EkoStay Expands Premium Villa Portfolio Across Maharashtra and Karnataka Ahead of Monsoon Travel Season

Mumbai, India: July, 2026: As India’s monsoon travel season approaches, EkoStay, one of the country’s rapidly growing professionally managed vacation home brands with over 160+ villas across India, has announced a significant expansion of its premium private villa portfolio across Maharashtra and Karnataka.

The expansion includes the launch of new boutique villas and experiential stays across Nashik, Wada, Igatpuri, Lonavala and Chikmagalur, further strengthening EkoStay’s footprint across some of India’s most popular drive-to leisure destinations and nature-led weekend getaway markets.

The newly launched and recently added properties include Vana Mora in Nashik, Wada Crest in Wada, Casa Elara in Igatpuri, Casa Bella in Lonavala and Forest Cube Villa in Chikmagalur. The launches form part of EkoStay’s broader strategy of building immersive, design-forward private stay experiences tailored for modern travellers seeking privacy, comfort and experiential escapes close to nature.

The properties span a diverse mix of hospitality experiences, from forest-facing retreats and scenic hill villas to luxury pool homes and large-format group stay destinations.

Located amidst lush greenery and peaceful landscapes, Wada Crest in Maharashtra has been designed as a serene 3BHK retreat focused on wellness, slow living and intimate group getaways, complete with a private pool and expansive outdoor spaces. Casa Elara in Igatpuri offers a more luxurious 5BHK hospitality experience surrounded by tranquil mountain views, while Casa Bella in Lonavala has been positioned as a premium large-group and celebration villa spread across a sprawling 10,000 sq. ft. garden with luxury amenities and entertainment spaces.

In Karnataka, Forest Cube Villa in Chikmagalur marks EkoStay’s growing presence in South India’s experiential travel market. Nestled amidst the misty coffee landscapes of Chikmagalur, the villa has been designed as a peaceful forest hideaway blending contemporary aesthetics with nature-centric hospitality experiences.

The expansion comes at a time when travellers across India are increasingly shifting toward private villas, immersive nature stays and short-format driveable holidays over conventional hotel-led travel.

Speaking about the expansion, Varun Arora, CEO & Co-Founder, EkoStay, said, “Over the last few years, we have seen a very visible shift in the way people travel, especially during monsoon and short leisure breaks. Travellers today are looking for experiences that feel more private, immersive and emotionally connected to the destination itself rather than simply transactional stays. Maharashtra and Karnataka continue to emerge as very strong leisure markets because they offer accessibility, natural beauty and year-round travel demand, especially from urban audiences looking for quick but meaningful escapes.

With properties like Casa Bella, Casa Elara, Wada Crest and Forest Cube, our focus has been on creating hospitality experiences that combine comfort, design, privacy and a strong sense of place. Every property has its own personality, whether it is a forest-facing retreat, a luxury celebration villa or a peaceful countryside escape. As a brand, we are consciously building a portfolio that feels experiential rather than standardised.”

Husain Khatumdi, Managing Director & Co-Founder, added, “The demand for professionally managed private villas has evolved tremendously in recent years. Guests today are not only seeking luxury, but also reliability, operational consistency and curated hospitality experiences. Our expansion strategy is focused on identifying destinations that have strong long-term leisure potential and building a high-quality villa ecosystem around them. We believe the future of hospitality lies in highly personalised stay experiences that still maintain strong operational standards.”

Speaking on operational scalability and market growth, Sohail Mirchandani, COO & Co-Founder, said, “As we continue expanding across multiple destinations, a strong operational backbone becomes extremely important. We have been heavily investing in standardisation, SOP-led execution, guest servicing systems and internal operational processes to ensure that the experience remains consistent across every EkoStay property. Scaling boutique hospitality successfully requires both emotional hospitality and strong backend systems working together.”

Commenting on the company’s acquisition and destination strategy, Zishan Khan said, “One of our biggest focus areas has been identifying destinations and properties that have strong experiential value and long-term hospitality relevance. Whether it is a misty coffee estate in Chikmagalur, a scenic villa in Igatpuri or a luxury celebration property in Lonavala, we look at how travellers emotionally connect with a destination. Beyond acquiring inventory, our larger vision is to build highly curated villa clusters that deliver memorable stay experiences while also helping homeowners professionally monetise their properties.”

