The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has acquired a 71-villa resort in Coorg, Karnataka, India.

Spanning 76 acres near Madikeri and surrounded by coffee and spice plantations, the property will open as The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary later this year.

This acquisition expands The Leela’s footprint into southern India.

The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Platinum-certified resort is located in the Western Ghats with convenient access to Bengaluru and Mangaluru.

An initial expansion will add 19 keys to a total of 90 villas.

Facilities include four dining venues featuring global and regional cuisines, a 27,000ft² wellness centre, a seven-acre lake, a private helipad, and a four-bedroom presidential villa with a private pool.

The Leela plans to integrate its brand standards before launching as The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary.

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts CEO Anuraag Bhatnagar said: “As we celebrate 40 Years of The Leela, this acquisition represents both a milestone and an evolution of the brand into nature-immersive, wellness-focused hospitality.

“We invest in destinations with cultural and ecological value, and Coorg strengthens our presence in South India while advancing our strategy of building a balanced portfolio across India’s most iconic landscapes.

“The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary offers a rare synthesis of wilderness, wellness and warmth of true Indian luxury for travellers who seek space, stillness and a genuine connection to nature.”

Following this acquisition, The Leela now operates 15 properties with more than 4,160 rooms across 13 cities worldwide. Nine additional hotels are in the pipeline for markets, including Agra, Bandhavgarh, Mumbai and Sikkim.

In November 2025, The Leela entered a management agreement to open the brand’s first desert resort and spa in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.