Lemon Tree Group Expands Aurika Portfolio with Heritage Hotel Signing in Varanasi

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of a long-term licence agreement for a new heritage hotel in Varanasi, further strengthening its presence in destination-led leisure markets. The agreement has been executed through its material subsidiary, Fleur Hotels Limited, for a period of 28 years.

Under the licence deed, 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, joining the group’s upper-upscale Aurika Hotels & Resorts portfolio.

The property enjoys a prime location directly on the ghat adjoining the river Ganges, offering panoramic views and proximity to one of India’s most significant spiritual landmarks. It is situated around 4 km from Varanasi Junction Railway Station and approximately 26 km from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, ensuring convenient access for both domestic and international travellers.

Aurika Varanasi will feature about 47 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, and thoughtfully designed public spaces, blending heritage architecture with contemporary luxury to deliver a refined hospitality experience in the spiritual capital of India.

The signing marks another step in Lemon Tree Hotels’ strategy to deepen its footprint in Uttar Pradesh and expand selectively in culturally significant destinations with strong tourism demand.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Patanjali Govind Keswani, Executive Chairman, Fleur Hotels Limited, said that Varanasi represents one of India’s most iconic destinations, combining spirituality, heritage and tourism. He noted that Aurika Varanasi will be the sixth owned or leased hotel under the Aurika brand, reinforcing Fleur Hotels’ long-term and scalable asset ownership strategy.

With this addition, Lemon Tree Group continues to build momentum across leisure, heritage, and destination-led hospitality segments, aligned with its broader growth roadmap.

The company operates more than 120 hotels across 80+ cities in India and internationally, with a robust pipeline of over 130 upcoming properties. Since opening its first hotel in 2004, Lemon Tree Hotels has grown to a portfolio of over 260 operational and pipeline properties, with a presence across major metros, tier II and III cities and international markets including Dubai, Bhutan and Nepal.