IHCL STRENGTHENS PRESENCE IN AYODHYA, SIGNS A TAJ

(Left to right: Mr. Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism, UP, Mr. Mayank Jaiswal, Founder and Chairman of The Solitaire Group, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL, Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary, UP and Mr. Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary, Urban Development, UP)

MUMBAI, JANUARY 27, 2025: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of a Taj hotel in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. This development with the Solitaire Group is a brownfield project.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “IHCL has a strong presence across significant spiritual destinations in India and this signing aligns with our strategy of developing spiritual circuits. Ayodhya has witnessed a significant boost in spiritual tourism, as one of the most sought-after pilgrimage destinations in the country. With the recent signings across SeleQtions, Vivanta, Gateway and Ginger brands, we are strengthening our presence in the city with the iconic Taj brand. We are delighted to partner with the Solitaire Group for this Taj hotel project which is expected to open in 2026.”

He added, “IHCL has a multi – brand presence in Rishikesh, Haridwar, Vrindavan, Prayagraj and Varanasi, Reflective of our commitment in this region, we are investing in the expansion of Taj Ganges for the addition of 100 rooms which will be operational in the coming months.”

Spanning across 7.2 acres, the 300-key Taj Ayodhya, a unit of The Solitaire Group, will be designed by Indian fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani and will feature 29 luxury villas. The hotel will feature an all-day diner, two specialty restaurants along with J Wellness Circle spa, gym, swimming pool, and kids’ club. For events and celebrations, the hotel will offer expansive banqueting space spanning over 34,000 sq. ft. Ideally located near the Lucknow-Ayodhya Highway, the hotel is approximately 20 minutes from Ram Mandir.

Ms. Shivani Jaiswal and Mr. Mayank Jaiswal, Solitaire Group, said, “We are excited to collaborate with IHCL. The country’s largest hospitality company introducing the celebrated Taj brand to Ayodhya and elevating the city’s hospitality landscape. Taj will offer a luxury destination for travelers to the holy city.”

Deeply rooted in Indian mythology and history, Ayodhya is renowned as the birthplace of Lord Ram. The city hosts grand festivals such as Deepotsav Ayodhya, Ram Navmi Mela, Shravan Jhula-Mela, Ram Lila, Antargarhi Parikrama, and Panchokshi Parikrama, drawing pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 31 hotels in Uttar Pradesh including 18 under development.

About Solitaire Group

Founded by Shivani and Mayank Jaiswal in 2005, the Solitaire Group (thesolitairegroup.com) is aspiring to become one of India’s largest real estate and hospitality brand. The group founded Prayagraj’s first and largest township in 2018 and has been involved in acquisition and development of land in Tier II and III cities across North India. In 2022, Anilesh Ahuja, a Wall Street veteran, joined the group as an FDI partner.

With a diversified portfolio spanning sought-after destinations across India, the Group’s ventures include, residential and commercial projects, 5-star plus hotel properties and wellness resorts, retreats and other lifestyle products.

Please visit – www.thesolitairegroup.com 

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 World's Strongest Hotel Brand 2024 and India’s Strongest Brand 2024 as per Brand Finance; SeleQtions, a named collection of hotels; Tree of Life, private escapes in tranquil settings; Vivanta, sophisticated upscale hotels; Gateway, full-service hotels designed to be your gateway to exceptional destinations 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 360 hotels including 123 under development globally across 4 continents, 13 countries and in over 150+ locations. The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is India’s largest hospitality company by market capitalization. It is listed on the BSE and NSE.

Please visit: IHCL; Taj; SeleQtions; Tree of Life; Vivanta; Gateway; Ginger

For media queries, please contact: malihah.faizi@ihcltata.com