Accor has announced the signing of Mantis Nagarhole, a premium eco-resort in Karnataka, marking the debut of its Mantis brand in India. The project is scheduled to open in 2028 and will be located on the edge of the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
.jpg) Developed under the conservation focussed Mantis brand, the resort will feature 31 keys spread across approximately 13 acres. The property will comprise cottages and rooms, alongside an all-day dining restaurant, bar, swimming pool, spa, gym and outdoor spaces including a viewing tower. Guests will also have access to experiences such as guided safaris, nature trails and cultural programmes.
The project is being developed by a South India-based hospitality group led by Hirehal Jairaj Balram. The group has interests across hospitality and real estate and is expanding its presence in leisure destinations.
Ranju Alex, CEO – South Asia, Accor, said, “India’s travel landscape is evolving rapidly, with a growing appetite for meaningful, experience-led journeys rooted in nature and authenticity. The signing of Mantis Nagarhole reflects our strategic focus on expanding in high-value leisure destinations while staying deeply committed to sustainability and conservation. This retreat will not only offer an extraordinary wildlife experience but also embody the Mantis philosophy of responsible tourism, community engagement, and environmental responsibility. We are delighted to partner with a visionary ownership group to bring this unique offering to life in one of India’s most pristine ecosystems.”
Balram Hirehal Jairaj, Director of Macs Max Private Limited, said: “The signing of Mantis Nagarhole marks an important milestone in our vision to create meaningful hospitality experiences rooted in nature, sustainability, and regional authenticity. Nagarhole is one of India’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations, and we saw a strong opportunity to develop a retreat that celebrates the beauty of the region while offering guests a deeply immersive and responsible luxury experience. Our partnership with Accor and the globally acclaimed Mantis brand brings together international expertise in eco-luxury hospitality and our commitment to developing distinctive destinations in South India. We look forward to bringing this landmark project to life and contributing to the growth of experiential tourism in Karnataka.”
The development will incorporate ESG-led frameworks aligned with Accor’s sustainability standards, focusing on energy efficiency, biodiversity conservation and environmental resilience. The signing also strengthens Accor’s presence in India, where the group currently operates 74 hotels across luxury, premium, midscale and economy segments. |
