Minor Hotel Group (MHG), a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of 145 hotels and resorts in 22 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean, has announced the development of Oaks Bodhgaya in India, in partnership with GP Group and Top Travel & Tours Pvt. Ltd. (TTPL). The overall project investment is US$6.7 m.
Located in the state of Bihar in the country’s north east, Bodhgaya is a key religious site and place of pilgrimage and is thought of as the epicentre of Buddhism. The Mahabodhi Temple can be found here which is home to the famous Bodhi Tree where Buddha is said to have obtained enlightenment. The temple is the most important of the four main pilgrimage sites related to the life of Buddha and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
Oaks Bodhgaya is in the final stages of development and is slated to open in Q4 this year. The first phase of the property will have a total of 78 keys, in addition to a restaurant, a conference hall, a terrace with meditation area and landscaped gardens. A second phase is also under development which will add a further 60 keys and will bring the total to 138 keys. The hotel is located along the main road in Bodhgaya between the Mahabodhi Temple and the airport.
Providing effortless stays and essential comforts, Oaks Hotels & Resorts offers a range of contemporary accommodation, from hotel and resort rooms and suites, to furnished serviced apartments, in central city locations and resorts. Earlier this year MHG announced Oaks Neemrana in India which is scheduled to open in 2017. The brand’s growing portfolio currently comprises 52 properties across four countries – Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates, with more than 6,000 guest rooms under its management. Additional properties are currently under development in China and Bali, Indonesia.
Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotel Group said, “Hot on the heels of our first Oaks India announcement earlier this year, we are thrilled to be bringing the Oaks brand to Bodhgaya. Religious tourism is a huge market and represents a great opportunity and Oaks Bodhgaya will be well placed to capitalise on this when it becomes the first Oaks in India upon opening towards the end of the year. We are pleased to be partnering with GP Group and look forward to working closely with the team to bring this new hotel to the market.”
Sanjog Modgil, Vice President Hospitality, of GP Group, said, “The GP Group has long recognised the potential of the “Indian Buddhist Circuit” and the opportunities for developing branded hotels in all the major destinations within the circuit. We are delighted to partner with Minor Hotel Group and Top Travel & Tours Pvt. Ltd to launch the Oaks Bodhgaya, which marks our first steps in establishing our presence in the world famous “Buddhist Circuit” in India. We look forward to working closely with our partners to contribute and capitalise on the success of the country’s rapidly growing religious tourism market.”