Founded in 2018 by Husain Khatumdi, Sohail Mirchandani, Varun Arora and Zishan Khan, EkoStay has rapidly expanded its presence across India’s alternative accommodation segment through professionally managed villas, experiential stays and boutique hospitality offerings tailored for modern leisure travellers.

Century-old Narasu’s Coffee expands across Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh

Sri Narasu’s Coffee Company, a South India-based coffee company with nearly a century of operations, has outlined plans to expand its retail and distribution presence beyond Tamil Nadu into Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

The company currently operates 78 company-owned stores and offers 180 SKUs across coffee, tea and other FMCG categories. As part of its expansion plans, it has opened a store in Bengaluru, with another outlet planned in Amaravati.

Expansion Strategy

The expansion is part of the company’s plans to increase its presence in southern India, with Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala identified as key markets. The company has opened a store in Bengaluru, while an outlet in Amaravati is expected to open in the next two to three months. The stores will offer products across its coffee portfolio, including premium blends, instant coffee and freeze-dried variants. The company also plans to expand its distribution network from 42 distributors to 150 by the end of the fiscal year.

Product Portfolio

Narasu’s Coffee has an extensive portfolio in the instant coffee segment, which includes – Pure Instant Coffee range, Master’s Extra Strong, Insta Strong Coffee range and Freeze dry segment.

Chairman’s Comment

Sivanantham, Chairman, Sri Narasu’s Coffee: “Our journey has been built on the pillars of ethics, reliability, and integrity values that have earned us the trust of millions of families who have made Sri Narasu’s Coffee a part of their daily lives across generations. Our focus remains firmly on the future without compromising on the standards, and the commitment to quality that has defined us since 1926. We believe in growth with responsibility and will ensure that our consumers always get the value for their spend, consumer satisfaction is a non-negotiable virtue at Narasu’s.”

Managing Director’s Comment

Srudheep S, Managing Director, Sri Narasu’s Coffee: “To sustain a legacy for nearly a century requires deep respect for our roots and an unyielding commitment to quality. We have spent decades building an unassailable foundation in Tamil Nadu in product integrity, supply chain discipline, and consumer trust. Today, we have a strong network of distributors and dealers, we see immense potential in the southern region and aspire to capture a significant market share. Our vision is clear: to bring the authentic South Indian coffee experience to every modern kitchen across India and beyond.”

He further added, “We have a strategic pan India expansion plan charted for next 3 years, the Bengaluru and Amaravati stores mark the commencement our journey to growth. By establishing a strong supply chain network combined with good retail presence, by this fiscal year end, this should add approx. 18 to 20% revenue to our existing portfolio. Our instant coffee range is the key offering and growth driver for us. The domestic instant coffee market is fast growing and Narasu’s is best placed to create a niche and achieve a significant market share. Out USP is our blend, which has remained consistent for decades, our consumers come to us for the authentic taste and blend we provide. Which is the result of our stringent quality control standards and operational excellence. We are the only brand in Tamil Nadu to ensure the products are dispatched and are on the racks within 24 hours of dispatch.”

Karnataka eyes global brewing leadership as alco-bev sector touches ₹40,000 crore

Karnataka is strengthening its position as one of India’s leading alco-beverage manufacturing and innovation hubs, with the state government signalling support for sustainability-led growth, domestic manufacturing, and expansion of brewery ecosystems beyond Bengaluru.

The focus emerged during an industry conclave held in Bengaluru attended by the Excise Minister, Joint Excise Commissioner, brewers, distillers, sustainability experts, technology providers, and industry stakeholders.

Government Reforms and Policy Direction

Addressing the gathering, the Excise Minister, R B Timmapur, said Karnataka has undertaken significant excise and regulatory reforms over the last one year to improve ease of doing business and strengthen the state’s alco-bev ecosystem.

“Over the last one year, Karnataka has undertaken a series of progressive excise and regulatory reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business for breweries, distilleries, and alco-bev manufacturers. We are moving towards a more transparent, technology-enabled, and industry-friendly ecosystem through simplified label approvals, streamlined declared price and MRP updation systems, digital compliance mechanisms, annual licence renewal reforms, and operational rationalisation measures,” the Minister said.

