56-room Polo Hotel Kohima marks the group’s entry into Nagaland, with plans to engage local workers, artisans and suppliers
Kohima, Oct 25: Shillong-based Polo Hotels Group has expanded into Nagaland with the opening of Polo Hotel Kohima, the state’s first five-star hotel, marking a new milestone for the hospitality group that began its journey in Meghalaya 35 years ago.
The 56-room property was inaugurated by Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Saturday in the presence of state Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along and other dignitaries.
Founded in Shillong in 1991 with the opening of Hotel Polo Towers near the city’s Polo Ground, the group has expanded its presence across the Northeast and Kolkata, with properties in Meghalaya and Tripura. The Kohima hotel marks its entry into Nagaland.
The expansion comes as Nagaland looks to strengthen its tourism infrastructure, particularly in Kohima, which attracts visitors for its cultural heritage, World War II history and the annual Hornbill Festival.
Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Yadav said investment in hospitality could generate employment, encourage entrepreneurship and create opportunities for local communities.
“Tourism is not merely about attracting visitors; it is about creating meaningful experiences while ensuring that local communities benefit from the opportunities tourism generates. The growth of this sector can stimulate entrepreneurship, promote local products, create employment for our youth and strengthen the economic prospects of the state,” he said.
He also highlighted the potential of Kohima as a destination for leisure, cultural and business travellers, noting that improved hospitality infrastructure could help the state attract more visitors.
Nagaland Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along described the hotel as a significant addition to the state’s hospitality sector. He said the establishment would contribute to government revenue and called on businesses to invest in Nagaland’s future.
Along also said the state government and its Tourism Department would work with the hotel group.
Shillong roots, Northeast expansion
For Polo Hotels Group, the Kohima property represents an expansion beyond its established markets while retaining its focus on destinations across the Northeast.
“We opened our first hotel in Shillong thirty-five years ago, as a Northeast company building in the Northeast. To open in Kohima, and to be welcomed here by the Governor and the Government of Nagaland, means a lot to all of us,” said Kishan Tibrewalla, founder and chairman of Polo Hotels Group.
Chief executive and whole-time director Deval Tibrewalla said the group wanted the property to reflect Nagaland’s identity rather than follow a standard hotel design.
“Nagaland has never been short of reasons to visit: the history, the festivals, the food, the hills. We wanted to build a hotel that invites everyone to enjoy these reasons. We didn’t want a building that could stand anywhere. Here the valley meets you at the door, Naga craft is in every room, and the food on the table is from these hills,” he said.
The hotel overlooks Kohima’s valley and incorporates elements of Naga architecture and traditional crafts into its interiors. Tribal artwork features in the guest rooms, while woven Naga textiles form part of the decor. The roof of the Mithun block draws inspiration from traditional *morungs*, community spaces associated with Naga cultural life.
The property also features an infinity pool and a glass-fronted lobby designed to offer views of the surrounding landscape.
Local employment and sourcing
The group has said that most of the hotel’s employees are from the local area and that it intends to source products from local weavers, artists, farmers and carpenters.
The approach could create opportunities for local businesses to supply the hospitality sector, particularly as Nagaland seeks to develop tourism beyond festival-related visits.
The hotel houses Tring Tring, the group’s all-day diner inspired by the 1990s, which has outlets in Shillong and Kolkata. Its Kohima outlet offers Indian, Oriental and Western dishes, alongside a seven-course Naga menu showcasing regional cuisine.
The property is also positioned as a base for visitors exploring Kohima’s World War II heritage sites, Khonoma village and Dzükou Valley. It is expected to cater to visitors attending the Hornbill Festival, held during the first ten days of December.
The opening adds to the premium accommodation available in Nagaland and extends the reach of a hospitality business that began in Shillong. Its longer-term contribution to the state’s tourism economy will depend not only on attracting visitors but also on how effectively the hotel connects with local enterprises and communities.
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