IHG Expands Luxury Portfolio with New InterContinental Resort in Kodaikanal, India

IHG announces a management agreement with Adyar Gate Hotels to develop a new luxury resort, the InterContinental Kodaikanal Resort, set to open in 2028

IHG Hotels & Resorts has recently signed a management agreement with Adyar Gate Hotels to establish the InterContinental Kodaikanal Resort. Scheduled to open in 2028, the resort is a significant addition to IHG’s luxury portfolio in India. It aligns with the group’s strategy to increase lifestyle and luxury brands across India’s key leisure destinations. This agreement marks the InterContinental brand’s inaugural appearance in Kodaikanal and its sixth foray into the country, following successful ventures in Chennai, Mumbai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and Delhi.

Kodaikanal, situated at a height of 7,200 feet, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, pleasant weather, and rich colonial heritage. It is one of South India’s most sought-after getaway destinations for luxury and corporate travelers. Known as the “Princess of Hills,” Kodaikanal draws an increasing number of visitors each year, primarily from Tamil Nadu and neighboring states like Karnataka, Telangana, and Maharashtra. The destination’s appeal extends beyond its scenic beauty, offering outdoor activities such as trekking and boating, courtesy of its consistently pleasant weather.

Scheduled to open in 2028, the InterContinental Kodaikanal Resort will boast 100 guest rooms, cottages, and a range of luxury amenities designed to cater to leisure and corporate guests. The hotel will offer five dining options, including All Day Dining, Specialty Restaurant, Lobby Lounge, Pool Bar, and the InterContinental Club Lounge, promising a delightful F&B experience for all guests. The hotel will feature a swimming pool, fitness center, and spa for those looking to unwind and relax. The resort will include two meeting spaces, a ballroom catering to social gatherings, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) opportunities.

Sudeep Jain, Managing Director of South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed his excitement over the partnership with Adyar Gate Hotels. He believes that Kodaikanal’s unique blend of nature, heritage, and cultural richness makes it a perfect location for expanding its luxury portfolio in India.

Manish Goyal, Managing Director of Adyar Gate Hotels, also expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that the InterContinental brand perfectly fits Kodaikanal’s growing profile as a premier destination for affluent travelers.

As of now, IHG operates 46 hotels across five brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Resort, and Holiday Inn Express. A pipeline of 58 hotels is set to open over the next 3-5 years.