As travellers seek more offbeat locations, and the northeast emerging as the new hotspot for travel in India, hospitality groups are also going big on their expansion plans in the region.
India’s biggest hotel company, Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) opened a Vivanta hotel in Tawang this month, the first five-star for the state of Arunachal Pradesh. This follows close on the heels of the opening of Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa and a Ginger hotel in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim (the state already has a Vivanta hotel in nearby Pakyong). The hospitality major has also signed another hotel in Arunachal in capital Itanagar. The 150-key greenfield property, strategically situated at a driving distance from the Donyi Polo Airport, will also be branded Vivanta.
Meanwhile, the Vivanta at Tawang, which opened on Tuesday, is situated at a height of 10,000 feet and is a short drive from Tawang Monastery, the second-largest in the world. It offers 80 rooms and suites. While inaugurating the hotel on December 23, Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote: “Tourism in Arunachal now gets an iconic facility in Vivanta Tawang… Better facilities won’t only guarantee the ease of stay for our tourists but will also make their visit to Arunachal Pradesh a memorable one.”
“We have a significant presence in the region. IHCL is present in five states in the northeast across its brands with 12 hotels, including five in the pipeline,” said Suma Venkatesh, executive vice-president, real estate and development, IHCL.
Earlier this month, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts announced the signing of a management agreement for a 140-room hotel in Ranka in Sikkim, marking the foray of the brand into northeast India. The Leela Sikkim is slated to open in December 2026.
“Sikkim remains a pristine destination with the right blend of urbanisation, rich cultural heritage and unexplored natural beauty. This expansion is in lockstep with the growing demand from the discerning global leisure traveller,” said Anuraag Bhatnagar, chief executive officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.
Meanwhile, Nagaland is also gearing up to get a slice of the 5-star hospitality pie after the state department of tourism recently entered into an agreement with the Hotel Polo Towers Group to set up two properties, including one with a mall, for the first time in the state. While the one with a mall will be set up in Dimapur, the other will come up in state capital Kohima and the estimated investment for them will be Rs 150 crore, as per reports.
In Assam, IHCL already has two operating hotels—a Vivanta and a Ginger—in Guwahati. Another Ginger in Guwahati and one in Jorhat are also in the pipeline, besides another Vivanta in Guwahati. “We have a Vivanta hotel in Shillong, Meghalaya, and a Ginger hotel in Agartala, Tripura,” said Venkatesh. “Under our ama Stays & Trails brand, too, we have signed a bungalow in Pakyong in Sikkim,” she added.
Travel operators corroborate the trend. Yatra.com, for instance, has seen a 25-30% rise in hotel reservations. “Northeast India is undoubtedly a hidden gem, offering a diverse range of cultures, amazing historical sites, revered locations like the Kamakhya Temple, and thrilling activities like river rafting and trekking. With its strategic significance, stunning natural surroundings and diverse cultural offerings, this area is poised to emerge as a top vacation destination by 2024,” said Bharatt Mallik, senior VP, flights, Yatra.com.
“The northeast is attracting more Indians owing to pleasant temperatures, dense forests, ancient monasteries, snow-capped mountains, pristine valleys, lakes, waterfalls; we are witnessing an uptick in demand of 20-25% y-o-y for the destination,” said Daniel D’Souza, president and country head, holidays, SOTC Travel.
Thomas Cook (India), too, is registering a growth of 25% y-o-y for the region. “This being the best time for exploring the tribes, trails and teas of this magnificent region, travellers are showcasing interest in Gangtok and Shillong due to easier connectivity and availability of hotels. Popular locales in demand include Kaziranga National Park, Tsomgo Lake, Yumthang Valley, Tawang Monastery, Nathula Pass, Gurudongmar Lake, Teesta River, Loktak Lake, Majuli Islands, Gorichen Peak and Sela Pass. New emerging locales include Cherrapunjee/Sohra and Umium lake,” added Rajeev Kale, president and country head, holidays, MICE, visa, Thomas Cook (India).