IHCL and Ambuja Neotia to Add 15 New Hotels Across East and North India

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) is deepening its partnership with the Ambuja Neotia Group by signing 15 new hotels across key destinations in East and North India. This move brings their total collaboration to over 40 hotels, further strengthening IHCL’s footprint in some of the country’s most scenic and culturally rich regions.

The new properties will be developed through a mix of greenfield, brownfield and conversion projects. The locations span across West Bengal, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh — all high-potential travel destinations. Among the standout additions are Taj resorts planned in Sunderban, Darjeeling, Shimla and Rabong, along with SeleQtions hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri. A Tree of Life hotel is also in the works for Lataguri, near the Dooars forest region.

Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, “IHCL’s pioneering legacy of building destinations like Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa and Andaman and Lakshadweep Islands will now extend to unlocking the tourism potential of the East and North East with this agreement. We are delighted to extend our partnership with the Ambuja Neotia Group, known for their luxury hospitality developments showcasing the spirit of this region.”

He added, “These projects, predominantly under the Taj brand are expected to come on stream over the next five years beginning with the signing of four hotel operating agreements for a Taj in Darjeeling and a SeleQtions in Kolkata and Siliguri each and one Tree of Life in Lataguri.”

To cater to the growing demand for private and premium getaways, the plan includes Taj branded villas in destinations like Darjeeling, Sikkim, Lataguri and Raichak.

This expansion reflects IHCL’s strategy of bringing luxury and bespoke hospitality to both established cities and emerging hill destinations. It also signals a strong vote of confidence in India’s evolving travel preferences, where nature, heritage, and local experiences are in high demand.

With this capital-light partnership model, IHCL continues to grow responsibly while boosting regional tourism and hospitality-driven development across India.

Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group, said, “This announcement follows closely on the heels of IHCL’s strategic partnership with the Ambuja Neotia Group for Tree of Life, reflective of the strength and success of our ongoing collaboration. IHCL with its iconic brand Taj, recently ranked as the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand is renowned for its world-class service, enabling it to showcase these destinations on the global tourism map.”

He added, “North East, the unexplored region of India has tremendous potential for bespoke luxury travel. The addition of premium room inventory this fiscal to Taj Chia Kutir in Kurseong as well as the upcoming Taj branded luxury villas in Darjeeling, Lataguri and Gangtok reflects the growing demand from the segment.”