ITC Hotels has signed a management agreement with Narne Hotels and Resorts Private Limited, further expanding the Welcomhotel brand’s presence in South India. Set to be a 150-key project located at Madikeri hill town in Kodagu district (also known by its former name Coorg), Karnataka, Welcomhotel Madikeri will offer exciting food and beverage options with two restaurants and bars, a lounge, and over 1,300 sqm of meeting space.
The property is located on the prime MG road in central Madikeri. Framed by the Western Ghats, Madikeri is known for the Raja’s Seat, a 200-year-old monument that overlooks forests and rice paddy fields, and offers some of the best sunrise and sunset views. Taking centre stage, with two stone elephants at the entrance is the 17th-century Madikeri Fort. In close proximity stands the famous Omkareshwar Temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. To the northwest, the cascading Abbey Falls surrounded by spice plantations is one of the most-visited tourist attractions.
Kodagu district is known for its lush green valleys, vast coffee plantations, and spice trails. It is also one of the few areas in South India, where the rare Neelakurinji flower blooms once in 12 years. The region offers a wonderful variety of unique experiences for travellers including spiritual sites, wildlife, adventure, and leisure activities. The region has witnessed a significant rise in tourist visits, supplemented by growth in business segments driven by demand from agricultural and administrative segments.
Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive of ITC Hotels, expressed his excitement about the project, and stated, “Madikeri is an important market for ITC Hotels. Over recent years, this region has grown in popularity and we saw a niche space for leisure travel. Through Welcomhotel Madikeri we bring the signature hospitality of ITC Hotels to this beautiful city. Madikeri reflects the rich Kodava culture and is home to heritage cuisine that many wish to explore. With this signing, ITC’s Hotel group further strengthens its presence in Karnataka, where we currently operate 11 hotels and over 1,300 rooms under various brands including ITC Hotels, Welcomhotel, Fortune, and Welcomheritage.”
Saibabu Appalaneni, CEO of Narne Hotel and Resorts Private Limited, shared his enthusiasm about this project, and said, “We are delighted to sign the brand Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels for our Madikeri hotel project. ITC Hotels is very well known for its expertise in hospitality and its focus on promoting regional cuisine. We believe Welcomhotel Madikeri has strong potential and will provide memorable guest experiences.”
