Kamat Hotels India Ltd (KHIL) is accelerating its expansion in the state. After successfully establishing The Orchid Hotel in Jamnagar, the group is now set to launch two new properties under its mid-market brand IRA by Orchid Hotels in Dwarka and Bhavnagar within this financial year. These launches reinforce KHIL’s commitment to tapping into high-growth regions with a sustainable hospitality model that balances ecological sensitivity with warm Indian service.
Strategic Expansion Backed by Market Demand
Gujarat welcomed over 70 million tourists in 2024, with religious tourism surging in sacred towns like Dwarka and Somnath. Additionally, the growing infrastructure in Bhavnagar, including industrial parks and heritage projects, has led to a clear demand for branded hotel experiences.
“There is a clear shift in how Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in India are evolving,” said Vishal Kamat, Executive Director, KHIL. “With Dwarka and Bhavnagar on the rise as spiritual and commercial hubs respectively, we see this as the right time to introduce our eco-sensitive and guest-centric hospitality model to these regions. We’re actively looking at Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara, Sasan Gir, and Morbi as part of our long-term growth map. Through our eco-conscious and guest-first hospitality approach, we aim to serve the evolving needs of both leisure and business travellers across Gujarat.”
Expanding the Horizon Across Gujarat
With Gujarat emerging as one of India’s most promising markets, KHIL has now outlined a wider state expansion plan, with targeted developments being explored in Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara, Sasan Gir, and Morbi — cities that blend spiritual significance, commercial promise, and tourism potential.
According to Ayon Bhattacharya, VP – West India, KHIL, “Gujarat has always been on our strategic radar. And now, the time is right. With religious tourism thriving in Dwarka, industrial momentum in Bhavnagar, and the success of our flagship Orchid in Jamnagar, we see a clear opportunity to bring our signature hospitality to travellers seeking both comfort and value. Through IRA by Orchid Hotels, we aim to redefine mid-market stays in Gujarat with a focus on quality, F&B, service, and sustainability. We’re not just expanding our footprint, we’re building meaningful experiences in places that matter.”
Upcoming Projects at a Glance
● IRA by Orchid Hotels – Dwarka
Strategically located overlooking the iconic Dwarkadhish Temple, this property is designed to offer a peaceful, well-equipped haven for pilgrims, families, and cultural tourists.
● IRA by Orchid Hotels – Bhavnagar
Positioned at the intersection of heritage and industrial growth, this property will cater to both leisure travelers visiting Gir and Velavadar, as well as business professionals traveling through Gujarat’s expanding industrial belt. The hotel is a mixed-usage building having Himalaya Mall as part of the hotel complex.
Both hotels will feature energy-efficient infrastructure, water-saving mechanisms, and local culinary experiences—continuing KHIL’s legacy of responsible tourism.
