IHCL Expands in Gujarat with New Gateway Resort in Kandla

IHCL Expands in Gujarat with New Gateway Resort in Kandla

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 2, 2024

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a new Gateway resort in Kandla, Gujarat. This strategic conversion project will be branded as a Gateway resort, marking a significant step in IHCL’s expansion into new markets, especially in Tier II and III cities.

Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President, Real Estate & Development at IHCL, expressed her excitement about the signing, stating, “Kandla, an important industrial hub and port city in Gujarat, is an emerging market with immense potential for both business and leisure travel. This signing aligns with our vision of entering new markets and expanding IHCL’s presence in Tier II and III cities across India. We are delighted to partner with Mr. Sanjay Poddar for this project.”

Gateway Kandla will be set on an 8-acre property and will feature 93 keys. Conveniently located near Kandla Airport, the resort promises a blend of comfort and luxury, with all-day dining and specialty restaurants offering a delightful culinary experience. Guests will also be able to enjoy modern amenities such as a state-of-the-art gym, a swimming pool, and expansive banqueting spaces. With over 19,000 sq. ft of space, the resort is designed to host large-scale social events, corporate meetings, and destination weddings.

Mr. Sanjay Poddar, Director of S Poddar International, expressed his excitement, saying, “We are excited to collaborate with IHCL to bring the Gateway brand to Kandla. We are confident this hotel will become a preferred destination offering a world-class hospitality experience.”

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As an important hub for maritime trade, Kandla is well-positioned as an industrial center with petroleum, chemicals, and manufacturing sectors. Additionally, it serves as a gateway to nearby cultural and historical landmarks, including the Great Rann of Kutch and Mandvi Beach.

With the signing of this Gateway resort, IHCL will now have 25 hotels in Gujarat, including 6 under development, reinforcing its presence in this vibrant region.

About S. Poddar International (India) Pvt. Ltd.

S. Poddar International (India) Pvt. Ltd. is a leading importer, exporter, distributor, and trader of steel, with a diversified portfolio in multiple industries. The company also operates educational ventures such as S Poddar Vidyajyoti School in Gandhidham.

About The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL)

IHCL and its subsidiaries offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service, with brands such as Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, Gateway, and Ginger. With 350 hotels globally, including 118 under development, IHCL is India’s largest hospitality company by market capitalization.


Ramee Group of Hotels Unveils Special Independence Day Stay Package

Ramee Group of Hotels Unveils Special Independence Day Stay Package

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 6, 2026

Ramee Group of Hotels has announced a specially curated Independence Day stay package, available from 1st to 19th  August 2026 across its properties, except Udaipur. Designed for leisure travellers and families, the limited-period offer combines festive touches with signature hospitality to create a memorable holiday experience.

Guests booking the package will be welcomed with a signature tricolour beverage on arrival, along with an exclusive Independence Day amenity. The stay also includes complimentary early check-in and late check-out, as well as a complimentary upgrade to the next room category, all subject to availability.

To make the celebration even more enjoyable, guests can savour a chef-curated three-course meal once during their stay, along with complimentary evening snacks. They can also enjoy 20% savings on food and beverages across participating hotel outlets.

Families travelling together will benefit from the offer, with up to two children below 12 years staying complimentary when sharing the existing bedding.

Available for a limited period, the Independence Day package reflects Ramee Group of Hotels' commitment to creating thoughtful and comfortable guest experiences, bringing together festive celebrations, dining, and family-friendly benefits under one offering.


ELIVAAS Expands Jim Corbett Portfolio with Five New Hospitality Launches

ELIVAAS Expands Jim Corbett Portfolio with Five New Hospitality Launches

By Hariharan U

Published on August 6, 2026

ELIVAAS has strengthened its presence in Jim Corbett with the launch of five new hospitality experiences Farm Naturelle, Sylvaara, Puvalgarh Farms, Aranya Library, and Dhela Jungle Retreat, expanding its portfolio in one of India's fastest-growing wildlife and leisure destinations.

The expansion reflects the evolving preferences of modern travellers, who are increasingly seeking immersive, experience-led holidays over conventional hotel stays. Together, the five properties offer diverse accommodation formats ranging from luxury farm stays and boutique retreats to private villas and full-service resort experiences, all underpinned by ELIVAAS' focus on personalised hospitality.

Farm Naturelle is an eight-acre farm retreat surrounded by orchards, organic farmland, and lush green landscapes, offering guests a luxury villa experience inspired by slow rural living.

Sylvaara has been designed as an intimate boutique retreat, catering to couples, families, and small groups looking for contemporary luxury amidst nature.

Puvalgarh Farms combines the charm of an English countryside estate with the serenity of Jim Corbett's wilderness. The property features a four-bedroom villa and a cottage-style suite, making it ideal for exclusive family holidays and group getaways.

Aranya Library introduces thoughtfully designed row villas featuring landscaped surroundings, dedicated reading spaces, and private accommodations suited for extended family vacations and longer stays.

Completing the collection, Dhela Jungle Retreat offers a nature-inspired resort experience with spacious suites, duplex accommodations, dining venues, and recreational facilities designed to complement the natural landscape of Jim Corbett.

Across all five properties, guests can enjoy curated destination experiences including wildlife safaris, bonfire evenings, farm activities, outdoor dining, private celebrations, and personalised concierge services, allowing visitors to experience Jim Corbett beyond the traditional hotel stay.

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Commenting on the expansion, Ritwik Khare, Founder & CEO, ELIVAAS, said that Jim Corbett has evolved into much more than a wildlife destination, with travellers increasingly seeking authentic, immersive, and personalised hospitality experiences. He added that the five new properties have been developed to cater to different travel preferences while maintaining ELIVAAS' commitment to thoughtful design, exceptional service, and memorable stays.

The latest expansion reinforces ELIVAAS' strategy of building destination-led hospitality experiences that provide travellers with the flexibility to choose between farm stays, boutique retreats, luxury villas, and resort accommodations under a single hospitality brand.


Brigade Hospitality Rebrands MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre

Brigade Hospitality Rebrands MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre

By Hariharan U

Published on August 5, 2026

Brigade Hospitality has announced the rebranding of its MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre, marking the venue’s transformation into an emerging destination for arts, culture, and creative expression in Bengaluru.

The rebranding includes a refreshed logo and updated visual identity, reflecting the venue’s evolving role as a platform for cultural engagement. Over recent years, MLR Cultural Centre has expanded beyond traditional conferences and corporate events to host a diverse range of artistic experiences, including music, theatre, dance, literature, and performing arts.

The new identity recognises this journey and reinforces the venue’s commitment to creating meaningful cultural experiences by bringing together artists, audiences, and creative communities.

The nomenclature and visual identity of Brigade Hospitality’s MLR Convention Centre in JP Nagar will remain unchanged.

Commenting on the rebranding, Gurmeet Singh, Assistant Vice President, Brigade Hospitality, said that the identity change reflects the transition the venue has undergone, with cultural activities becoming a stronger focus while continuing to accommodate conferences and corporate events.

He added that the vision is to establish MLR Cultural Centre as a space where artists, audiences, and ideas come together to celebrate India’s vibrant cultural fabric and create memorable experiences.

The rebranding marks a new chapter for MLR Cultural Centre as it strengthens its position as a leading destination for art, music, and cultural performances in Bengaluru and beyond.

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