Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited Raises ₹28 Crore Equity to

Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited Raises ₹28 Crore Equity to Accelerate Growth and Nationwide Expansion of VITS Hotels

By Author

Published on January 17, 2025

Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited (VKHL), formerly known as Vidli Restaurants Limited, has successfully raised ₹28 crore through a preferential allotment. Known as a leader in the pure vegetarian South Indian premium dining segment and mid-market hotel industry, VKHL is set to further cement its presence with this latest funding initiative.

The total capital of ₹28 crore was secured from a mix of renowned investors, including:

Mrinalini Jaisinghani (part of the Polycab Group)
Nabs Vriddhii LLP (part of the Sattva Group)
The Golden Bird Fund, a notable foreign portfolio investor
Green Portfolio Fund Management

This strategic fundraising initiative is poised to accelerate the expansion of the VITS Hotels brand, a mid-market hotel chain renowned for providing exceptional service and a homely experience for travelers. With more than 25 properties across India, VITS Hotels has become synonymous with premium comfort hospitality, appealing to both leisure and business travelers.

Expanding the Horizons of Mid-Market Hospitality

Expressing his gratitude and excitement, Dr. Vikram Kamat, Managing Director of Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited, stated:

“Since 2016, we have provided excellent returns to our investors despite market fluctuations by focusing on a profitable business and strategic expansion. This funding demonstrates the continued trust of marquee investors and family offices in us. We will pursue an asset-light growth strategy by adding new VITS Hotels and Kamats Restaurants across India.”

Founded in 2007 by Dr. Vikram Kamat, VKHL is the flagship company of the VITSKAMATS Group, a diversified hospitality chain listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE ID: KAMATS & BSE Code: 539659). While VKHL primarily focuses on the Kamats Restaurant and VITS Hotels business, its subsidiary, Vitizen Hotels Ltd., operates hotel properties under lease, franchise, and management models.

The Road Ahead

With this latest infusion of funds, VKHL is poised to unlock new opportunities and redefine mid-market hospitality in India. The company remains committed to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction while emphasizing sustainable growth.

Dr. Kamat’s leadership has been instrumental in setting new benchmarks for the Indian hospitality industry, delivering memorable guest experiences, and driving operational excellence.

About Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited

Established in 2007 by hospitality visionary Dr. Vikram Kamat, Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited (VKHL) is the driving force behind the VITSKAMATS Group. VKHL’s portfolio includes the Kamats Restaurants and VITS Hotels chain, an expanding network of mid-market hotels and resorts across India. Known for blending comfort, quality service, and exceptional dining, VITS Hotels caters to both business and leisure travelers.

VKHL also holds a majority stake in Vitizen Hotels Ltd., which operates its hotel properties under lease, franchise, and management models. Focused on sustainable growth and innovation, the company aims to set new benchmarks in the Indian hospitality industry by ensuring every guest’s experience is both enriching and memorable.

With this successful fundraising, VKHL is poised to achieve significant growth, expanding its footprint across India and reinforcing its position as a leader in mid-market hospitality.

IHCL's Tree of Life Amoravida Opens Its Doors in North Goa

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 30, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India's largest hospitality company, has announced the opening of Tree of Life Amoravida in North Goa. The 66-key boutique resort offers guests a quieter setting to explore Goa, bringing together nature, local culture and leisure.

Located amidst green surroundings and the region's natural landscape, Tree of Life Amoravida follows the brand's focus on intimate stays rooted in their destinations. The resort caters to travellers looking to explore Goa at their own pace while enjoying a relaxed stay away from the busier parts of the region.

Commenting on the opening, Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – Select Service Business, IHCL, said, "Travellers today want stays that let them absorb a destination at their own rhythm. This shift towards slow travel shapes everything we do at Tree of Life, where each resort is intimate by design and rooted in its locale. Tree of Life Amoravida brings this philosophy to a quieter, lesser-seen side of Goa."

The resort offers a range of dining and leisure options for guests. Appetite, its all-day dining restaurant, serves a selection of cuisines, while Aura Bar provides an open-to-sky rooftop terrace where guests can unwind. The property also features a swimming pool for relaxed afternoons and a well-equipped fitness centre for those who want to maintain their workout routines during their stay. For celebrations and special occasions, Tree of Life Amoravida offers indoor and outdoor venues suited to social gatherings and private events.

Beyond the resort, guests can explore trails through the Goan hinterland, spend time by the water and discover local traditions. These experiences bring together the region's natural surroundings and cultural character, offering visitors a more personal way to experience Goa. With its boutique setting, dining options and focus on destination-led experiences, Tree of Life Amoravida adds another stay option to North Goa for travellers seeking a slower and more relaxed holiday.

Sterling Opens Bandhavgarh Resort, Blending Wildlife, Heritage and Culture

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 28, 2026

Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited (SHRL) has opened Sterling Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh, strengthening its presence across Central India's wildlife destinations. The new resort brings together tiger safaris, natural landscapes, regional cuisine and historical attractions, adding another property to Sterling's growing wilderness portfolio.

With resorts across 15 wildlife landscapes in India, Sterling is building its presence in wilderness tourism by offering experiences that extend beyond wildlife sightings. Bandhavgarh adds to this approach, combining its well-known tiger habitat with dense sal forests, open meadows, rich biodiversity and a history reflected in ancient sculptures, caves and historical sites.

The destination's attractions include Bandhavgarh Fort and Shesh Shaiya, known for its reclining Vishnu sculpture. These experiences offer visitors opportunities to explore the region's heritage alongside its natural surroundings.