“The Government is committed to providing long-term policy stability and regulatory visibility for the industry till 2030. Stable and forward-looking policy frameworks are essential to attract investments, scale manufacturing ecosystems, strengthen domestic production capabilities, and position Karnataka as a leading destination for brewing innovation and alco-bev manufacturing,” he added.

“Karnataka today generates nearly ₹40,000 crore annually through excise revenue, underlining the alco-bev sector’s importance to the state economy and industrial ecosystem. At the same time, our objective is not merely revenue generation, but building a balanced ecosystem that benefits consumers, industry, farmers, manufacturers, and local communities through sustainable and inclusive growth,” the Minister said.

Industry Perspective

Industry leaders at the conclave noted that Karnataka has emerged as a preferred destination for breweries, premium spirits manufacturing, and craft beer innovation due to its strong infrastructure, skilled workforce, entrepreneurial ecosystem, and progressive policy environment.

Speaking at the event, Shivkumar Eashwaran, Chairman, Indian Chamber of Commerce, Chairman – Canadian Crystalline Water India Limited & Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in South India, said sustainability, inclusive growth, and resource optimisation will define the future of the alco-bev industry.

“Water conservation, wastewater recycling, energy efficiency, and circular economy practices must become integral to brewing and distillation operations. Karnataka has the opportunity to emerge as a globally benchmarked sustainable brewing ecosystem,” he said.

Focus on Farmers and Rural Supply Chains

Shivkumar further emphasised the importance of ensuring that the growth of the alco-bev sector benefits the entire value chain, including farmers and rural communities.

“Karnataka today has one of the strongest economies in India, and as the alco-bev sector grows, the benefits of this growth must reach every stakeholder across the value chain. We should not leave our farmers behind in this journey. Raw materials required for breweries — including barley, grains, fruits, and other agricultural produce — should increasingly be sourced from our own farmers, thereby strengthening local supply chains and rural livelihoods,” he said.

“The growth of the brewery ecosystem should not benefit only breweries, manufacturers, and front-end industry players, but also farmers and raw material providers at the grassroots level. This is how we can ensure inclusive industrial development, stronger rural economies, employment generation, and growth that benefits ordinary people as well,” he added.

Brewing Technology and Industry Growth

The conclave highlighted Karnataka’s potential to expand brewing equipment manufacturing and allied technologies by leveraging the industrial capabilities of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Industry representatives emphasised the need for collaboration between government, academia, and manufacturers to support research, automation, engineering, product development, and skill-building in brewing technology.

The event also recognised participants from India’s craft brewing industry, with awards presented to American Brew Works, Kling Brewery, and Oasis. Industry experts noted increasing international visibility and export opportunities for Indian craft beer and premium spirits brands.

The conclave concluded with discussions around collaboration between government bodies, manufacturers, sustainability experts, and technology providers to support a globally competitive and environmentally responsible alco-bev ecosystem in Karnataka

TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts Announces New Property in Belgaum, Karnataka

National, India – Jan 2025 – TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts, a leading hospitality chain owned by Karma Hospitality, is delighted to announce its upcoming property in the historic city of Belgaum, also known as Belagavi, Karnataka. This expansion marks a significant step for TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts in Karnataka, further solidifying its commitment to bringing "Quality meets Value" experiences to travelers across the country.

TreeHouse Kambers will open its doors shortly and will feature  thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, ideal for both business and leisure travelers. The property will boast a spacious banquet hall, perfect for hosting meetings, conferences, and social gatherings.

The Hotel will have a “Mountain View Café” at the Roof Top with stunning views of the City with both indoors and outdoor seating to experience the city's amazing weather. It will have an interactive Kitchen with great ambience for people to enjoy, un-wind and relax with friends and family.
Nestled amidst the vibrant city of Belgaum, TreeHouse Kambers, Belgaum promises a convenient and comfortable stay. Each room will be equipped with modern amenities to ensure a restful night's sleep. Whether visiting Belgaum for business or leisure, guests can expect the signature TreeHouse hospitality – “Dil Se” service that goes the extra mile.

