KHIL Accelerates Gujarat Footprint with New Openings & Statewide Hospitality Roadmap

Mumbai: With Gujarat emerging as one of India’s fastest-growing tourism and business destinations, 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." 

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 a 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. 

Why Gujarat? Why Now? 

● Tourism is Booming: Driven by religious, heritage, and coastal tourism. ● Infrastructure Upswing: Air and road connectivity have vastly improved. 

● Hospitality Gap: Demand for quality, eco-friendly, branded stays outpaces supply in smaller cities. 

● Policy Support: Gujarat’s proactive tourism and hospitality policies are drawing investors from across India. 

About Kamat Hotels (India) Ltd (KHIL) 

Kamat Hotels (India) Ltd (KHIL) is a pioneer in India’s eco-hospitality movement, carrying forward an 85-year legacy of excellence in Indian hospitality. Established in 1986, KHIL is known for its iconic flagship brand The Orchid – An Ecotel Hotel, Asia’s first eco-sensitive hotel chain, present across major metros. The group’s growing portfolio includes IRA by Orchid Hotels (mid-market business and leisure hotels), Lotus Eco Beach Resorts (coastal retreats), Fort Jadhavgadh (Maharashtra’s premier heritage fort hotel), Toyam by Orchid Hotels (A lakeside luxury wellness retreat), and The Orchid Passaros (India’s first adults-only boutique hotel). KHIL integrates sustainability, comfort, and culturally rooted experiences across its brands. Focused on high-potential markets, the company continues to expand through asset-light and franchise models, while championing social and environmental causes such as girl child education, ocean conservation, and forest regeneration.