The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts Transforming Centaur Lake View Hotel in Srinagar
In a significant development, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts are all set to breathe new life into the iconic Centaur Lake View Hotel located on the picturesque banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar. This transition marks a major revival in the hospitality sector of Kashmir, ushering in a new era of luxury.
Formerly operated by Hotel Corporation of India, the Centaur Srinagar is now under the ownership of The Leela group on a long-term lease. This move comes at a crucial time as the property stands as one of the last remaining hotels under the Centaur brand. While the Centaur hotel at Delhi Airport faces an uncertain future, the Srinagar hotel is gearing up for a transformation into a high-end luxury destination.
The Leela group has announced a massive investment of around ₹300 crore for the redevelopment of the Dal Lake hotel, making it one of the largest ongoing hospitality projects in Kashmir. The existing 220-room property will be revamped into a 170-room luxury hotel, featuring spacious rooms and upgraded amenities to align with Leela’s premium standards. The renovated hotel is expected to reopen by the end of the following year, promising a world-class experience for guests.
As part of the redevelopment plans, The Leela group is also introducing Leela-branded houseboats on Dal Lake, a unique offering that will elevate the luxury tourism segment in the Valley. This initiative reflects the group’s commitment to enhancing the overall hospitality experience in Kashmir.
The decision to revitalize the Centaur Lake View Hotel follows years of administrative changes and policy efforts to revive the property. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation invited bids from national and international investors to outsource the hotel under a Public-Private Partnership framework. The project, valued at ₹212.5 crore, aims to enhance the hotel’s infrastructure and services for the benefit of visitors.
The transition of ownership from Hotel Corporation of India to the Jammu and Kashmir government set the stage for the revitalization of the hotel. The historical significance of the property dates back to 1979 when the J&K government leased out prime land at Cheshmashahi to HCI, leading to the establishment of the Centaur Lake View Hotel in 1982.
With its strategic location near the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre, the Centaur Lake View Hotel has been a preferred destination for tourists and official delegations visiting Kashmir. The property’s scenic beauty and reputation for hospitality have made it a prestigious address in Srinagar for several decades.
The revival of the Centaur property under The Leela group’s leadership is seen as a pivotal moment for luxury tourism in Kashmir. By infusing substantial capital and expertise into the project, The Leela group aims to revitalize the tourism sector and position Srinagar as a premier destination for high-end hospitality in India.