“We are thrilled to introduce TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts to the beautiful city of Belgaum,” said Jayant Singh, Managing Partner at TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts. “Belgaum's rich history and cultural tapestry make it a captivating destination, and we are confident that TreeHouse Kambers will be the perfect stay for travelers seeking a blend of comfort, convenience, and exceptional service.”

“We are incredibly proud to partner with TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts to bring their unique brand of hospitality to Belgaum,” said Mr. S. Kori, Owner of TreeHouse Kambers, Belgaum. Further, Mr. M. Kori, co-owner of the property added,  “Belgaum has so much to offer visitors, and we believe that TreeHouse Kambers will be the ideal place for them to experience the city's charm. We are confident that this collaboration will be a great success and look forward to welcoming guests to our new hotel.”

Lemon Tree Hotels signs a new property in Whitefield, Bengaluru, Karnataka

New Delhi, April 2023: Lemon Tree Hotels announced its latest signing in Karnataka named Peninsula Suites - operated by Lemon Tree Hotels, Bengaluru. The property is expected to be operational by October 2023 and shall be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary and the management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited. 

The property is located at Whitefield, which turned from a quaint settlement to a major suburb post the IT boom in Bengaluru in the late 90s. The locality is now a major part of Greater Bengaluru and the city’s first tech corridor to be connected by Namma Metro.

The property, aimed at extended stays, will feature 88 well-appointed rooms and suites, a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, meeting rooms, a fitness center and other public areas.

The Bengaluru Airport is about 37 kms from the property while the Railway Station is about 23 kms away. The property is connected by both public and private transport from all major cities in India.

The capital city of Karnataka, Bengaluru, is often referred to as ‘The Silicon Valley of India’. A techie’s paradise, it boasts the highest concentration of IT companies in the country. Additionally, there are gardens, museums, natural features, palaces and temples for the visitors to experience. Places like Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park and the Ulsoor Lake of Bengaluru, are well known for their beautiful locales and boating facilities. Apart from these, Bengaluru is also a major centre of Indian classical music, dance, theatre and of a vivid cutting-edge nightlife.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mahesh Aiyer, CEO, Carnation Hotels Private Limited, commented, “We are delighted to expand our bouquet of hotels in Karnataka with a new property in Whitefield, Bengaluru with our valued partner, Peninsula Projects (Bangalore) Pvt. Ltd., a group company of the Vaswani Group. We already have 6 operational hotels in the state out of which 5 are in Bengaluru and 1 in Coorg. We have one more upcoming in Hubli and now another in Bengaluru itself. We want to offer diverse brands and operate hotels at different locations to fully tap into the immense potential that the city holds out. We plan to on signing and opening more hotels to enhance our offerings to our guests as well as owners and partners in tourism and hospitality.

NEWS | Blue Iris Hotels signs agreement with Sai Palace hotels to operate at Bidar, Karnataka

The Hotel will be branded as a “Blue Iris Boutique” and shall open doors on the 20th September, 2021

Blue Iris hotels announced the signing of a 30 room hotel with Sai Palace hotels Pvt Ltd, to operate at Bidar Karnataka. Parmeshwaran M, General Manager – Operations, represented Blue Iris Hotels with Mr. Rajashekhar Jeerge, Owner of the Sai Palace Hotel.

The hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, Banqueting & conferencing facilities and boutique styled, no frills rooms. The hotel will be scheduled to open mid-September.

The hotel will be located in Nobad, Bidar and in the middle of the auto industrial area. 3 kms away from the airport and 3.5 kms away from the city’s railway station, and another 3.5 km away from this will be the city’s first branded hotel.

Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib is a Sikh historical shrine situated in Bidar, Karnataka. Gurdwara Nanak Jhira Sahib was built in the year 1948 and is dedicated to the first Sikh guru Guru Nanak. Bidar has a very long association with Sikhism as this is the home town of Bhai Sahib Singh, one of the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones).

Speaking on the venture, Russell Gregory, Brand Custodian for Blue Iris mentioned “We do see a lot of potential from the religious tourism segment, auto , pharma and agri sectors for this city. Moreover, being the city’s first brand, we are excited about this venture . We will continue to focus on tier 2 and tier 3 cities, as we see a huge growth within this market”

Sharing his thoughts on the sign up, Jeerge, Owner of Sai Palace Hotels quoted , “ We are very happy to have joined hands with Blue Iris Hotels and are keen to work together and make this relationship work for the long run and are excited to see how this venture pans out to be”.

