MUMBAI, JUNE 23, 2022: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced that it is stepping into Manali, Himachal Pradesh with the signing of a new SeleQtions hotel. Located at Kullu-Manali Marg, the current Baragarh Resort & Spa will be converted to an IHCL SeleQtions resort post upgradation. The resort is a management contract with the Khullar’s.

Commenting on the signing, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Located in the heart of the mountains, Manali has always been a key destination on the global tourism map, known for its strategic position as the gateway to the Himalayas, natural beauty, rich-cultural heritage and variety of adventure activities. We are delighted to partner with the Khullar’s to bring our second hotel to Himachal Pradesh and accelerate the tourism potential of this destination.”

The 33-room SeleQtions resort is located in the famous Baragarh Estate, nestled amidst fruit orchards and the picturesque Himalayan ranges. It is well connected to the hill stations of Dharamshala and Shimla by road, the key metros of Chandigarh and New Delhi, and Bhuntar airport. The resort will feature an all-day diner, open air restaurant and bar. It will also have banqueting and outdoor spaces, perfect for meetings and events. Fitness facilities will include a gym, spa and swimming pool. The resort is slated to open in 2023.

Mr. Nakul Khullar, said, “We are delighted to partner with IHCL to bring the SeleQtions brand to Manali. We believe that this resort will leverage the untapped potential of the hospitality landscape in the city and further boost Manali’s popularity as a traveller’s paradise.”

Situated in the Beas River Valley, Manali serves as a gateway to Lahaul and Spiti, and the city of Leh in Ladakh. Its ease of access to the Rohtang Pass makes Manali a popular transition hub for tourists while its beauty and range of adventure activities makes it a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers.      

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have three hotels across brands in Himachal Pradesh, including two under development.

About the Khullar’s

Settled in the valley since 1885, the Khullar’s have a long-standing history in Himachal Pradesh. The largest apple growers in the state, their orchards are spread over 100 acres, where they grow apples, pears, peaches, kiwis, pomegranates, walnuts, plums, cherries and persimmon among other fruits. Mr. Nakul Khullar has been conferred the title of Apple King and has won many awards for horticulture. Their resort in Manali has a hosted a number of distinguished guests from across all walks of life.

About The Indian Hotels Company Limited

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. These include Taj – the iconic brand for the most discerning travellers and ranked as the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand and India’s Strongest Brand as per Brand Finance Hotels 50 Report 2022 and India 100 Report 2022, respectively; SeleQtions, a named collection of hotels; Vivanta, sophisticated upscale hotels; and Ginger, which is revolutionising the lean luxe segment.

Incorporated by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata, the Company opened its first hotel - The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. IHCL has a portfolio of 237 hotels including 59 under development globally across 4 continents, 11 countries and in over 100 locations. The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is India’s largest hospitality company by market capitalization. It is primarily listed on the BSE and NSE.

Please visit: www.ihcltata.com; www.tajhotels.com; www.seleqtionshotels.com; www.vivantahotels.com; www.gingerhotels.com

For more information, please contact: nairita.ghosh@ihcltata.com