IHCL Signs 85-Room Vivanta Hotel in Puducherry

IHCL Signs 85-Room Vivanta Hotel in Puducherry

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 15, 2024

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced its latest project, a Vivanta-branded hotel in Puducherry. As part of the company’s ongoing expansion across key locations in India, this Greenfield project will further enhance Puducherry’s growing reputation as a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President, Real Estate and Development, IHCL, stated, “In recent years, Puducherry has emerged as a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers. This hotel will be a modern oasis in the heart of the charming former French colony. This strategic expansion aligns with IHCL's commitment to establishing its presence across key locations in India. We are delighted to partner with Ajay Virmani and Sandip Ganguli for this venture.”

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The new 85-room hotel will feature a range of modern amenities including an all-day diner, a bar, a gym, and wellness treatment rooms. In addition, the hotel will offer spacious meeting rooms and pre-function areas, ideal for corporate events and social gatherings. The design of the hotel will be inspired by Puducherry’s rich cultural history, seamlessly blending modern architecture with the city’s French influences.

Ajay Virmani and Sandip Ganguli, from Auroma Soft Resorts and Hotels Pvt. Ltd., the local partners for this project, expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration. "We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL to introduce the Vivanta brand to Puducherry. This partnership will bring a fresh and exciting energy to the city, providing guests with a distinctive and exceptional stay."

Puducherry is known for its unique blend of Indian and French cultures, as well as its picturesque beaches, charming promenade, and historical French and Tamil heritage quarters. This new Vivanta hotel aims to provide guests with an experience that captures the essence of this beautiful destination.


Sayaji Kolhapur Marks Earth Day with Citywide Tree Plantation Drive

Sayaji Kolhapur Marks Earth Day with Citywide Tree Plantation Drive

By Hariharan U

Published on April 28, 2026

Sayaji Kolhapur marked Earth Day with a citywide tree plantation drive, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

The initiative brought together the hotel’s leadership team, department heads, and staff members, all of whom actively participated in planting saplings across the city. The drive was designed not only to enhance Kolhapur’s green cover but also to foster a deeper sense of environmental responsibility within the community.

Extending the impact beyond the activity itself, the hotel also distributed plant saplings to its corporate guests. This gesture encouraged guests to adopt eco-conscious practices and contribute to sustainable living in their own spaces.

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Commenting on the initiative, Mukesh Rakshit said, “At Sayaji Kolhapur, we believe that meaningful change begins with small, consistent actions. This Earth Day initiative reflects our commitment to sustainability and our responsibility towards the community and environment. By involving our team and guests, we hope to inspire a larger movement towards greener, more mindful living.”

The plantation drive aligns with the hotel’s broader vision of integrating sustainability into its operations and guest experiences. Through such initiatives, Sayaji Kolhapur continues to promote environmentally responsible practices while encouraging collective participation.

With this Earth Day effort, the hotel reinforces its commitment to creating a positive environmental impact—one sapling at a time.


Taj Chandigarh Secures EarthCheck Platinum for 13 Years

Taj Chandigarh Secures EarthCheck Platinum for 13 Years

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 27, 2026

Taj Chandigarh has marked a major milestone by achieving the EarthCheck Platinum Certification for 13 consecutive years. This recognition highlights the hotel’s consistent efforts towards sustainability and responsible operations, setting it apart as a leader in eco-conscious hospitality.

The certification is awarded by EarthCheck, a globally recognised scientific benchmarking and certification body for the travel and tourism sector. Earning Platinum status is a significant achievement, given that it requires at least 10 continuous years of verified performance across key sustainability measures. By maintaining this level for 13 years, Taj Chandigarh has gone beyond the standard and strengthened its position in responsible hospitality.

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This achievement also reflects the larger vision of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), under which Taj Chandigarh operates. Across its portfolio, IHCL has focused on reducing energy use, conserving water, and cutting down waste, all while ensuring a high-quality guest experience. The EarthCheck framework also aligns with global sustainability goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making these efforts part of a broader purpose.

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Speaking on the milestone, Surinder Singh, Area Director – Operations & General Manager, Taj Chandigarh, said,

“Achieving EarthCheck Platinum Certification for 13 consecutive years is a proud milestone for us. It reflects our deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and responsible hospitality. At Taj Chandigarh, we believe that luxury and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand and this recognition reinforces our continued efforts towards creating a greener future.”

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Ankur Sharma, Chief Engineer, Taj Chandigarh, added, “This achievement is the result of consistent efforts, innovation and a strong focus on resource efficiency. From energy conservation to water management and waste reduction, our teams work tirelessly to ensure that sustainability is embedded in every aspect of our operations. We remain committed to enhancing our practices and setting new benchmarks in environmental performance.”

With travellers increasingly looking for responsible and sustainable choices, recognitions like this build trust and confidence. Taj Chandigarh’s continued success with EarthCheck Platinum not only celebrates a long-standing achievement but also sets a strong example for the hospitality industry, showing that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.


The Leela Gandhinagar Introduces E-Cycle Experience to Promote Sustainable Luxury

The Leela Gandhinagar Introduces E-Cycle Experience to Promote Sustainable Luxury

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

Marking Earth Day, The Leela Gandhinagar has introduced an immersive e-cycle experience in collaboration with Svitch, reinforcing its focus on sustainability-led luxury.

The initiative is designed to offer guests a low-impact, mindful way to explore Gandhinagar, encouraging slower, more conscious travel while reducing carbon footprint. By integrating eco-friendly mobility into the guest journey, the hotel continues to position sustainability as a core element of its hospitality experience.

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Set against the city’s serene surroundings, the e-cycle experience allows guests to engage more deeply with their environment, blending wellbeing, exploration, and environmental responsibility. The offering reflects a broader shift in luxury travel, where guests are increasingly seeking experiences that are both meaningful and sustainable.

Commenting on the initiative, Vikas Sood, General Manager, highlighted the hotel’s commitment to creating experiences that are enriching while embedding responsible practices into everyday operations.

The launch was complemented by an Earth Day cyclethon, bringing together guests, hotel associates, and members of the local community. The activity aimed to foster a shared sense of responsibility towards sustainable living, while encouraging active participation in eco-conscious initiatives.

Following the ride, guests experienced the hotel’s signature Aujasya breakfast, aligning the sustainability narrative with wellness-focused dining.

Through initiatives like this, The Leela Gandhinagar continues to evolve the concept of responsible luxury, where sustainability is seamlessly integrated into the guest experience, enhancing both comfort and awareness.

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