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By Nishang Narayan
Published on May 6, 2024
The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India's premier hospitality organization, has announced a significant expansion in its spiritual tourism circuit with the signing of a new hotel in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. This new property, which will operate under the re-imagined Gateway brand, marks IHCL's continued commitment to enhancing its presence in key pilgrimage destinations.
Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development at IHCL, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture, stating, "Sarnath is a pivotal location in the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit, and our new Gateway hotel will cater to the spiritual and cultural needs of our guests. We are thrilled to collaborate with Raj Hotels for this project, which promises to be a landmark in the region."
The Gateway Sarnath will be the city's largest hotel, featuring 160 well-appointed rooms. The hotel's amenities are designed to cater to both leisure and business travelers, with an all-day diner, a bar, and extensive recreational facilities including a gymnasium and a swimming pool. Additionally, the hotel will offer over 6,500 square feet of banquet space alongside multiple meeting rooms, making it an ideal venue for social and corporate events.
Vishal Singh, Chairman of Raj Hotels, highlighted the partnership's benefits, saying, "Introducing the first branded hotel in Sarnath with IHCL will significantly elevate the city's hospitality standards. We look forward to a successful collaboration that will set new benchmarks in the region."
Sarnath holds historical significance as one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites, renowned as the location where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon. The development of this hotel is poised to attract more visitors to the area, contributing to the local economy and the broader tourism industry.
With this addition, IHCL will operate 24 hotels across Uttar Pradesh, including properties under the Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, and Ginger brands, with 11 more under development. This expansion is part of IHCL’s broader strategy to diversify its portfolio and enhance its offerings in the spiritual tourism sector, reinforcing its leadership in the Indian hospitality market.
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By Hariharan U
Published on July 6, 2026
Treat Hotels has announced the signing of Treat Hotels, Vrindavan, further strengthening its presence in North India with a new hospitality project in one of the country's most significant spiritual destinations.
Located close to Vrindavan's revered temples, the upcoming hotel is being developed to offer contemporary comfort while reflecting the city's cultural and spiritual heritage. The property is scheduled to open in 2027.
The hotel will feature 72 thoughtfully designed guest rooms, a multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant, a rooftop swimming pool, and a spacious banquet hall designed to host weddings, celebrations, and social gatherings.
According to the company, the signing represents more than a portfolio expansion, as it marks Treat Hotels' entry into a destination closely associated with the life and legacy of Lord Shri Krishna and visited by millions of pilgrims and tourists every year.
The company stated that the project has been planned to complement Vrindavan's spiritual character while providing modern hospitality experiences for both leisure travellers and devotees visiting the holy city.
Treat Hotels also expressed gratitude to its development partners for their confidence in the brand and said it looks forward to welcoming guests when the property opens in 2027.
The signing forms part of Treat Hotels' broader expansion strategy as the company continues to grow its footprint across key leisure, pilgrimage, and business destinations in India.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on July 5, 2026
ITC Hotels Limited has signed a management agreement for Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Salasar, a 145-key property that will be developed in Salasar, Rajasthan. The upcoming hotel is expected to cater to the growing demand for pilgrimage tourism, destination weddings, social events, and leisure travel in one of the state's most visited spiritual destinations.
Spread across six acres, the hotel will further strengthen ITC Hotels' presence in Rajasthan, a key tourism market known for its rich heritage, culture, and religious destinations.
Commenting on the signing, Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels Limited, said, "Rajasthan remains one of India's most loved tourism destinations, drawing visitors through its unique blend of heritage charm, culture, spirituality, and festivity. Salasar occupies a special place within this landscape, attracting visitors from across the globe. With Welcomhotel Salasar, we shall further strengthen ITCHL presence, across various brands in Rajasthan."
Representing the ownership group, Anoop Manglunia and Bajrang Lal Batesar, Directors, Envato Retreats Private Limited, said, "Welcomhotel Salasar is well-suited to the evolving needs of this sacred destination. ITC Hotels’ remarkable service excellence and emphasis on responsible hospitality give us the perfect foundation to elevate the pilgrim experience. We are pleased to associate with a brand that values both comfort and tradition."
Located near the renowned Salasar Balaji Temple, the destination attracts pilgrims from across India and abroad throughout the year. It has also become a preferred location for family functions and social celebrations, creating a growing demand for quality branded accommodation.
The hotel will feature 145 guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, a lounge, and around 12,000 sq. ft. of indoor banqueting and event space. Guests will also have access to a swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, and a dedicated kids' club.
Designed with traditional Rajasthani architectural elements such as courtyards, arches, jaalis, and regional motifs, the property aims to offer an authentic hospitality experience inspired by the state's cultural heritage.
The signing is part of ITC Hotels' ongoing strategy to expand its portfolio through management agreements while strengthening its presence in culturally significant and high-growth destinations across India.
Published on July 4, 2026
ITC Hotels Limited (ITCHL) has announced the opening of Fortune Lakeview Bhimtal, a 63-key lakeside hotel overlooking the scenic Bhimtal Lake in Uttarakhand. The launch marks the company's 12th property in the state, further strengthening its presence in one of India's growing leisure destinations.
Surrounded by the Himalayan hills, the hotel features thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, with many offering panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. It also serves as a convenient base for travellers looking to explore the Kumaon region, with easy access to Nainital, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, and Kainchi Dham.
Commenting on the launch, Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels Limited, said, "Uttarakhand holds a special place in our portfolio, and the opening of our 12th hotel in the region speaks of our confidence in its growing appeal among travellers seeking meaningful experiences. Fortune Lakeview Bhimtal marks a happy milestone in our expansion journey around India’s high-growth and emerging leisure markets."
The hotel also caters to business and social events with banqueting and conferencing facilities that can accommodate up to 200 guests. A dedicated boardroom is available for meetings, presentations, and strategy sessions, while the lakeside setting provides an attractive venue for corporate off-sites, leadership retreats, intimate weddings, and social celebrations.
Guests can enjoy a range of wellness and recreational facilities, including an all-weather swimming pool, a fully equipped gymnasium, and a spa that is set to open soon.
The dining options include Zodiac, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant serving local Kumaoni dishes alongside international favourites, and Neptune Bar, offering a selection of wines, spirits, and brews. A rooftop restaurant, Nakshatra, is also expected to open soon, featuring open-air dining with panoramic lake views.
Beyond the hotel, visitors can experience a variety of outdoor activities such as boating and kayaking on Bhimtal Lake, nature walks through pine and oak forests, trekking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and photography. Nearby destinations including Naukuchiatal, Sattal, and Mukteshwar also offer adventure experiences such as paragliding, ziplining, rock climbing, camping, and wildlife spotting.
Hemant Dwivedi, Owner of Fortune Lakeview Bhimtal, said, "The opening of Fortune Lakeview Bhimtal marks an exciting milestone for us. As one of Uttarakhand’s most sought-after leisure destinations, Bhimtal appeals to discerning travellers seeking immersive experiences amidst nature. Together with ITC Hotels, we are committed to creating a distinctive hospitality offering that blends the destination’s charm with world-class service. Fortune Lakeview Bhimtal aims to contribute to Bhimtal’s tourism growth, generate meaningful employment, and emerge as a preferred choice for leisure stays, weddings and corporate retreats."
With this opening, ITCHL's portfolio in Uttarakhand now includes properties in Mussoorie, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Haldwani, Ranikhet, Jim Corbett, Nainital, and Bhimtal, with upcoming hotels planned in Selaqui and Mukteshwar.
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