The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has added another heritage property to its pipeline with the signing of Tree of Life Kanadukathan in Chettinad, Tamil Nadu. This brownfield conversion will turn an existing Chettiar-style mansion into a 20-key luxury hotel under the Tree of Life brand, which is known for its experience-led, authentic approach.
The property will include an all-day dining restaurant, a lounge, a swimming pool, a spa, and a fully equipped gym. IHCL aims to leverage Chettinad's distinctive architectural and cultural heritage, which has been drawing travellers seeking immersive, culturally rich stays.
Strategic Partnership and Regional Expansion
The project is a collaboration with AMPA Group, a Chennai-based business family with interests spanning finance, retail, real estate, hospitality, and information technology. Ampa Palaniappan, Managing Director of AMPA Group, commented: “We are pleased to partner with IHCL to restore and reimagine a historic Chettiar property. This project aims to contribute to the region’s growing tourism ecosystem.”
Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development at IHCL, stated: “Chettinad’s rich architecture and cultural legacy continues to attract travellers seeking immersive experiences. Anchored in authenticity and a deep sense of place, Tree of Life brings its distinctive, experience-led approach to this setting.”
With this signing, IHCL now operates 33 hotels in Tamil Nadu, including 14 under development. The company continues to expand its footprint across India, as seen in its recent signing of 20 hotels in Q1 FY2027, bringing its total pipeline to 263 properties. IHCL's aggressive growth strategy underscores its commitment to capturing demand in both established and emerging destinations.
Kanadukathan is a historic village in the Chettinad region, known for its vibrant cultural festivals such as the Chettinad Heritage Festival, Aadi Perukku, and Navaratri. The area's unique Chettiar mansions, with their blend of Tamil and colonial architecture, have become a draw for luxury travellers and heritage enthusiasts alike.
This move aligns with broader trends in the hospitality industry, where hotel groups are increasingly focusing on heritage conversions to offer differentiated experiences. Similar strategies have been adopted by other players, such as ITC Hotels' management deals for Welcomhotel properties in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan, and IHG's signing of voco Udaipur.
The Tree of Life brand, part of IHCL's portfolio, is positioned as a collection of boutique hotels that emphasize local culture and personalized service. The Kanadukathan property is expected to appeal to both domestic and international travellers seeking authentic Indian experiences, particularly those interested in heritage, architecture, and regional cuisine.
Chettinad's tourism ecosystem has been growing steadily, supported by improved connectivity and increased interest in offbeat destinations. The addition of a branded luxury property like Tree of Life Kanadukathan is likely to further boost the region's appeal among high-end travellers and tour operators specializing in cultural tourism.
IHCL's continued investment in Tamil Nadu reflects the state's importance as a key market for the hospitality sector. With 33 hotels now in the pipeline, the company is well-positioned to cater to the diverse needs of business and leisure travellers across the state.
