IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced its newest venture — Holiday Inn Express Kottayam Changanassery, slated to open in early 2027. The hotel will be part of the upcoming KGA Mall, a mixed-use development that promises to reshape the landscape of Changanassery, a scenic town nestled in Kerala’s culturally rich Kottayam district.
This signing marks the second collaboration between IHG and KGA International Trades Private Limited, following the success of Crowne Plaza Kochi, and is a signal of IHG’s long-term commitment to expanding its footprint in South India.
With 90 smartly designed rooms, modern amenities, and seamless access to shopping, entertainment, and corporate hubs, Holiday Inn Express Kottayam Changanassery is positioned to cater to the region’s evolving mix of business, transit, and leisure travelers. The hotel will feature multiple dining options, a banquet hall for over 100 guests, a swimming pool, multiplex, family entertainment center, and a curated selection of national and international retail brands — all under one roof.
“Holiday Inn Express is our fastest-growing brand globally, and this project represents a unique opportunity to bring that efficient, dependable hospitality experience to one of Kerala’s emerging urban centers,” said Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “Changanassery is a high-potential micro-market with growing demand but limited international-standard offerings — we aim to fill that gap.”
Just a few hours’ drive from Kochi, Alleppey, Pathanamthitta, and even the state capital Thiruvananthapuram, Changanassery is ideally located for regional travelers. Known for its lush backwaters, centuries-old churches and temples, and dynamic local commerce, the town is evolving into a year-round destination for both tourists and professionals on the move.
Speaking on behalf of KGA Group, K C Eapen, Director & CEO, noted: “This development is part of our broader vision to bring world-class infrastructure and opportunities to Changanassery. The synergy between the hotel and KGA Mall will create a vibrant urban hub for the region.”
Founded in Kuwait in 1977 under the banner of NBTC (Naser M Al Baddah & Partner), the KGA Group has deep roots in the oil and allied sectors but is now actively expanding into hospitality, with plans to develop six more hotels in the next six years.
As part of IHG’s broader growth strategy in India — which includes 50 operating hotels and a pipeline of 63 more — this latest signing further cements the brand’s focus on high-growth markets beyond the metros.
With the arrival of Holiday Inn Express Kottayam Changanassery, travelers can expect smart, reliable stays with the global consistency of IHG, blended with the warmth and culture of Kerala’s midlands.
