IHCL Signs Tree of Life Resort at Chilika Lake, Odisha, Expanding their Experiential Eco-Tourism Hospitality and Boosting Sustainable Travel Sector Growth in India

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), which is India’s biggest hospitality chain, has announced the inauguration of a new Tree of Life resort in Chilika Lake, Odisha, and is thus making an entry into Odisha with a greenfield development. This development is part of IHCL’s growing inclination toward nature-based and experience-based hospitality destinations in India.

This new boutique resort aims at elevating Odisha’s profile within the fast-emerging framework of eco-tourism and experience-based tourism in India, especially in destinations that carry ecological and cultural importance. Chilika Lake, which is a very important ecosystem in India, forms the basis of sustainable tourism in this regard.

Boutique Eco-Resort Designed Around Chilika Lake’s Natural Ecosystem

The proposed Tree of Life Chilika Lake resort will feature a 30-key boutique hospitality model designed to integrate seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Located along the banks of the lagoon, the property will offer uninterrupted views of Chilika Lake’s diverse ecosystem. Facilities include an all-day dining restaurant, bar, swimming pool, spa and a dedicated meeting space, creating a balanced mix of leisure and functional hospitality offerings.

The design approach focuses on low-impact development, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding environment. Chilika Lake, recognised as Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, is globally significant for its biodiversity, including migratory birds and the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, making it a prime location for eco-sensitive tourism development. This strategic move aligns with IHCL’s broader portfolio diversification, where hospitality growth is increasingly being driven by non-urban destinations with strong ecological or cultural identity. Odisha, with its coastal ecosystems and cultural depth, fits directly into this long-term expansion strategy.

Shift Toward Experiential and Nature-Based Travel Drives Expansion

According to IHCL leadership, the development reflects a broader transformation in traveller behaviour, where demand is increasingly shifting toward immersive, nature-based experiences. The Tree of Life brand is specifically positioned to cater to this segment by focusing on destinations that offer strong environmental and cultural engagement. More broadly, IHCL’s entry into Odisha is likely to accelerate the evolution of India’s sustainable tourism economy, positioning eco-tourism not as a niche segment but as a central pillar of future hospitality growth strategy.

The entry into Odisha aligns with IHCL’s strategy to expand into underexplored destinations with high experiential value. Rather than focusing solely on traditional urban tourism hubs, the company is prioritising locations where nature, culture and heritage can be integrated into hospitality offerings. This approach reflects a wider trend in India’s tourism sector, where domestic and international travellers are increasingly seeking authentic, low-density travel experiences.

Local Collaboration Supports Destination-Led Tourism Development

The project is being developed in partnership with Scania Steels and Powers Ltd. Director Sanjay Gadodia, who emphasised the importance of showcasing Chilika Lake’s natural and cultural richness through responsible tourism development. The integrated approach is expected to enhance both economic opportunity and sustainable tourism practices in the Chilika region

This collaboration highlights a growing model in India’s hospitality sector, where national hotel chains work with regional partners to unlock destination potential. Such partnerships help accelerate infrastructure development while ensuring local participation in tourism growth. This boutique model also supports regional tourism diversification, helping destinations move away from high-density tourism models toward more controlled, environmentally responsible visitor flows.

Future Hospitality Sector Impact and Eco-Tourism Growth Outlook

The signature of the Tree of Life Chilika Lake resort is set to leave a long-lasting impression on eco-tourism and nature-based hospitality industry in India. Given the growing trend for sustainable vacations, such sites as Chilika Lake will become major contributors to India’s tourism experience economy. In the years to come, the project can help raise the profile of Odisha region on India’s eco-tourism map, drawing tourists keen on bird watching, wildlife, and lagoon based nature tourism. In this context, further investments in related infrastructure are expected including eco-tour services and conservation linked tourism services.

The development of the site might also contribute to changes in India’s hospitality industry towards low impact resort models that will be characteristic of biodiverse locations. With a growing number of hotels adopting this strategy, the eco-tourism destinations are set to cluster in coastal and wetland ecosystems. Gradually, the above changes will help position India in global sustainable tourism market where environment-related concerns and experiences will become key criteria of choice for travelers. Thus, the Chilika Lake project can be regarded as both regional tourism development and eco-tourism driver.

Image Source: IHCL