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(Left to right: Mr. Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism, UP, Mr. Mayank Jaiswal, Founder and Chairman of The Solitaire Group, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL, Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary, UP and Mr. Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary, Urban Development, UP)
Taj's Presence Grows in Ayodhya
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced the signing of a Taj hotel in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. This development with the Solitaire Group is a brownfield project.
Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “IHCL has a strong presence across significant spiritual destinations in India and this signing aligns with our strategy of developing spiritual circuits. Ayodhya has witnessed a significant boost in spiritual tourism, as one of the most sought-after pilgrimage destinations in the country. With the recent signings across SeleQtions, Vivanta, Gateway and Ginger brands, we are strengthening our presence in the city with the iconic Taj brand. We are delighted to partner with the Solitaire Group for this Taj hotel project which is expected to open in 2026.”
He added, “IHCL has a multi – brand presence in Rishikesh, Haridwar, Vrindavan, Prayagraj and Varanasi, Reflective of our commitment in this region, we are investing in the expansion of Taj Ganges for the addition of 100 rooms which will be operational in the coming months.”
The 300-key Taj Ayodhya, a unit of The Solitaire Group, will span 7.2 acres and feature 29 luxury villas. Indian fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani will design it. The hotel will include an all-day diner, two speciality restaurants, a J Wellness Circle spa, a gym, a swimming pool, and a kids’ club. It will also offer expansive banqueting space over 34,000 sq. ft. for events and celebrations. It is ideal for its location near the Lucknow-Ayodhya Highway, approximately 20 minutes from Ram Mandir.
Ms. Shivani Jaiswal and Mr. Mayank Jaiswal, Solitaire Group, said, “We are excited to collaborate with IHCL. The country’s largest hospitality company introducing the celebrated Taj brand to Ayodhya and elevating the city’s hospitality landscape. Taj will offer a luxury destination for travelers to the holy city.”
Ayodhya, steeped in Indian mythology and history, is celebrated as the birthplace of Lord Ram. The city features festivals like Deepotsav Ayodhya, Ram Navmi Mela, Shravan Jhula-Mela, Ram Lila, Antargarhi Parikrama, and Panchokshi Parikrama, attracting pilgrims and tourists from across the globe.
With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 31 hotels in Uttar Pradesh, including 18 that are under development.
About Solitaire Group
Founded by Shivani and Mayank Jaiswal in 2005, the Solitaire Group (thesolitairegroup.com) aspires to become one of India’s largest real estate and hospitality brands. The group founded Prayagraj’s first and most prominent township in 2018 and has acquired and developed land in Tier II and III cities across North India. In 2022, Anilesh Ahuja, a Wall Street veteran, joined the group as an FDI partner.
With a diversified portfolio spanning sought-after destinations across India, the Group’s ventures include residential and commercial projects, 5-star plus hotel properties, wellness resorts, retreats, and other lifestyle products.