ITC Hotels has signed a management agreement with Narne Hotels and Resorts Private Limited, further expanding the Welcomhotel brand presence in South India. Set to be a 150 key project located at Madikeri hill town in Kodagu district (also known by its former name Coorg), Karnataka, Welcomhotel Madikeri will offer exciting Food & Beverage options with two restaurants and bars, a lounge and over 1,300 sqm of meeting space.
The property is located on the prime MG road in central Madikeri. Framed by the Western Ghats mountain range, Madikeri is known for the Raja’s Seat, a 200 year old monument that overlooks forests, rice paddy fields and offers some of the best sunrise and sunset views. Taking centerstage, with two stone elephants at the entrance is the 17th-century Madikeri Fort. In close proximity stands the famous Omkareshwar Temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. To the northwest, the cascading Abbey Falls surrounded by spice plantations are a much visited tourist attraction.
Kodagu district is known for its lush green valleys, vast coffee plantations and spice trails. It is also one of the few areas in South India, where the rare Neelakurinji flower blooms once in 12 years. The region offers a wonderful variety of unique experiences for travellers including spiritual sites, wildlife, adventure and leisure activities. The region has witnessed significant rise in tourist visitation, supplemented by growth in business segment driven by demand from agricultural and administrative segments.
Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive-ITC Hotels, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “Madikeri is an important market for ITC Hotels. Over recent years, this region has grown in popularity and we saw a niche space for leisure travel. Through Welcomhotel Madikeri we bring the signature hospitality of ITC Hotels to this beautiful city. Madikeri reflects the rich Kodava culture and is home to heritage cuisine that many wish to explore. With this signing ITC’s Hotel group further strengthens its presence in Karnataka, where we currently operate 11 hotels and over 1,300 rooms under various brands including ITC Hotels, Welcomhotel, Fortune and Welcomheritage .”
Saibabu Appalaneni, CEO, Narne Hotel and Resorts Private Limited, shared his enthusiasm about this project, saying, “We are delighted to sign brand Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels for our Madikeri hotel project. ITC Hotels are very well known for their expertise in hospitality and their focus on promoting regional cuisine. We believe Welcomhotel Madikeri has strong potential and will provide memorable guest experiences”.