Bengal, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Darjeeling, Shimla, Rabong, Kolkata And More As IHCL And Ambuja Neotia Group Set To Transform The Northeast With Groundbreaking Hospitality Developments

Published on July 22, 2025

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), in collaboration with the Ambuja Neotia Group, is poised to transform the Northeast with a series of groundbreaking hospitality developments across Bengal, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Darjeeling, Shimla, Rabong, Kolkata, and beyond. This strategic partnership will see the establishment of 15 new hotels under IHCL’s prestigious brands, including Taj Resorts, SeleQtions Hotels, and Tree of Life properties. With iconic locations like Darjeeling, Shimla, and Rabong, the partnership aims to unlock the untapped tourism potential of these regions, offering luxury accommodations and world-class services in some of India’s most scenic and culturally rich destinations.

By focusing on emerging destinations such as Sikkim, Bengal, and Himachal Pradesh, IHCL and Ambuja Neotia Group are set to redefine regional tourism, offering travelers a blend of exceptional hospitality and authentic local experiences. This expansion not only positions these areas as key tourism hubs but also contributes to the economic growth of the Northeast by creating jobs, boosting local businesses, and enhancing infrastructure. Through these developments, IHCL continues its legacy of building world-class destinations, providing new and exciting travel experiences while preserving the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has strengthened its presence in India by forming a strategic partnership with the Ambuja Neotia Group. This agreement marks a significant milestone in their longstanding collaboration, as it paves the way for the development of 15 new hotels across key destinations under IHCL’s expansive brand portfolio. The new partnership will bring the total number of properties under their joint venture to over 40, showcasing an ambitious growth plan aimed at boosting regional tourism in India. Among the exciting developments is a Taj Resort set to be established in the picturesque Sundarbans, further enhancing the region’s tourism landscape.

The new agreement encompasses a range of projects, including greenfield, brownfield, and conversion ventures, distributed across the states of Bengal, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh. These strategic locations are set to host some of IHCL’s most renowned brands, including Taj Resorts in Darjeeling, Shimla, and Rabong. The development of SeleQtions Hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri will bring IHCL’s signature style and excellence to new urban hubs. Moreover, a Tree of Life property is planned for Lataguri, offering a distinctive stay experience amid the natural beauty of the region.

Several of these upcoming properties will also feature Taj-branded villas, expanding IHCL’s luxury offerings to new destinations such as Darjeeling, Sikkim, Lataguri, and Raichak. These additions will serve to enhance the region’s appeal, offering travelers luxurious, high-quality accommodations in some of India’s most scenic and sought-after locations. With these developments, IHCL continues to strengthen its foothold in India’s diverse tourism markets, including the popular hill stations of the north and the serene destinations in the east.

This expansion is part of IHCL’s broader strategy to unlock the tourism potential of India’s eastern and northeastern regions. The company’s focus on these regions comes at a time when tourism in India’s less-explored areas is seeing significant growth, as both domestic and international visitors increasingly seek off-the-beaten-path destinations. By introducing world-class infrastructure and hospitality to these underdeveloped regions, IHCL aims to create high-end travel experiences that cater to an expanding market of discerning travelers.

IHCL’s latest move aligns with the company’s legacy of pioneering the creation of globally recognized destinations. Following the success of its iconic properties in Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, and the Andaman and Lakshadweep islands, IHCL is now focusing on unlocking the potential of the east and northeast. These regions have long been seen as having untapped tourism potential, offering travelers a chance to experience India’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and unparalleled natural beauty.

At the heart of this expansion is IHCL’s Taj brand, which remains one of the most respected and powerful hotel brands in the world. Recognized for its iconic luxury and unparalleled service, Taj is synonymous with world-class hospitality. By continuing to leverage the strength of Taj, IHCL ensures that its new developments maintain the highest standards of excellence, catering to the growing demand for premium travel experiences.

This partnership with the Ambuja Neotia Group highlights IHCL’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the Indian tourism landscape. As the hospitality industry in India continues to evolve, IHCL’s new properties will provide a vital boost to the country’s tourism infrastructure, helping to attract both international and domestic visitors. With an emphasis on sustainable development, these new projects will contribute to the creation of jobs, the promotion of eco-friendly travel, and the generation of economic opportunities in some of India’s most scenic and culturally rich destinations.

IHCL and Ambuja Neotia Group are set to transform the Northeast with groundbreaking hospitality developments, launching 15 new hotels across Bengal, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Darjeeling, Shimla, Rabong, Kolkata, and more, enhancing regional tourism and economic growth.

The partnership signals a promising future for regional tourism, with IHCL and Ambuja Neotia Group collaborating to create destinations that appeal to travelers seeking both luxury and authentic experiences. By showcasing these locations on the global tourism map, IHCL is setting the stage for a new era of tourism development in India, where luxury meets the untapped beauty of the east and northeast regions. This initiative is set to transform these lesser-known areas into premium tourist destinations, making them accessible and desirable for travelers from across the world.