The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has signed an agreement to develop a 140-key Taj resort at Barapani in Meghalaya. The conversion project, being undertaken in partnership with Umiam Hotels, will be located on the banks of Umiam Lake.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice-President – Real Estate and Development, IHCL, said the project would strengthen the company's presence in the Northeast and complement its existing portfolio by supporting a travel circuit connecting Guwahati, Barapani and Shillong.

The resort will include an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a bar, a café and a lobby lounge. Facilities will comprise indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness centre, J Wellness Circle spa and a salon.

Catering to leisure and business travellers, the property will also offer meeting and event facilities, including a banquet hall spanning over 6,000 sq ft, pre-function areas, meeting rooms and a boardroom.

Arun Kumar Rai, Managing Director, and Ajay Kumar Rai and Anuj Kansal, Directors, Umiam Hotels, said the partnership would bring the Taj brand to Barapani and support Meghalaya's tourism sector.

Barapani is known for Umiam Lake, a reservoir surrounded by hills and forests.

With this addition, IHCL's portfolio in Northeast India will comprise 22 hotels, including 16 under development.