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PRESSROOM
TREE OF LIFE STEPS INTO PONDICHERRY
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, announced the signing of a Tree of Life resort in Pondicherry. The brownfield project will restore the heritage listed property in Pondicherry’s White Town.
Ms. Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – New Businesses & Hotel Openings, IHCL, said, “Pondicherry’s unique blend of heritage and leisure makes it an ideal destination for the Tree of Life brand. As IHCL continues to scale brands that reflect evolving traveller preferences, Tree of Life is poised to meet the growing demand for slow travel and experiential stays. This signing reinforces our commitment to curating boutique experiences that offer authenticity and exclusivity. We are delighted to partner with Mr. Karthik Annamalai for this project.”
The 18-key heritage-listed property is nestled at the prominent junction of Rue Suffren and Bazaar Saint Laurent Street, in close proximity to New Sand Beach. Once recognised by Vieilles Maisons Françaises (VMF) as ‘Patrimoine Historique’, the resort is a celebration of Pondicherry’s French colonial legacy. Tree of Life, Pondicherry will offer an all-day dining restaurant, complemented by a serene swimming pool and a spa, ideal for unwinding. Designed as a tranquil retreat, the resort invites guests to immerse themselves in the charm of Pondicherry’s most vibrant cultural corridor.
Mr. Karthik Annamalai, added, “We are happy to partner with IHCL and pay tribute to the city’s timeless heritage through the Tree of Life experience.”
Travellers seeking offbeat experiences in Pondicherry can explore its sun-kissed promenades, colonial architecture, French-heritage cycling tours and thriving café culture.
With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 4 hotels in Pondicherry, including 3 under development.
About the Owner
Mr. Karthik Annamalai is a reputed real estate developer in Pondicherry with a keen interest in boutique hotels.
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 2025 and India’s Strongest Brand 2025 as per Brand Finance; Claridges Collection, a curated set of boutique luxury hotels merging elegance with historical charm; 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 567 hotels including 317 in the pipeline globally across 4 continents, 14 countries and in over 200 locations. The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is India’s largest hospitality company by market capitalization. It is listed on the BSE and NSE.
For media queries, please contact: corpcomm@ihcltata.com
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