IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to bring its iconic Holiday Inn brand to Ujjain, marking the hotel group’s entry into one of India’s most significant spiritual destinations.
With the signing of a management agreement with Peachery LLP, IHG is set to open the new Holiday Inn Ujjain by 2028. This development aligns with IHG’s strategy to expand its presence in high-growth secondary markets across India, catering to the country’s increasing demand for religious and cultural tourism.
Ujjain holds a revered place in India’s spiritual landscape, known as one of the most prominent Hindu pilgrimage centers. The city attracts millions of visitors, especially during the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, set to take place again in 2028.
Ujjain is also home to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. This makes the city a powerful draw for spiritual travelers seeking solace and a connection to their faith.
The introduction of Holiday Inn in Ujjain is poised to meet the needs of both spiritual visitors and those coming to the city for special celebrations. The hotel will cater to multigenerational travelers, who have shown a growing interest in religious tourism, as well as destination weddings—a popular choice in this culturally rich city.
Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed enthusiasm for this venture, noting that Holiday Inn Ujjain will provide an enriching experience for guests, whether they are seeking a spiritual journey or planning a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
With 100 well-appointed rooms, including 10 suites, Holiday Inn Ujjain will feature a range of amenities designed for comfort and convenience. Guests can enjoy various dining options, including an all-day dining restaurant, a lounge bar, and a specialty restaurant. For those hosting events or attending family gatherings, the hotel will offer a banquet hall and five versatile meeting spaces, making it ideal for social functions and business gatherings alike.
Santosh Agrawal, Partner and Co-founder of Peachery LLP, shared his excitement about partnering with IHG to bring the Holiday Inn brand to Ujjain. By combining local knowledge with IHG’s global standards, he expressed confidence in creating a distinguished destination that will set new benchmarks in hospitality for the city.
The hotel’s excellent location and world-class amenities are expected to attract both domestic and international travelers, enhancing Ujjain’s reputation as a premier destination for both pilgrimage and leisure.
Guests at Holiday Inn Ujjain will also have access to leisure amenities such as a swimming pool and fitness center, ensuring a relaxing and comfortable stay. The property aims to balance the needs of religious travelers with the comforts sought by vacationers and business guests, enhancing the overall visitor experience in Ujjain.
IHG’s commitment to growth in India is evident, with 46 hotels currently operating across six brands in the country. The Holiday Inn Ujjain project reinforces IHG’s dedication to expanding into new, high-potential locations, particularly in culturally significant cities. As Ujjain prepares for the influx of visitors for the 2028 Kumbh Mela, Holiday Inn Ujjain will offer a trusted and recognizable brand experience, bringing international hospitality standards to the city’s vibrant spiritual scene.
The new Holiday Inn Ujjain is set to play a significant role in supporting Ujjain’s tourism infrastructure, appealing to a broad range of travelers and ensuring that the city’s guests have access to quality accommodations. Scheduled to open in time for the next Kumbh Mela, the hotel will be ideally positioned to welcome thousands of pilgrims, families, and celebration-goers alike.
