Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has signed a long-term licence agreement to develop a new heritage hotel in Varanasi, further advancing its strategy of building a strong presence in culturally significant, high-demand leisure destinations. The agreement has been executed through its material subsidiary, Fleur Hotels Limited, for a 28-year term.
Under this licence deed, Fleur Hotels Limited will carry out the repair and reconstruction of a heritage property comprising approximately 47 rooms. Once complete, the hotel will operate under the Aurika Hotels & Resorts brand as Aurika Varanasi, strengthening the group’s upper-upscale and destination-led portfolio.
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A Prime Address on the Banks of the Ganges
The property is located directly on the ghat adjoining the River Ganges, offering panoramic river views and immediate access to one of India’s most important spiritual and cultural landmarks. It sits approximately 4 km from Varanasi Junction Railway Station and around 26 km from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, ensuring smooth connectivity for both domestic and international travellers.
This strategic riverside setting positions Aurika Varanasi as a premium base for guests seeking an immersive experience in the spiritual capital of India.
Design and Facilities Aligned With the Aurika Brand
Aurika Varanasi will feature about 47 well-appointed rooms, along with a restaurant and carefully planned public spaces. The project is designed to bring together heritage architecture and contemporary luxury, creating an experience that reflects the character of Varanasi while meeting the expectations of modern, upper-upscale travellers.
Leadership View on the Varanasi Signing
Commenting on the development, Mr. 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.”
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Strengthening Lemon Tree’s Destination-Led Growth
With the signing of Aurika Varanasi, the Lemon Tree Group continues to build momentum in leisure, heritage, and destination-focused hospitality, in line with its wider growth roadmap.
The group currently operates more than 120 hotels across over 80 cities in India and internationally, supported by a strong pipeline of over 130 upcoming properties. Since opening its first hotel in 2004, Lemon Tree Hotels has grown to a combined operational and pipeline portfolio of more than 260 hotels, with a presence across major metros, tier II and III cities, and international markets including Dubai, Bhutan, and Nepal.
