Tree of Life to Open Heritage Resort in Pondicherry’s White Town

Tree of Life to Open Heritage Resort in Pondicherry’s White Town

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 19, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a Tree of Life resort in Pondicherry. The brownfield project will restore and transform a heritage-listed property in the heart of White Town, reinforcing IHCL’s commitment to boutique hospitality.

Ms. Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – New Businesses & Hotel Openings, IHCL, said, “Pondicherry’s unique blend of heritage and leisure makes it an ideal destination for the Tree of Life brand. As IHCL continues to scale brands that reflect evolving traveller preferences, Tree of Life is poised to meet the growing demand for slow travel and experiential stays. This signing reinforces our commitment to curating boutique experiences that offer authenticity and exclusivity. We are delighted to partner with Mr. Karthik Annamalai for this project.”

The 18-key heritage property sits at the junction of Rue Suffren and Bazaar Saint Laurent Street, close to New Sand Beach. Recognised earlier by Vieilles Maisons Françaises (VMF) as “Patrimoine Historique”, the resort will celebrate Pondicherry’s French colonial legacy. It will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a tranquil swimming pool, and a spa, designed as a retreat for relaxation and cultural immersion.

Mr. Karthik Annamalai, the project’s partner, added, “We are happy to partner with IHCL and pay tribute to the city’s timeless heritage through the Tree of Life experience.”

Mr. Karthik Annamalai is a reputed real estate developer in Pondicherry with a strong interest in boutique hotels. Here, guests will be able to explore Pondicherry’s vibrant offerings, including sun-kissed promenades, French-heritage cycling tours, colonial architecture, and thriving café culture.

With this addition, IHCL will have four hotels in Pondicherry, including three under development, further strengthening its presence in the city. 


Manotsava 2025: India’s National Mental Health Festival Returns to Bengaluru

Manotsava 2025: India’s National Mental Health Festival Returns to Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on October 31, 2025

The much-awaited second edition of Manotsava – India’s National Mental Health Festival is returning to Bengaluru this November at The Lalit Ashok. Organised by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in collaboration with Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (RNP), the festival promises two days of meaningful conversations, interactive sessions, and creative engagement around the theme of mental well-being.

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This free and open-to-all event brings together experts, researchers, and the general public to explore how mental health connects to our everyday lives. From genetic research, psychedelics, and gut microbiome science to more relatable themes such as workplace burnout, parenting, aging, maternal health, and technology’s influence on mental well-being, the festival will touch on it all.

Visitors can look forward to an array of experiences, including panel discussions, keynote talks, workshops, stalls and exhibits, discussion circles, and live music performances. For families, there’s even a dedicated children’s zone, ensuring an inclusive and engaging atmosphere for all ages.

Manotsava isn’t just an event, it’s a movement to bring mental health into public spaces, making conversations about the mind as normal and open as any other aspect of life.


IHCL Signs New Taj Hotel in Pondicherry

IHCL Signs New Taj Hotel in Pondicherry

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 31, 2025

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality group, has announced the signing of a new Taj hotel in Pondicherry, further expanding its luxury footprint in South India. The upcoming property will be a greenfield project, developed in partnership with Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan of MGM Healthcare.

Spread across 52 acres, the 180-key Taj Pondicherry will offer panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal. Located on the outskirts of White Town, the hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, two specialty restaurants, a bar, and a lounge, bringing together refined gastronomy and timeless elegance.

Guests can unwind with Taj’s signature J Wellness Circle, which offers holistic spa therapies and wellness treatments. The property will also include a gym, swimming pool, and multiple recreational amenities for a complete leisure experience.

Designed to host grand social gatherings, the hotel will feature the largest indoor banquet hall in the region, spanning 10,700 sq. ft., along with exclusive beachfront lawns ideal for weddings and outdoor events.

Commenting on the announcement, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said,

“Pondicherry has witnessed a steady rise in domestic travel and a rebound in foreign arrivals, reinforcing its position as a key leisure destination. The addition of Taj Pondicherry will cater to the growing demand for large-scale social events in the region. We are delighted to partner with Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan for this project.”

Expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration, Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan, MGM Healthcare, added,

“We are happy to venture into the hospitality sector with IHCL. This hotel will be a landmark destination in the region.”

Known for its French colonial charm, serene beaches, and spiritual ambience, Pondicherry continues to attract travellers from across the world. Popular attractions such as Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry Museum, Oussudu Bird Sanctuary, and the Puducherry Canyon add to its appeal as a cultural and wellness retreat.

About the Owning Company:

MGM Healthcare is a diversified entrepreneurial venture by Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan, operating three hospitals in Chennai, one in Vizag, and two upcoming projects in Chennai. He also serves as the Chancellor of a renowned university that runs medical colleges in both Puducherry and Chennai.

With this signing, IHCL continues to strengthen its presence across India’s most sought-after leisure destinations, combining luxury, heritage, and hospitality excellence under the Taj brand.


Lemon Tree Hotels Expands Presence in Gujarat with New Property in Morbi

Lemon Tree Hotels Expands Presence in Gujarat with New Property in Morbi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 31, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the launch of its latest managed property, Lemon Tree Hotel, Morbi, further strengthening its presence in Gujarat, one of India’s most vibrant industrial and business destinations.

Strategically located in the ceramic capital of India, the new hotel caters to both business and leisure travellers. Its prime location offers excellent connectivity to nearby industrial and commercial hubs such as Rajkot and Jamnagar, making it an ideal choice for corporate guests, traders, and tourists visiting the region.

The hotel features 69 well-appointed rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed for comfort and functionality. Guests can savour diverse flavours at Citrus Café, the hotel’s multi-cuisine restaurant serving Indian, European, and Pan-Asian delicacies.

For events and gatherings, the hotel offers extensive banqueting spaces including Tangerine Grand and Tangerine Lawn, which can accommodate up to 400 guests, perfect for business meetings, conferences, and social celebrations.

Additional amenities include a spa, fitness centre, and swimming pool, allowing guests to unwind and rejuvenate after a busy day.

The property also provides convenient access to some of Morbi’s popular attractions, such as Mani Mandir, Green Tower, Wellingdon Secretariat, and Nehru Gate, adding a touch of local charm to every stay.

Commenting on the launch, Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, President of Lemon Tree Hotels, said,

“Morbi is one of Gujarat’s fastest-developing cities, known globally for its ceramic industry and entrepreneurial spirit. With the launch of Lemon Tree Hotel, Morbi, we are delighted to announce the 10th operational property in Gujarat to bring our signature comfort, warmth, and value to both business and leisure travellers visiting this vibrant city.”

With this opening, Lemon Tree Hotels continues to expand its footprint across India, offering exceptional hospitality experiences rooted in comfort, quality, and value.

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