooms to the city’s inventory; it is about contributing to Shirdi’s next phase of growth as a holistic tourism hub that supports pilgrims, families and experiential travellers.”

Mr Gulati further added, “We are developing an all-suite property with comfortable accommodations to meet the demand of new-generation devotees. Particularly, millions of NRI and HNI, including devotees, prefer extended stays and properties with all-suite luxury accommodations. Through such projects, one of many that Assotech plans to develop throughout India across major pilgrimage destinations as well as business and leisure destinations.”

Mr Salil Panigrahi, Co-founder and Managing Director, Atmosphere Core, also shared his thoughts on the collaboration. He said, “India’s spiritual tourism sector is entering a new phase where destinations like Shirdi are witnessing more structured tourism demand alongside devotional travel. Travellers today expect comfort, curated experiences and globally benchmarked service even when visiting pilgrimage centres. Our collaboration with Assotech allows us to bring our hospitality expertise to a location that sees year-round demand and immense cultural significance. The project is envisioned as a welcoming retreat that blends warm hospitality with the serenity associated with Shirdi, while also contributing to the town’s growing reputation as a destination that offers both spiritual depth and contemporary travel experiences.”

With temple tourism gaining renewed attention across India, developments like this are expected to support local economies, generate employment, and improve the overall visitor experience.

The project will also contribute to Shirdi’s expanding urban landscape by introducing a modern hospitality destination that complements the town’s growing infrastructure and tourism ecosystem.