The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is set to expand its luxury hotel portfolio with the signing of a new Taj-branded hotel in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, with Arnaytive Resorts.

 This greenfield project is part of IHCL's strategy to showcase India's lesser-known leisure destinations on the global stage.

IHCL real estate and development executive vice president Suma Venkatesh said: "IHCL’s strategy of putting India’s lesser known leisure locations on the global tourism map. We are delighted to partner with Arnaytive Resorts for this project.”

The Taj Chikkamagaluru will be spread across 25 acres, featuring 160 rooms with panoramic views of the Mullayanagiri Peak.

Located a short drive from the city centre, the hotel will boast an array of amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant, a speciality restaurant, a bar, and a poolside bar. Guests will also have access to two swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, J Wellness Circle spa, a kids' club, and a library.

The hotel will be designed to cater to both leisure and business travellers, offering more than 5,000ft² of banqueting facilities with meeting rooms and a pre-function area.

Arnaytive Resorts co-founder VP Kiran said: "This market with its untapped potential, will serve as a picturesque getaway, complemented by Taj's signature services."

With this addition, IHCL's presence in Karnataka will include 24 hotels, with nine more under development.

Incorporating the Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, Gateway, and Ginger brands, IHCL was founded by Jamsetji Tata and opened its first hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. The company currently has a portfolio of 340 hotels globally, with 112 under development.

This week IHCL announced the signing of the first IHCL SeleQtions hotel in Chennai's East Coast Road area, Tamil Nadu.