Mumbai, 8th September 2026: Tamara Leisure Experiences unveiled Rae by Tamara, India’s first faith-intelligent hospitality brand, in Kumbakonam, signalling a new chapter for faith hospitality in Tamil Nadu. The launch marks the brand’s expansion into the Temple Town with a hospitality experience built around the needs, rhythms and expectations of the modern pilgrim, rather than adapting a conventional hotel experience to a religious destination.
Commenting on the occasion, Samir MC, CEO, Tamara Leisure Experiences, said, “Tamil Nadu holds a distinctive place in India’s faith travel landscape, home to some of the country’s most significant temples and sacred traditions that have shaped our spiritual and cultural heritage over centuries. The Temple Town of Kumbakonam is a remarkable expression of this legacy, with its magnificent temples, enduring rituals and vibrant traditions drawing pilgrims throughout the year. For Tamara, bringing Rae to Kumbakonam is an opportunity to bring a more intuitive, place-sensitive approach to the town’s faith travel. Our endeavour is to make the pilgrim’s experience authentic and attuned to Kumbakonam’s culture, communities and traditions, so that the hotel becomes a meaningful part of the pilgrimage, rather than simply a place to stay.”
Rae by Tamara arrives at a time when India’s faith tourism economy is entering a new phase of growth, accounting for over 60% of domestic travel. Pilgrimage today is no longer defined solely by the destination, but by the experience surrounding the journey itself. As travellers increasingly seek hospitality that is experiential and immersive, Kumbakonam emerges as a natural destination for the brand. Steeped in centuries of Chola-era heritage, Kumbakonam has long held an important place in South India’s cultural landscape, distinguished by its historic temples, architecture and artistic traditions. Associated with the Mahamaham festival, which draws pilgrims from across the country, Kumbakonam’s deep spiritual heritage and evolving visitor profile make it a revered addition to Rae by Tamara’s growing network of faith-intelligent hospitality destinations.
The Kumbakonam property, formerly operating under the Lilac Hotels portfolio, has been reimagined as Rae by Tamara, reflecting an entirely new philosophy of hospitality rather than merely a change in identity. At its heart is the belief that no two pilgrimages are alike, and neither are the people who undertake them. Whether they are families introducing children to the stories and traditions of a sacred destination, elderly pilgrims seeking comfort and accessibility, solo spiritual seekers, groups, or guests visiting for temple weddings and religious celebrations, Rae is designed around an intuitive understanding of the modern faith traveller and the many ways in which people experience a place of worship. This faith-intelligent approach goes beyond standardised services to consider the rituals, rhythms, cultural context and practical needs that shape each journey. From shrine-aligned service design and faith-conscious dining to personalised pre-arrival guidance, locally rooted ‘Mitra’ companions and thoughtfully curated cultural experiences within the hotel, every touchpoint has been designed to complement, rather than interrupt, the purpose of the visit. The result is a hotel that does not simply exist beside a sacred destination but becomes an extension of the spiritual journey.
“As we build the Rae portfolio, we are actively exploring opportunities across India’s key pilgrimage destinations, alongside upcoming destinations including Velankanni, Tirupati, Palani and Tiruvannamalai. Our vision is to create a network of hotels that thoughtfully serve faith travellers while reflecting the distinct cultural identity of each destination”, added Samir MC, CEO, Tamara Leisure Experiences
As the brand expands across India’s pilgrimage circuit, it aims to build a trusted network of over 25 properties by 2030, enriching pilgrim travel while celebrating the unique identity of every sacred destination.
About Tamara Leisure Experiences
Founded by entrepreneur Shruti Shibulal, Tamara Leisure Experiences (TLE) stands as a paragon of “Responsible and Memorable Hospitality.” The organization harmonizes Profit, People, and Planet through its signature ‘touch-the-earth-lightly’ architectural philosophy, ensuring each destination honours its natural surroundings while fostering deep community empowerment. What began as a transformative vision at the flagship Tamara Coorg, a sanctuary set within a sprawling organic coffee plantation, has flourished into a distinguished portfolio making it a multi-brand hospitality group exceeding 1,000 keys.
TLE’s curated portfolio offers a spectrum of travel experiences that includes Tamara Resorts providing immersive luxury nature retreats; O by Tamara delivering refined excellence for the discerning business and leisure travellers; Lilac Hotels offers thoughtful, high-value urban stays; and Amal Tamara offers holistic, clinical-grade Ayurvedic wellness. Pioneering responsible tourism in India, TLE is among one of the few hospitality groups to hold the prestigious Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification, reflecting a profound commitment to environmental stewardship and authentic cultural storytelling. Currently in a phase of strategic expansion across Indian and international markets, Tamara Leisure Experiences remains dedicated to proving that responsible business and high-end hospitality are essential for the future of global travel.
