IHG to Bring the InterContinental Brand to Kodaikanal

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a management agreement with Adyar Gate Hotels to develop InterContinental Kodaikanal Resort. Slated to open in 2028, the resort marks a new addition to IHG’s luxury portfolio in India and aligns with the group’s strategy to expand lifestyle and luxury brands in key leisure destinations across the country. This signing marks the debut of the InterContinental brand in Kodaikanal and the sixth (open and in the pipeline) in the country, following ventures in Chennai, Mumbai, Jaipur, Hyderabad and Delhi.

InterContinental Kodaikanal Resort

Perched at 7,200 feet, Kodaikanal is celebrated for its landscapes, climate, and colonial heritage, making it one of South India’s most popular getaway destinations for high end leisure and corporate clientele. Known as the “Princess of Hills,” Kodaikanal attracts a growing number of visitors each year from Tamil Nadu and nearby states like Karnataka, Telangana, and Maharashtra. The destination’s allure lies not only in its beauty but also in its outdoor activities, from trekking and boating owing to its consistently pleasant weather.

Once opened, InterContinental Kodaikanal Resort will feature 100 guest rooms with cottages, and a variety of amenities to cater to both leisure and corporate guests. These include five dining options: All Day Dining, Specialty Restaurant, Lobby Lounge, Pool Bar, and InterContinental Club Lounge. For guests looking to unwind and relax, the hotel will feature a pool, fitness centre and a spa. InterContinental Kodaikanal Resort will also feature two meeting spaces, including a ballroom catering to social gatherings and MICE opportunities.

Words of Celebration

Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, managing director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts said, “We are thrilled to partner with Adyar Gate Hotels to introduce the InterContinental brand to the enchanting destination of Kodaikanal, which also marks our second InterContinental branded hotel with them. With its unique blend of nature, heritage, and cultural richness, Kodaikanal has become a sought-after destination for discerning travelers seeking luxury and leisure escapes, making it an ideal location for our luxury portfolio expansion in India. We look forward to offering our guests a truly immersive experience in one of South India’s most captivating hill stations.” He added, “With travelers seeking quality accommodations in serene and picturesque destinations, the InterContinental Kodaikanal Resort will cater to the evolving preferences of our guests and is poised to set new benchmarks in the city for luxury and elevated hospitality experiences.”

Manish Goyal, managing director, Adyar Gate Hotels added, “We are pleased to collaborate again with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring the InterContinental brand to Kodaikanal. Known as the world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand, InterContinental is the perfect fit for Kodaikanal’s growing profile as a premier destination for affluent travelers from Karnataka, Telangana, Mumbai, Chennai and beyond. With the resort’s prime location, exceptional amenities, and IHG’s global standards, we are confident that InterContinental Kodaikanal Resort will redefine luxury hospitality in the region and become a preferred choice for travelers seeking a unique blend of elegance and breathtaking beauty.”

IHG currently has 46 hotels operating across five brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Resort and Holiday Inn Express, and a strong pipeline of 58 hotels due to open in the next 3-5 years.