IHCL Signs 140-Room Taj Resort on Umiam Lake in Meghalaya

IHCL partners with Umiam Hotels to develop a 140-key Taj resort at Barapani, Meghalaya, featuring premium accommodation, wellness facilities and event spaces, strengthening its Northeast India portfolio to 22 hotels.

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) strengthens its hospitality presence in Northeast India with the signing of a 140-key Taj resort in Barapani, Meghalaya. The project, undertaken in partnership with Umiam Hotels Private Limited, involves converting an existing property into a Taj-branded resort located along the banks of the scenic Umiam Lake.

The signing reflects IHCL's strategy to expand its presence across emerging leisure destinations and strengthen hospitality infrastructure in India's northeastern region. The proposed property is expected to complement the company's existing hotel network while supporting a travel circuit connecting Guwahati, Barapani and Shillong.

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Spread across a picturesque landscape surrounded by hills and forests, Taj Barapani will offer accommodation alongside a range of dining, recreational and wellness facilities. Its food and beverage offerings will include an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a bar, a café and a lobby lounge. These facilities aim to cater to visitors seeking a combination of leisure, dining and hospitality experiences.

The resort will also feature indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness centre, Taj's signature J Wellness Circle spa and a salon. The wellness facilities are designed to provide guests with opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation while enjoying the natural surroundings of Meghalaya.

In addition to leisure travellers, the property will cater to corporate guests and business events. Its meetings and events infrastructure will include a banquet hall spanning more than 6,000 square feet, supported by pre-function areas, meeting rooms and a boardroom. These facilities are expected to expand the destination's capacity to host business gatherings, celebrations and social events.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President  Real Estate and Development at IHCL, says Meghalaya is gaining prominence as a travel destination due to its natural appeal and expanding tourism infrastructure. She highlights that Taj Barapani will strengthen the company's regional presence and complement its existing portfolio.

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Arun Kumar Rai, Managing Director of Umiam Hotels, along with Directors Ajay Kumar Rai and Anuj Kansal, expresses confidence that the partnership will bring the Taj brand to Barapani and contribute to Meghalaya's tourism development.

With this addition, IHCL's portfolio in Northeast India will comprise 22 hotels, including 16 properties under development. The signing reinforces the company's focus on expanding its hospitality network across emerging destinations and supporting the region's growing tourism potential.