The Leela Gandhinagar Turns Five After Major Global Events
The Leela Gandhinagar Completes Five Years as Gujarat’s Convention and Hospitality Sector Grows
Five years after opening its doors, The Leela Gandhinagar is marking its anniversary with a record of hosting major government meetings, international delegations, sporting teams, business events and private celebrations.
The hotel began operations on September 1, 2021, with 318 rooms and suites. Built above Gandhinagar railway station, it formed part of the redevelopment of the railway station and became the first hotel project in India built above the tracks of a conventional railway station. The hotel sits about 22 metres above ground and is connected to the wider Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The location has proved useful for Gandhinagar’s growing conference business. The Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, managed by The Leela, covers 34 acres and can accommodate up to 15,000 delegates in its air-conditioned facilities. Its main theatre-style hall can seat more than 6,000 people. The centre also has four seminar rooms, three exhibition centres, seven conference halls and meeting rooms.
The hotel and convention centre have been used for several major gatherings during the past five years. These include G20 and U20 meetings, BRICS events, the B20 India Inception Meeting, Vibrant Gujarat programmes and the 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024. The hotel also accommodated cricket teams from Australia, England and South Africa during the ICC Cricket World Cup.
The connection with the G20 was particularly important for the property. During India’s G20 presidency in 2023, The Leela Gandhinagar and Mahatma Mandir were involved in hosting G20-related meetings, including the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting. Japanese officials who attended the U20 Mayoral Summit in Gandhinagar also stayed at The Leela Gandhinagar, according to official travel records from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
The convention centre’s role predates the hotel’s arrival. The Government of Gujarat developed Mahatma Mandir as a large convention and exhibition facility, with its design influenced by the life and ideas of Mahatma Gandhi. The Leela took over management of the centre in 2018, with operations beginning under the management arrangement in December that year.
That relationship has given the hotel a particular place in Gandhinagar’s meetings and events business. The hotel was planned partly to support the convention centre, with the two facilities located close to each other. The Leela’s own event spaces cover thousands of square feet, while the larger Mahatma Mandir facility provides space for conventions and exhibitions that require much bigger halls. Current company information lists 17,407 square feet of indoor MICE space at the hotel.
The building itself has also become part of the hotel’s identity. Its interiors draw heavily from Gujarat’s architecture and craft traditions. The hotel uses design references associated with the Adalaj Stepwell and the Tree of Life motif from the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque. Patola, Bandhej, Ajrakh, Batik, traditional beadwork and other craft elements appear in different parts of the property. The hotel also displays a Golden Patola drape and an installation inspired by the Adalaj Stepwell.
This approach reflects a wider change in luxury hotels in India, where regional design and local food are increasingly used to give properties a clear sense of place. At The Leela Gandhinagar, the connection with Gujarat also extends to dining. Its current outlets include Citrus Junction, which serves Gujarati dishes alongside international food, and Diya, its Indian restaurant.
The property has also added wellness services through Aujasya by The Leela. Current offerings include yoga, guided fitness sessions, wellness walks, sound healing, spa treatments and meals built around ingredients such as millets, fresh produce, lean protein and low-fat dairy.
The hotel’s fifth year comes as Gandhinagar continues to attract large conferences, exhibitions and government-linked meetings. Mahatma Mandir’s scale is central to that role. The facility has been designed to handle large delegations and exhibitions, while its location near the railway station and the hotel gives organisers access to accommodation and event facilities in the same area.
The Leela Gandhinagar has also had a place in the city’s entertainment calendar. The 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 brought the Hindi film industry’s award season to Gujarat. Events connected with the ceremony were held at The Leela Gandhinagar and Mahatma Mandir, including the Filmfare Technical Awards, which brought around 1,000 guests to the venues.
For the hotel, the fifth anniversary is therefore a review of both its business and its role in the city.
“Five years is not just a milestone; it is a celebration of the people, partnerships, and moments that have shaped our journey. We are deeply grateful to our guests, associates, partners, and the community for their trust and support. As we step into our sixth year, we remain committed to creating exceptional experiences, showcasing the richness of Gujarat, and setting new benchmarks in luxury hospitality while welcoming the world to Gandhinagar,” said Team Leela Gandhinagar.
Since opening in 2021, the property has moved from being a new hotel above a railway station to becoming part of Gandhinagar’s wider convention and hospitality infrastructure. Its next phase will depend on the city’s ability to attract more conferences, exhibitions, business visitors, cultural events and leisure travellers.
For Gandhinagar, the hotel represents one part of a larger change in how the capital city receives visitors. For The Leela, five years provide a record of the events, guests and businesses that have passed through its doors since September 2021.
