IHCL Partners with Ambuja Neotia Group to Launch 15 New Hotels Across Key Indian Destinations

Published on July 23, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), owners of one of India’s largest group of hotels, has inked a prolific partnership deal this season Ambuja Neotia Group, as the brand takes on 15 new properties in several parts of India. This collaboration will complement IHCL’s broad portfolio of brands and contribute to a mix of new greenfield, brownfield and conversion hotels to be developed in select cities in India and will help enhance IHCL’s presence in the country’s rapidly growing hospitality sector.

The additional properties will take IHCL’s branded portfolio in partnership with Ambuja Neotia Group to over 40 hotels in progress and is a partnership which is poised for growth. The destinations for these new hotels include West Bengal, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh. The acquisition of these assets will be accretive to IHCL’s existing network and help in unlocking values and driving growth in the Indian hospitality space in the Himalayas and eastern part of the country.

The New Hotel Developments

New hotel sites being developed under this brand include a mix of negotiations from luxury resorts to more approachable brands of accommodations under the different brands of IHCL. The hotel chain has announced a combination of brands including Taj, SeleQtions and Tree of Life will be launched in these places. The multimodal approach sets out to serve the full spectrum of travelers, from individuals looking for luxury experiences to guests wishing for more laid-back and interactive stays.

The most intriguing are the Taj resorts that will be stationed in Sunderban, Darjeeling, Shimla and Rabong. Designed to provide an elevated experience in some of India’s most popular destinations, famous for their natural beauty and serene panache, these resorts will provide the best that club Mahindra has to offer. With all the signature touch points of luxury and hospitality, the Taj brand has the power of connection with the experiential traveler who is looking for top-of-the-line experiences and lush landscapes and cultural history.

Taj Resort in Sunderban

One of the highlights of the new partnership is the Taj resort in the Sunderban region of West Bengal, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique ecosystem and wildlife, particularly the Bengal tiger. The luxury resort will provide a serene and immersive experience, offering guests the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region while enjoying the comfort and opulence synonymous with the Taj brand.

Taj Resort in Darjeeling

Another notable property will be located in Darjeeling, the iconic hill station in West Bengal famous for its tea gardens and breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. The Taj resort in Darjeeling will offer a luxurious retreat in the heart of the Himalayas, blending the region’s colonial charm with modern amenities and world-class service. Guests can expect to enjoy a combination of scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and unparalleled hospitality.

Taj Resort in Shimla

Shimla, often referred to as the “Queen of Hills,” is another destination where IHCL will introduce a new Taj resort. Known for its colonial architecture and cool climate, Shimla has long been a popular getaway for tourists. The new Taj resort will offer visitors a luxurious escape in this charming hill station, combining traditional elegance with contemporary comforts for an unforgettable stay.

Taj Resort in Rabong, Sikkim

In the state of Sikkim, IHCL will open a Taj resort in Rabong, another tranquil and scenic area in the eastern Himalayas. The resort will offer an immersive experience for travelers seeking peace and serenity, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and a chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Additional Brands: SeleQtions and Tree of Life

In addition to the Taj-branded resorts, IHCL will also launch properties under its SeleQtions and Tree of Life brands, which offer more accessible luxury experiences tailored to different guest preferences.

SeleQtions Hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri

The SeleQtions brand, which is known for its design-forward properties and exceptional service, will feature hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri. Both cities are crucial economic and tourist hubs in the eastern part of India. The SeleQtions hotels will cater to both business travelers and leisure guests, offering them a stylish and comfortable stay with modern amenities and unique local touches. Kolkata, being a historical cultural capital, and Siliguri, with its proximity to the northeastern region, will benefit from these hotels, attracting both local and international tourists.

Tree of Life Hotel in Lataguri

The Tree of Life brand will bring a more relaxed and nature-focused experience with a hotel in Lataguri, a region known for its proximity to the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gorumara National Park. The Tree of Life Lataguri property will be designed to offer guests a chance to reconnect with nature while enjoying comfortable accommodations, making it ideal for eco-conscious travelers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Other Locations: Sikkim, Raichak, and More

In addition to the aforementioned locations, IHCL will also establish hotels in other prominent areas such as Sikkim, Raichak, and Lataguri. These locations, with their natural beauty and growing tourism infrastructure, offer a wide range of experiences for travelers looking to explore the Himalayan and eastern regions of India. From serene hill stations to wildlife sanctuaries, these properties will cater to guests seeking diverse vacation options, combining luxury with adventure and cultural immersion.

The Capital-Light Partnership Model

The partnership between IHCL and the Ambuja Neotia Group follows a “capital-light” approach, which means that the hotels will be developed with a focus on minimal capital expenditure. This model allows both companies to expand their footprint while ensuring flexibility and sustainability in the long term. By focusing on operational excellence and high standards of service, this collaboration aims to deliver exceptional guest experiences while keeping financial risks in check.

Conclusion

This partnership between Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) and the Ambuja Neotia Group will help in deepening IHCL’s footprint across India. The partnership will roll out 15 new hotels in important destinations in West Bengal, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh, providing guests with a variety of handpicked options ranging from two premium luxurious resots under the renovated Taj brand, to mid-scale under the SeleQtions and a couple of resorts under the Tree of Life brand, offering a range of experiential designs, highly functional and dynamic villages-centric character of Taj.

With India increasingly becoming a leading epicentre of high business and leisure tourism for both the domestic and international traveller, the portfolio of the IHCL properties is set to meet the guest with a more contemporary experience, across our unique properties, and including some of the best destinations in the country. This new addition will see IHCL consolidate its presence in the country’s hospitality sector.