Kerala’s Athirapilly Set for a Major Hospitality Boost as IHCL Signs New SeleQtions Hotel Project Near Famous Waterfalls

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), one of India’s leading hospitality companies, has announced the signing of a new SeleQtions property in Athirapilly, Kerala. The upcoming hotel project is planned through a combination of conversion and expansion, adding a new hospitality offering in one of Kerala’s emerging leisure destinations.

The new property will enhance IHCL’s presence in Kerala’s tourism landscape, particularly in the nature and leisure travel segment. Athirapilly’s scenic surroundings, known for its waterfalls, forests and river landscapes, continue to attract travellers looking for immersive experiences away from urban destinations.

Through this development, IHCL aims to introduce its SeleQtions brand experience to Athirapilly while expanding accommodation options for visitors exploring the region. The project is expected to support the growing demand for quality stays in Kerala’s popular leisure circuits.

The addition of the Athirapilly property reflects IHCL’s continued expansion strategy in Kerala, where the company is strengthening its hospitality network across key tourism destinations. The project will further contribute to the state’s evolving tourism infrastructure and provide travellers with enhanced stay experiences.

Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Kerala continues to be a key leisure market with its diverse tourism offerings and strong connectivity. Athirapilly, with its proximity to the iconic Athirapilly Falls and easy access from Kochi, presents an attractive opportunity to further strengthen our presence in the state. The signing is in line with our focus on expanding our portfolio across distinctive leisure destinations. We are delighted to partner with the Kshema Group for this project and bring the SeleQtions experience to Athirapilly.”

The 100-key IHCL SeleQtions Athirapilly in Kerala is planned for development in two stages. The first phase includes the hotel’s existing 37 operational rooms, while the remaining inventory will be introduced through the upcoming expansion. Once completed, the property will offer a range of dining and lifestyle experiences, including an all-day restaurant, a dedicated wine and beer lounge, and a rooftop dining venue. The hotel will also cater to business events and celebrations with well-equipped meeting spaces and expansive banquet facilities. Guests will have access to leisure amenities such as a swimming pool, modern fitness centre, and a spa featuring multiple treatment rooms for relaxation and wellness experiences.

Mr. Abhinand Basant, Director, Kshema Group, said, “We are delighted to partner with IHCL to bring the SeleQtions brand to Athirappilly. This partnership is an important milestone in our hospitality journey and reflects our commitment to developing distinctive destinations that are deeply connected to their location and surroundings. We look forward to working closely with IHCL to create a memorable hospitality experience in Athirappilly and contribute to the region’s growing tourism potential.”

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Located in Athirapilly in Kerala’s Thrissur district, the upcoming hotel will occupy a scenic setting along the banks of the Chalakudy River. Its location places the property close to Athirapilly Falls, Kerala’s largest waterfall and one of the state’s prominent nature-based tourism attractions.

The destination combines river landscapes, waterfalls and lush surroundings, strengthening its appeal for leisure travellers seeking nature-led experiences in Kerala. The hotel’s proximity to Athirapilly Falls can also position it well for visitors exploring the wider tourism attractions of Thrissur district.

Athirapilly also benefits from its relative proximity to Cochin International Airport, providing access for domestic and international travellers. The destination forms part of popular leisure itineraries linking Kochi, Athirapilly and Munnar, creating opportunities for multi-destination stays across central Kerala.

With the addition of this property, IHCL’s portfolio in Kerala will expand to 25 hotels, including seven properties currently under development. The expansion will further strengthen the hospitality group’s footprint across Kerala while adding accommodation capacity in one of the state’s established leisure destinations.