Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has signed a new SeleQtions hotel in Athirapilly, Kerala, in partnership with the Kshema Group. The property, located on the banks of the Chalakudy River near the iconic Athirapilly Falls, is set to cater to the region's growing leisure and MICE demand.
The hotel will be developed in two phases, starting with 37 operational keys and eventually expanding to 100. Facilities will include an all-day dining restaurant, a wine and beer lounge, a rooftop dining experience, spacious banquet venues, meeting rooms, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a spa with multiple treatment rooms.
Strategic location and market potential
Athirapilly's proximity to Cochin International Airport and its position on the tourist corridor between Kochi and Munnar make it a strategic choice for IHCL. The area is renowned for its waterfalls, rainforests, and wildlife, attracting both domestic and international travellers.
Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President of Real Estate & Development at IHCL, highlighted Kerala's importance as a leisure market. "Athirapilly presents an attractive opportunity to further strengthen our presence in the state," she said, citing the state's diverse tourism offerings and strong connectivity.
Abhinand Basant, Director of Kshema Group, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. "This partnership is an important milestone in our hospitality journey and reflects our commitment to developing distinctive destinations," he stated.
With this signing, IHCL will operate 25 hotels in Kerala, reinforcing its leadership in the state. The group's portfolio includes brands such as Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, and Ginger, covering a range of segments from luxury to midscale.
The new property is expected to appeal to both leisure travellers and corporate groups, given its banqueting and meeting facilities. The rooftop dining and wine and beer lounge are designed to attract local residents and tourists alike.
Kerala has been a strong market for IHCL, with properties in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Munnar, and Kumarakom. The addition of Athirapilly will further diversify the group's footprint in the state.
For travel professionals, this development signals continued investment in Kerala's tourism infrastructure. The state's backwaters, hill stations, and cultural heritage continue to draw visitors, and new hotels like this one are poised to meet the demand.
IHCL's expansion in Kerala aligns with broader trends in India's hospitality sector, where both domestic and international travel are on the rise. The group's focus on experiential offerings, such as rooftop dining and spa facilities, reflects evolving guest preferences.
As the property moves from signing to construction, industry watchers will be keen to see how it positions itself against existing hotels in the region. With its strategic location and comprehensive amenities, it is well placed to become a key player in Athirapilly's tourism landscape.
