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IHCL opens SeleQtions hotel in Varanasi with Avantika by the Ganges

#Hospitality & Retail#India
Last Updated : 16th Dec, 2025
Synopsis

Indian Hotels Company Limited has opened Avantika by the Ganges, a 43-key hotel under its SeleQtions brand, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The launch strengthens IHCL's presence in spiritually and culturally significant destinations as demand for experiential travel continues to grow. Designed to reflect the city's heritage while offering modern comforts, the property blends local character with premium hospitality. Varanasi remains a key destination for pilgrims and cultural tourists, driving interest from organised hotel players. The new hotel aligns with IHCL's strategy to expand across leisure, pilgrimage and Tier II and Tier III markets, while supporting tourism growth and local employment in one of India's most iconic cities.

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced the opening of Avantika by the Ganges, a 43-key hotel under its SeleQtions brand, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, marking another addition to its growing portfolio in spiritually significant destinations. The launch reflects the Tata Group hospitality arm's continued focus on combining destination-led narratives with premium hospitality offerings.


Varanasi, widely regarded as one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, remains a major draw for pilgrims, spiritual seekers and cultural tourists from across India and overseas. With rising visitor footfalls and an evolving hospitality market, the city has emerged as a strategic location for organised hotel players seeking to cater to experiential and heritage-oriented travel.

Avantika by the Ganges has been positioned as a sanctuary that draws inspiration from the city's deep-rooted traditions while offering contemporary comforts expected by modern travellers. As part of the SeleQtions portfolio, the property is designed to reflect the character and cultural ethos of its location, aligning with the brand's focus on distinctive hotels that celebrate local stories and authenticity.

IHCL's leadership has highlighted that the addition of this property enhances the company's brandscape by creating a refined hospitality option in a destination known primarily for its spiritual and historical significance. The hotel is expected to appeal to guests looking for immersive experiences that go beyond conventional accommodation, blending spiritual ambience with curated luxury.

The opening also aligns with IHCL's broader expansion strategy, which places emphasis on strengthening its presence in leisure, pilgrimage and heritage destinations alongside major metropolitan markets. Over recent years, the company has been steadily increasing its footprint in Tier II and Tier III cities, responding to shifting travel patterns and growing demand for branded hospitality outside traditional business hubs.

With domestic tourism witnessing sustained growth and spiritual travel gaining renewed momentum, Varanasi continues to attract investment across hospitality and allied sectors. The introduction of a SeleQtions property in the city is likely to contribute to the upgradation of its hospitality infrastructure while supporting local tourism and employment.

As IHCL continues to diversify its portfolio across luxury, lifestyle and experiential brands, the launch of Avantika by the Ganges reinforces its intent to create differentiated offerings rooted in India's cultural landscape, while maintaining global service standards and contemporary guest expectations.

Source - PTI

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