Lemon Tree Group Signs Aurika Heritage Hotel in Varanasi, Strengthening Presence in Uttar Pradesh

Heritage Expansion Under Long-Term Licence Agreement

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of a new heritage hospitality project in Varanasi through its material subsidiary, Fleur Hotels Limited. The agreement has been executed under a long-term licence deed spanning 28 years, marking another step in the group’s asset-led expansion strategy.

Under the arrangement, Fleur Hotels Limited will undertake the repair and reconstruction of a heritage property comprising approximately 47 rooms. Upon completion, the hotel will be branded as Aurika Varanasi, operating under the group’s upper-upscale Aurika Hotels & Resorts portfolio.

Prime Riverside Location in India’s Spiritual Capital

The upcoming Aurika Varanasi is strategically located directly on a ghat adjoining the River Ganges, offering uninterrupted river views and immediate access to one of India’s most significant spiritual and cultural corridors.

The property is situated around 4 kilometres from Varanasi Junction Railway Station and approximately 26 kilometres from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, ensuring convenient connectivity for both domestic and international travellers visiting Varanasi.

This iconic riverside address positions the hotel as a destination-led luxury offering for heritage, spiritual, and experiential travel.

Design and Facilities Aligned With the Aurika Brand

Once operational, Aurika Varanasi will feature around 47 well-appointed rooms, along with a restaurant and curated public spaces designed to balance heritage character with contemporary luxury.

The project aims to preserve the architectural integrity of the historic property while introducing modern hospitality comforts, in line with the Aurika brand’s focus on immersive, destination-centric luxury experiences.

Leadership Perspective on the Signing

Commenting on the development, Patanjali Govind Keswani, Executive Chairman, Fleur Hotels Limited, said:

“This hotel at Varanasi, which is one of India’s most iconic destinations blending spirituality, heritage, and tourism, will be the sixth owned or leased hotel under the upper-upscale Aurika brand. This signing reinforces Fleur Hotels’ long-term and scalable asset ownership strategy.”

Strengthening Lemon Tree’s Destination-Led Growth Strategy

The signing of Aurika Varanasi further strengthens Lemon Tree Group’s presence in Uttar Pradesh and aligns with its broader strategy of expanding across high-potential leisure and heritage destinations in India.

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited currently operates over 120 hotels across more than 80 cities, supported by a robust pipeline of 130+ upcoming properties. Since opening its first hotel in 2004, the group has built a combined operational and pipeline portfolio of 260+ hotels, with a presence across metros, Tier II and Tier III cities, as well as international markets including Dubai, Bhutan, and Nepal.