Commenting on the opening, Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director and CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, said, “India's wilderness destinations are far more diverse than the wildlife they are famous for. Every forest has its own landscape, history, culture and cuisine and therefore a different story to discover. Bandhavgarh is particularly compelling because it brings together one of India's celebrated tiger habitats with centuries of heritage and the distinctive culture of Baghelkhand. As Destination Architects, our ambition is to bring these dimensions together so that a safari becomes part of a richer, more memorable holiday for families.”

A Forest Retreat Near Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Located in Tala village, approximately 2.5 km from the Tala Gate of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Sterling Bandhavgarh features 26 rooms across four categories. The accommodation options include Machan Suites with private machans and outdoor showers, Courtyard Rooms with Balconies overlooking the gardens, Safari Tents with Private Sit-outs and Forest Rooms.

The resort also features a swimming pool, gardens and outdoor relaxation spaces, giving guests places to unwind between excursions.

Its location provides access to the Tala safari zone, while visits to other zones, including Magadhi and Khitauli, are subject to Forest Department permits and regulations. Beyond safaris, guests can explore activities such as birdwatching, village walks, nature trails and cycling, offering different ways to experience the surrounding landscape.

The resort is designed to appeal to families and leisure travellers looking to combine wildlife experiences with relaxation, local culture and outdoor activities.

Building on Sterling's Partnership in Central India

The opening also expands Sterling's existing association with Mahalaxmi Commercial Service Pvt Ltd, which is connected to the company's resort in Kanha. The partnership has now extended to Bandhavgarh, creating an opportunity to develop connected wildlife holidays across two prominent destinations in Madhya Pradesh.

Speaking on the launch, Pranav Sharma, owner of Mahalaxmi Commercial Service Pvt Ltd, said, “Our association with Sterling at Kanha has given us the confidence to extend this partnership to Bandhavgarh. Sterling brings strong operating expertise, brand reach and an understanding of how to create distinctive destination experiences. We are delighted to build on this successful relationship and bring another compelling wilderness retreat to travellers.”

With Sterling's presence in both destinations, travellers can plan a Bandhavgarh–Kanha journey, exploring different forest landscapes, habitats and wildlife experiences within a single holiday.

Baghelkhand Cuisine Adds to the Experience

Regional food is another part of the experience at Sterling Bandhavgarh. The resort's restaurant, The Sal, features local preparations such as Birra ki Roti, Saal Patta Murgh, Baans Mein Pakaya Chawal and Kumhde ki Kheer, drawing inspiration from the culinary traditions of Baghelkhand.

Alongside Indian and international favourites, the resort offers experiences such as the Jungle Thali, showcasing regional flavours, and Gaon ki Rasoi, inspired by the cooking traditions of local communities. Outdoor dining and bonfire evenings further connect the stay with the surrounding natural environment.

The opening of Sterling Bandhavgarh adds to the company's growing network of wildlife and nature destinations across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand. By combining accommodation with safari experiences, regional food and local heritage, Sterling aims to encourage travellers to explore India's forests beyond a single destination or wildlife sighting.

Ramee Group Announces 70-Key Sea-View Resort in Dapoli, Maharashtra

By Hariharan U

Published on October 27, 2026

Ramee Group of Hotels has announced a new 70-key resort in Dapoli, Maharashtra, expanding its leisure portfolio with a coastal property featuring sea-view accommodation, wellness amenities, dining facilities and dedicated spaces for destination weddings and corporate gatherings.

The upcoming property will comprise premium rooms and serviced apartments, with every guestroom offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Located in the Konkan coastal town of Dapoli, the resort is positioned to attract leisure travellers from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and surrounding urban centres seeking weekend escapes.

Commenting on the announcement, Saurabh Gahoi, Senior Vice President – India, Ramee Group of Hotels, said the group's expansion strategy focuses on delivering immersive hospitality experiences rooted in local character.

“Dapoli is rapidly emerging as India's next prominent weekend getaway, strategically serving major urban clusters including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and surrounding regions. The addition of the Dapoli property marks an exciting milestone in our resort portfolio. By offering sprawling sea views from every room and comfortable, thoughtfully designed stays, we are creating a unique sanctuary for guests,” he said.

The project is being developed in partnership with Agatsya Hospitality, a subsidiary of Phatak Developers. The collaboration aims to strengthen the region's hospitality offering while supporting the development of Dapoli as a coastal leisure destination.

Akshay Phatak, Owner of Agatsya Hospitality, said, “We are delighted to partner with Ramee Group of Hotels, one of the most respected hospitality brands in the lifestyle & leisure space. Phatak Developers is committed to elevating Konkan's tourism, and this collaboration marks an exciting step toward bringing world-class hospitality to Dapoli. We have complete trust in Ramee Group's operational expertise and we look forward to setting a new benchmark for coastal hospitality together.”

Dining, Wellness and Recreation

The resort's culinary offering will centre on a flagship all-day dining restaurant serving a combination of international favourites and regional coastal cuisine, bringing local flavours into the guest experience.

Facilities will include a fully equipped gymnasium, spa, swimming pool and dedicated indoor and outdoor children's play areas. These amenities are intended to cater to families and leisure travellers seeking a combination of relaxation and recreation.

A key feature will be the property's indoor and outdoor banqueting spaces, designed to accommodate corporate retreats, social gatherings and large-scale celebrations. The facilities are expected to support demand for destination weddings and event-led travel in the Konkan region.

With its combination of sea-view accommodation, wellness facilities and event spaces, the Dapoli resort will add to Ramee Group's leisure portfolio while contributing to the region's evolving hospitality landscape.

About Ramee Group of Hotels

Founded in 1985 by Raj Shetty, Ramee Group of Hotels, Resorts & Apartments is an international hospitality group with a presence across India and the Middle East. Its portfolio caters to corporate and leisure travellers through accommodation, dining concepts and lifestyle-oriented hospitality offerings.

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