The Women Driving India’s Travel Revolution

Amruda Nair

Araiya Hotels & Resorts Founder

Amruda Nair has spent her whole life in hotels — her family founded the Leela Group.

However, while she was exploring universities in the U.S., it was a chance encounter with three inspiring women that truly ignited her passion for travel. These pioneers, an award-winning food journalist, a celebrated chef, and a successful food entrepreneur, helped launch the Chicago Farmers Market in the early 2000s.

“Their vision showed me that hospitality is so much more than service, it’s about creativity, collaboration, and making a lasting impact. That experience has stayed with me throughout my career, reinforcing my belief that hospitality, when done right, has the power to transform both people and places,” she said.

Nair embarked on a global journey that has taken her across India, the Netherlands, the U.S., Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Today, under her own brand Araiya Hotels & Resorts, Nair manages both a thriving restaurant business in Europe and a hotel management company in India. 

Drawing on her family’s legacy, her grandfather named the Leela Group after his wife, she continues to champion strong female leadership. “Even today in the listed company that operates The Leela Mumbai, we have four female directors, much above the regulatory requirement,” she said.

“In my experience women have always had a seat at the table and this is something I hope will become a norm rather than an exception,” she said.

One of her proudest achievements is founding her own brand, particularly Araiya Palampur, her first hotel in a remote Himalayan location. The project was seen as unconventional because of its offbeat location. But it has now become a place that leverages technology for personalized guest experiences, promotes sustainability, and embraces local culture.

For young women eyeing leadership roles in travel, Nair advises: Know your worth, build a robust network, and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo.

– Peden Doma Bhutia