NEWS | Fortune Hotels lands in Hubballi with an airport hotel

Fortune Park Hotels Limited, the wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC Ltd, now has six hotels with 671 rooms across four cities in Karnataka.

Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC’s hotel group, announced the opening of its first hotel in the historic town of Hubballi, Karnataka making it their sixth hotel alliance in the State.

Marking the celebrations, Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Park Hotels Limited, said, “We are delighted to bring the Fortune Park brand to the progressive and culturally rich city of Hubballi. Located close to the airport, we are confident that the hotel will see great success as it offers a branded alternative and best-in-class guest experience to city residents as well as our existing customers traveling to the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad, for both business and leisure.”

Joining him for the launch of Fortune Park Airport Road Hubballi was Dhananjay Saliankar, Head – Sales & Marketing and Govindappa B. Dandagi, the proprietor of the hotel. With this inauguration, Fortune Hotels now has an operating portfolio of 39 hotels across 34 cities of India.

An iconic city landmark, Fortune Park Airport Road Hubballi is strategically located opposite the Hubballi airport, offering easy access to corporate establishments, key shopping areas and other important monuments of the city.

The newly launched property can host corporate events, weddings and social gatherings the stellar hotel has 4800 sq. ft. of versatile banquet spaces along with around 15,000 sq. ft. of lush green party lawns to add to the charm. Its modern banquet halls come with a spacious pre-function area, dedicated entry, and ample parking. The hotel also features two well-equipped board rooms ideal for corporate meetings, presentations, brainstorming sessions, and discussions.

Well connected by rail, road and air, the hotel is 428 km away from Bangalore and 20 km from Dharwad. It also offers easy access to Belgaum (98 kms), Hampi (150 kms), and Goa (155 kms).

With this addition, Fortune Park Hotels Limited, the wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC Ltd, now has 6 hotels with 671 rooms across 4 cities in Karnataka.

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RCI expands its presence in Karnataka, adds a new property to its portfolio

RCI, the global leader in holiday exchange and part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands has expanded its presence in Karnataka through an affiliation with Danta Estate, Madikeri. The property is surrounded by nature and offers its guests contemporary accommodation with 14 spacious and tastefully designed rooms with large balconies that open up to the scenic beauty of the place.

Situated in Kodagu district, The Danta Estate, Madikeri is 300 km from Bangalore and 150 km from Mysore making it a perfect weekend getaway for travelers wanting to steer away from the daily rigors of the city. The resort offers a multi cuisine restaurant and bar, swimming pool and a gymnasium and spa for guests to relax.

Commenting on the partnership, Rishi Verma, Head of India Subcontinent – RCI India shared, “Home-away-from-home has been the new trend amongst travelers in these current times. We have also identified a significant rise in the home stays and cottages where travelers prefer properties that provide an unconventional lifestyle while still feeling at home. Keeping up with these trends, we have strategically partnered with Danta Estate, Madikeri to help our members create memories in a home away from their home.” 

The Danta Estate, Madikeri is situated amidst many popular spots such as Talacauvery, which is the birthplace of the holy river Kaveri and is located 18 km from the property. Guests can also choose to visit the Kopatti Trekking Site which is situated 2 km from the property. Additionally, the Golden Temple and Bhagandeshwara Temple are also interesting places to visit.

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Maharashtra, Sikkim prohibit hotels from resuming operations

Key Take Away

Maharashtra and Sikkim prohibited hotels and restaurants from resuming operations, while Gujarat and Karnataka permitted hotels and restaurants to open as per the new standard operating procedures (SOPs) in a phased manner from June 8.
The Maharashtra government's order comes into effect from June 1 and shall remain effective till June 30. The Sikkim government has prohibited hotels and restaurants from reopening from June 1 until further notice.
The industry lobby group, which represents over 500,000 restaurants, cafes, bars, and pubs in the country, has asked for restaurants to be allowed to stay open beyond 9 pm and for reopening of public transport fully to aid staff movement.

For More Information

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