Kodagu, or more popularly known as Coorg, has been frequented by travellers for years, owing to its mist-covered hills, gurgling waterfalls, and a richly preserved Kodava culture. Building on this appeal, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has acquired an ultra-luxury resort in the Western Ghats, to be unveiled as The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary later this year.
Setting its sights on what is lovingly called the Scotland of India, the all-villa retreat spreads across 76 acres of dense, plantation-rich landscape near Madikeri. Surrounded by coffee and spice estates in the ghats, the 71-key property will scale to 90 villas in its first phase, signals a move that is more immersive and nature-led with an emphasis on wellness and slow, experiential travel.
Timed with the brand's 40th anniversary, the acquisition introduces The Leela's Sanctuary format, keeping the ecosystem at the centre of the experience. The IGBC Platinum-certified resort has been designed in harmony with its natural setting, blending contemporary form with local craftsmanship. Inside, accommodations are entirely villa-based and designed so that privacy and the surrounding forest remain in the foreground. One of the highlights of the property is a four-bedroom presidential villa housing its own pool and wellness facilities.
Speaking on the acquisition, Anuraag Bhatnagar, chief executive officer of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, shares how the brand's expansion into Coorg reflects a broader shift toward more immersive hospitality. "As we mark 40 years of The Leela, this feels like a natural evolution. Coorg allows us to engage more closely with landscape, culture and wellness in a way that is both intuitive and intentional," he says.
At the heart of the property is a 27,000-square-foot wellness centre, where, under the brand's Aujasya programme, Ayurvedic traditions join hands with modern recovery practices. Dining spans four venues, with a menu focused on regional produce and coffee-led experiences drawn from the coffee capital of India. A seven-acre lake anchors the property, while a private helipad ensures seamless access. The property is well-placed for travellers from both Bengaluru and Mangaluru, given its proximity to both cities.
The property also offers experiences that extend beyond the built environment. From guided plantation trails and restorative therapies to destination-led dining, each of the curated programmes is centred on nature, wellness and local culture.
With this addition, The Leela's portfolio grows to 15 properties with over 4,160 keys across 13 cities globally, comprising seven owned, seven managed and one franchised hotel. There are nine hotels in the pipeline across destinations including Agra, Ayodhya, Bandhavgarh, Mumbai, Ranthambore, Sikkim, Srinagar and Jaisalmer.